Hi everyone,

Welcome to this month's newsletter where we talk about the world of viral advertising. We've all seen them—ads so clever, funny, or intriguing that we can't help but share them with our friends. But what makes an ad go viral? Better yet, how can you make your own viral ads? Here’s your guide.

• Create UGC-style video ads 📹👩‍🎤🎬

• Create photo ads📸🖼️🎨

• Get inspiration 💡🌟🤔

1. Create UGC-style video ads

Attention-grabbing hook (First two seconds)

In an age where attention spans are dwindling, you've got two seconds—yes, two seconds—to grab your viewer's attention. Use surprising visuals, bold text, or a compelling question to draw them in immediately. The first two seconds should essentially serve as a 'mini-ad' for the rest of the video.

Engaging content that doesn't look like an ad

Authenticity is key. Your ad should be so engaging and relevant that viewers don't even realize they're watching an ad. User-generated content (UGC) style videos often hit the mark because they mimic the look and feel of typical social media content. For instance, instead of a polished video, a shaky handheld recording of someone raving about your product can work wonders.

Edit Insta reels for on-platform look and feel

Adapt your content to fit the platform you're using. If you're advertising on Instagram, your video should look like an Instagram Reel. This includes not only the dimensions and duration but also the kind of editing—quick cuts, text overlays, and filters—that Instagram users are accustomed to.

Use trending audio/transition/topics

Tap into trending audio clips, transitions, and topics to make your ad feel timely and engaging. Leveraging popular culture ensures your ad feels like it's part of a larger conversation, thereby increasing its virality potential.

2. Create photo ads

Reviews

User reviews can serve as compelling photo ads. Compile glowing testimonials into eye-catching graphics. Quotes work well when placed over a simple, appealing image of the product.

Comparisons (You vs Competitor)

Create a side-by-side comparison highlighting why your product is superior to a competitor's. Use bold text and clear images to make your point. Make sure to be fact-based to maintain trust and credibility.

Sales / Promos

Nothing grabs attention quite like a good deal. Make your sales or promotional offers stand out with bold text and vibrant colors. Use icons and images to break up text and make the ad more visually appealing.

Collage

A collage allows you to showcase multiple angles or aspects of your product or even multiple products. The various images should form a cohesive whole, telling a story or conveying a particular emotion or idea.

3. Get inspiration

Ad Library

Platforms like Facebook have ad libraries where you can see all active ads from a particular advertiser. This is a great resource for understanding your competitors' strategies and identifying trends in your industry.

Foreplay.co

Foreplay.co is a treasure trove of advertising tactics, strategies, and case studies. Dive in to get fresh ideas and insights on how to improve your own advertising campaigns.

TikTok Trends

TikTok sets many of today’s cultural trends. Scroll through the "For You" page to see what kinds of content are going viral, and think about how you can adapt these ideas for your own brand.

🔥 New brand shoutout

No Guilt Bakes is a brand specializing in low-carb, keto-friendly treats founded by Taeya and Maya, who lost a combined 40kg through a ketogenic lifestyle. The brand offers affordable, deliciously flavored, and conveniently packaged sweets, aiming to make a sugar-free lifestyle more accessible and enjoyable. Created after the founders' personal struggle to find keto-compliant indulgences, No Guilt Bakes embodies the belief that health, taste, and convenience can coexist, making it easier for customers to adhere to a balanced diet without compromising on flavor or breaking the bank.

🔥 Influencer shoutout

Punk Rock Jenny is a multi-faceted creator with 13.1K followers, known for her roles as a Dungeon Master, worldbuilder, college educator, and punk rock musician and songwriter. She also identifies as a survivor, adding a layer of resilience to her varied talents. Jenny's unique blend of academic acumen, creative flair, and emotional strength make her a dynamic presence across multiple platforms.

We hope you enjoyed it!