These memorable examples of social media marketing range from smartphone scavenger hunts to immersive bar events that were promoted with viral hashtags or web-based contests. When examining the realm of experiential retail, notable examples include JCPenny's in-store Pinterest walls that invited shoppers to share their experience via the platform while simultaneously promoting the brand's recent Mother's Day campaign.
When looking at top examples from the food and beverage spheres, standouts include crowdsourced soda flavors -- Mountain Dew's newest flavor was determined with a viral Twitter poll -- along with fan-promoted restaurant openings -- KFC's 'Social Opening' campaign was marketed with a #ViteUnKFC hashtag and invited fans to tweet in order to speed up the grand opening of a specific restaurant location.
Additional examples from the world of entertainment include digitized superhero billboards like an AR-powered Batman vs. Superman advert that allowed fans to transform into their hero of choice while inviting them to share their custom photo with friends online.
30 Memorable Social Media Campaigns
From Smartphone Scavenger Hunts to Instagrammable Bar Events:
Jana Pijak — Jul 25, 2016 — Social Media
30
Unisex Fragrance Container Pop-Ups
This Experiential Activation in London Launched the New CK2
29
Social Media Museum Renditions
These Museum Instagrams Show Off Paris' Art Collections Creatively
28
Experiential Beach Events
The Interactive 'Facebook Beach' Was Set Up at Cannes
27
In-Store Mood Board Ads
This JC Penney Campaign Involved the Use of Life-Size Pinterest Boards
26
Street Party Dessert Launches
Magnum Launched Two New Ice Creams with a London Street Party
25
Storied Tasting Competitions
This Immersive Dining Event Was Hosted in London by Burger & Lobster
24
User-Generated Furniture Ads
West Elm's New Facebook Carousel Ads Feature User-Generated Content
23
Cinematic Face-Swapping Apps
The Hollywoody Photo Platform Lets Consumers Add Themselves to Films
22
Political Cartoon Geofilters
The New Snapchat Hillary Geofilter Features Clinton and Sanders
21
Social Film Festivals
This Short Film Competition is Being Hosted by TIFF and Instagram
20
Social Media Sandwich Promotions
This Chain is Exchanging Tweets for Free Breakfast Sandwiches
19
Social Media Vehicle Teasers
The New Volvo XC40 was Teased by the Brand on its Snapchat Channel
18
Social Media Photo Contests
The 'Grammaster' Contest Rewards Instagram Users with a Job at Netflix
17
Branded Airline Geofilters
Virgin America's Geofilter Frames Selfies with Tinted Airplane Windows
16
Social Media Movie Previews
The 'Spectre' Channel on Snapchat Shares Behind-the-Scenes Snippets
15
Pop-Up Granita Bars
This Promotional Bar from Fiat Kicks Off the Launch of the Fiat 500 Model
14
Ghoulish Social Media Filters
The Ghostbusters Film is Using a Snapchat Filter to Get Tickets Sold
13
Social Media Billboards
The First-Ever Instagram Advertising Campaign is Launching in France
12
Graffiti Brand Activations
Street Artists are Painting the Town for a Heineken Party
11
Branded Social Media Quizzes
This Hyundai Instagram Campaign Follows a Crowdsourced Approach
10
Restaurant-Saving Campaigns
#DineForBussels Looks to Boost Restaurant Economy Post Brussels Attack
9
Sports Coverage Collaborations
The NFL is Creating a Snapchat Discover Channel
8
Messaging App Music Videos
Beecher's Fault's Snapchat Music Video Makes Use of Popular Filters
7
Digital Superhero Posters
These AR Posters Transform People into Batman or Superman
6
Fan-Powered Restaurant Openings
KFC's #ViteUnKFC Helped Fans Accelerate Construction
5
Branded Beverage Filters
Mac's Snapchat Filters Promote the Iced Froster Convenience Store Drinks
4
Crowdsourced Soda Flavors
Mountain Dew Let Fans Vote for Flavor Return in the 'DEWcision' campaign
