Make Your Own Commercial Contests Still Successful Edit
Add Heinz to the List

Everyone seems to be launching “make-your-own-commercial” contests, but the latest edition by Heinz has drawn in the most contestants. Malibu Caribbean Rum only had 270 entries (only 84 hit YouTube) and the Doritos Super Bowl ad contest received about 1,000. Other similar contests were held by Pepsi, Jeep, Dove, Spring and Converse.

Who doesn’t like ketchup? Everyone uses the stuff - it would be safe to say that it’s a household staple in every country in the western world. Heinz decided to let their huge fan following take the lead in marketing the world’s favourite red condiment.

Through the use of YouTube, Heinz asked the general public to submit their own videos of ketchup, and what they like to use it on. About 8,000 entires came in for the innovative campaign, only about half of which were submitted to YouTube. The amateur commercials have received more than 2.3 million views, and over 80,000 hours were spent watching them. A few examples: squelching a toddler’s tantrum; inducing states of bliss; uniting an irate couple; and comforting a soldier abroad. Contestants are vying for the chance to win $57,000.

Why was Heinz so successful? “A big idea, a courageous client who was willing to turn their brand over to consumers, a passionate consumer base that truly loves the brand, and best-of-class partners (Google and YouTube) who facilitated consumer awareness and participation,” said Michael Bollinger of Smith Brothers Advertising.