Consumer Generated Media

The Coca Cola Challenge

It seems Coke has learned a thing or two about the need to embrace the consumer generated phenomenon. After the initial Coke/Mentos videos 'debacle', when Coke took the high ground saying that they wanted people to drink Coke, not play with it and then introduced a lame contest, encouraging people to submit videos that aligned with the company's new tagline, "The essence of you.". No surprises, that was roundly ignored. Now, they're getting there – partnering with Fritz Grobe and Stephen Voltz, the two unknowns that previously hijacked the brand, and have just launched a new competition that gets people to consider how ordinary objects can do extraordinary things – there are some pretty impressive prizes for budding directors – but is it a little too late to embrace the trend? Didn't Mentos do this back in July? And didn't their contest at least encourage sales of Mentos and Diet Coke:.

User-generated Content
Potential for disruptive innovation in the marketing industry by embracing user-generated content to engage customers and enhance brand loyalty.
Interactive Competitions
Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the advertising industry by creating interactive competitions that encourage customers to participate and showcase their creativity.
Partnering with Influencers
Potential for disruptive innovation in the brand collaboration industry by partnering with influencers to leverage their creativity and engage a wider audience.

Who This Affects Most

Marketing
The marketing industry can benefit from embracing user-generated content to create authentic and engaging brand experiences.
Advertising
The advertising industry can explore innovative ways of creating interactive competitions to captivate and involve customers in their campaigns.
Brand Collaboration
The brand collaboration industry can harness the power of influencers to create unique and impactful content that resonates with their target audience.
SCORE
4.3 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 40%
Activity 80%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X