3
Smartphone Scavenger Hunts
Samsung Launched a Scavenger Hunt Across the UK for the Galaxy S7
2
Interactive Injustice Sculptures
This Blood Donation Awareness Stunt Advocates for Gay Men
1
Educational Fast Food Campaigns
The #RecognizePotential Campaign Encourages Teens to Graduate
Related Ideas
Generative AI Candy Campaigns
The Starburst 'Different Every Time' Campaign is Interactive
Nostalgic Winter Intimates Campaigns
SKIMS' Holiday Campaign Was Inspired by Vintage Magazines
Horror-Themed Phone Campaigns
Samsung's Join the Flip Side Takes Cues from 90s Horror Movies
Idyllic Pet Pop-Ups
Uber Eats and PetSmart Created "The Best Pet House Ever"
Amorous Immersive Pop-Ups
Museum of Ice Cream & Kendra Scott Partnered for Valentine's
Interactive Arcade Storefronts
JD & Snap London Created an AR Storefront for Christmas
Beer-Pouring Party Billboards
JUBEL Made a Billboard That Pours Pints Invites People in to Party
Convenience Store Metaverses
7-Eleven is Unveiling an Immersive Virtual World at CES 2023
Employee Fragrance Campaigns
Lidl's Fragrance Campaign Features Local Talent with Celebrity Names
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Fast Food-Inspired Beachy Campaigns
Leo Burnett Italia Unveils a New Summery McDonald's Campaign
AI-Generated QR Codes
Coca-Cola Created Enhanced QR Codes with Musical & Visual Elements
Online Merchandise Storefronts
The Panera Shop Gives Access to Bread-themed Apparel & Carb-Couture
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
Multi-Brand Virtual Malls
Bloomingdale’s Virtual Experience Spotlights Beloved Brands
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Heated QSR Anniversary Campaigns
Burger King Brazil Celebrates Milestone with a New Campaign
Personalized Digital Playgrounds
Pringles Poptopia is an Immersive, Engaging Experience for Fans
Digital Celeb Shopping Experiences
This Walmart Digital Shopping Experience Has Customized Carts
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Craveable Soda Packaging
Sprite is Reviving Its Obey Your Thirst Campaign for a New Generation
Dynamic CGI Mascara Campaigns
Maybelline New York Unveils an Activation with a Giant Mascara
Experiential Mental Well-Being Events
Batiste's Refresh & Reflect Events Connect & Uplift Students
Cinematic Fashion Campaigns
Norse Projects Partners with Mikkel Karstad for Its New Campaign
AI Travel Campaigns
Away's Extraordinary Is Out There Uses AI to Show Real-World Destinations
Co-Browsing Shopping Platforms
buywith's Next Gen Co-Browsing Patent Helps Customers Shop Together
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Shareable Golden Biscuits
Nutella's #BiscuitsNBesties Celebrates Social Activity Groups
Connected Gamer Campaigns
Heineken's Just Another Night Out Shatters Anti-Social Stereotypes
Suggestive Spread Campaigns
The Marmite First Timers Campaign Targets Gen Z
Interactive Beauty Metaverses
Fenty Beauty's First Campaign on Roblox Has Mazes & Scavenger Hunts
Inspiring Multi-Shop Pop-Ups
Pinterest's Possibility Place Immerses Guests in Inspiration
Mixed-Reality Cola Billboards
This 3D Coca-Cola Billboard Dispenses Real, Cold Drinks
AR Sampling Advertisements
The #TakeATaste Campaign Shares Free Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Bottles
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Food-Inspired Brand Imagery
Copyshow's work on a Brand Identity for Paella in Barcelona
Smile-Reflecting Toothpaste Campaigns
Colgate & Oglivy Create the #FreeYourSmile campaign
Scented Fast Food Billboards
McDonald's Set Up a French Fry-Scented Billboard
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Supersized Delivery Sweepstakes
DoorDash's Big Game Ad Shares Stuff from All the Ads with a Winner
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
Interactive Metaverse Branding Experiences
Slim Jim Launched a New Web3 Destination
Advanced Adaptive Retail Experiences
Walmart Unveiled New Retail Technologies at CES 2024
Haircare Influencer Ads
Wella Professionals' 'Wella Extra' Campaign Recognizes Real Hair Stylists
Scannable Snack Charity Campaigns
This Pringles Movember Campaign Updates the Brand's Mascot
Branded Dating Experiments
Whirlpool's Care Profiles Had Daters Share Photos of Doing Chores
Food Truck Billboards
McDonald's Transformed Billboards into Digital Food Truck Displays
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
TikTok-Inspired Menu Items
Denny's Debuted a New Set of Creator Meal Collabarations
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
E-Commerce Advertising Solutions
Reddit is Enhancing its Reach with the New Dynamic Product Ads
Immersive Hybrid Billboards
Meta's Halloween Thrillboards Tease Immersive Meta Quest 3 Experiences
AR Yogurt Packaging
Chobani's Interactive Yogurt Packaging Engages Snackers for Halloween
Idol Singer Breakfast Promotions
Mos Burger Offers Dining Experience with Idols via AR
Playful Creativity-Focused Campaigns
Sharpie® Launches the World is Your Canvas Tour
Connected Beer Jerseys
Miller Lite's Running of the Beer Ads Turns Fans into Walking Billboards
Phygital Fashion Retail Experiences
Macy's mstylelab Digital Shopping Platform is Immersive
Communication-Based Immersive Exhibitions
Intuit Mailchimp and Design Museum Present Email is Dead
AR Fragrance Campaigns
Lacoste's Two-Day Experiential Pop-Up Targets Gen Z Shoppers
AR-Powered Cereal Games
General Mills Releases a New Digital Monster Game for Consumers
Unfiltered Beauty Campaigns
#NoFilterJustMilani Champions Beauty Online and in Real Life
QSR Gen Z Campaigns
Chipotle Targets Gen Z with Wellness Snapchat Lens and Menu Items
Virtual Pub Museums
Heineken Pub Museums Spotlight Important Cultural Locations
Gen X Candy Campaigns
Klondike's Bar-cade Campaign Engages Gen X Consumers
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Shoppable Virtual Beach Houses
The J.Crew Virtual Beach House Shares Interactive Content & Games
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Food Pairing Soda Campaigns
The 'Better with Pepsi Max' Campaign Depicts Elevated Experiences
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Wearable Conference-Focused Technology
Bizzabo Introduces Klik Experiential for Flagship Events
Sustainable QSR Litter Adverts
McDonald's Malta Presents New Captivating Eco-Centric Campaigns
Ketchup Obsession Campaigns
'It Has to Be Heinz' Spotlights Fans' Intense Love of Heinz Products
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Candid Celebration Campaigns
Edible's "There's an edible for That" Celebrates Even Awkward Moments
Gen Z Waffle Campaigns
The Belgian Waffle Co Targets India's Gen Z Community Using Palak Tiwari
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Social Media-Inspired eCommerce Features
Amazon Inspire Features Content and Lets Users Shop Looks
Virtual Car Meetups
7-Eleven is Inviting Fans to Meet Virtually in Fortnite
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
Immersive Digital Experiences
Kraft and Nexus Studios Join on the Immersive Mayoverse
Influencer Snack Bar Campaigns
Nature Valley Launches a Social-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaign
Refreshing Festival Activations
The Mitchum Fresh Factory Shares Experiential Sampling
Social Content Creator Platforms
The 'Marble' Social Media Manager Platform Offers Insights
Spicy Virtual Restaurants
The Hot Ones Pop-Up Restaurant Puts Taste Buds to the Test
Interactive Digital Menus
Tabmeal Empowers Restaurants to Revolutionize the Way Guests Order
Footballer-Backed Global Campaigns
Pepsi Unveils the 'Where There's a Ball There's a Way' Campaign
Influencer Search Apps
Mavn Connects Influencers with Their Favorite Brands for Paid Opportunities
Artist-Remixed Summertime Drinks
The Sonic Drink Remix Campaign Stars Four Musicians
Social Media-Like Study Apps
SHARPEN Aims to Be Just as Engaging and Convenient as Social Media
Recycled Ad Campaigns
Mars is Reusing Fan-Favorite Ads to Bring Attention to Climate Change
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
QSR Food-Inspired Door Designs
McDonald's France Launches a New Digital Campaign of Door Visuals
Digital CPG Catalogues
Haven's Kitchen Uses QR Codes to Advertise its Product Portfolio
AR Pizza Menus
Hungry Howie's Uses AR to Promote a Secret Pizza Menu
Spooky Street Ad Experiences
These Fanta Halloween Projections Took Over a Busy Stockholm Street
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Flame-Grilled Billboards
This Fiery Billboard Promotes the Flame Grilled Whopper-Flavored Doritos
Virtual Game Tourism Campaigns
Cape Town Launches a Virtual Game for a New Tourism Campaign
First-Taste Burger Boxes
McSpicy x Frank's RedHot Released "the Hottest Drop"
Digital Experience Gifting
Memory Crate Lets Users Gift Coupons, Experiences, or Acts of Service
Retail Social Platforms
Walmart is Taking Social Media Seriously with 'Walmart Creator'
Personalized Grocery Billboard Campaigns
Tesco Ireland Gets a New Live-Prompt Campaign
Gen Z-Focused Hotel Campaigns
Hyatt Recruits College Athlete Jalin Hyatt to Attract Gen Z
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Interactive AR Galleries
Chips Ahoy's Happy By Design Campaign Spotlights Multicultural Artists
Festival Hydration Drink Campaigns
This Electrolit Activation Will Be at Music Festivals in 2023
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Marketing Mentorship Platforms
Sprout Social Launches as a New Business Mentorship Network
Deserted Island Billboards
Silk & Spice Set Up a Billboard for Fans to Go and Find
Influencer-Crafted Menu Items
Denny's Launched a New Social Stars Influenced Menu with TikTokers
Social Media-Inspired Bakery Menus
The Panera Roman Empire Menu Follows the Viral TikTok Hashtag
Playful Dating Experiment Campaigns
Kraft's Swipe Right for Mayo Campaign Social Experiment
Social Sun Care Challenges
Cosrx's #LayerYourSPF Campaign Reached Milestone Views on TikTok
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Hand Sanitizing Stadium Campaigns
Shimmy Launched an OOH Campaign at Gillette Stadium
Outdoor Activity Challenges
L.L.Bean is Inviting People Outside for Mental Health Awareness Month
Halloween-Inspired Retail Capsules
Target Debuts a New Private-Label Halloween Capsule for October
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
Offline Community Marketplaces
Aerie’s Hidden Gem Marketplace Created a Shared Space for Brands
Retailer-Backed Holiday Experiences
J. Crew Launches a New AI-Powered Holiday Experience
Happiness-Prioritizing QSR Campaigns
Dave & Buster's Launches the 'Adult Unlearn' Summer Campaign
Music-Focused Social Media
Musicboard is a Place for Music Lovers to Unite
Comforting Oat Bar Ads
Humanaut Launches a Campaign for Bobo's, Highlighting Home-Baked Taste
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Food-Focused Travel Guide Platforms
'FoodieTrip' Connects Hungry Travelers to Experienced Guides
Grocery Store Ad Spots
Morrisons, the UK Supermarket Chain, Celebrates Its Low Pricing in This Ad
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
New Year Sandwich Promotions
This Urban Eat On-Pack Promo Offers Hundreds of Prizes Up for Grabs
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Broadcast-Like Social Channels
Meta is Launching New Broadcast Channels to Instagram and More
Retailer-Rewarding Brand Promotions
This PepsiCo Retailer Competition is Running in the UK
Festive Chip Campaigns
KETTLE Chips' Christmas Campaign Features 24 Days of Prizes