Top 7 Viral Sports Marketing Videos

Marketers have begun to switch to online media to market their products. It is cheaper and the audience reach can be much greater if done well. The sports industry is no exception. While I believe the Old Spice Man commercials were one of the biggest marketing campaigns to become huge virally (42+ Million views), the videos below have all made their mark on the sports industry in a similar manner.

In honour of YouTube's 7th birthday this year, I present the Top 7 Viral Sports Marketing Videos. Many of these videos have been split into 30 second clips for TV, requesting viewers to log on to see more. This call to action gives each company a longer period of time in front of each viewer. Another genius move. Well done marketing gurus!

While this is a subjective list, I believe each video does a great job captivating audiences. I will point out what I think are some interesting points along the way, but I encourage you to tell me why you think each video went viral (or why you think it was really a flop!)

Without further ado....

#7 - Adidas - All-In

(2,798,407 views)

So I will admit just over 2 million views is not quite viral, however I put this piece in by Adidas to prove a point. This video was one of the most expensive videos on the list to produce. It has a variety of sports stars, music artists, and is extremely well edited. Nevertheless, it only got 2 million views. Money alone can't make users hit the share button.

#6 - Nike - My Better Is Better Than Your Better

(1,308,492 + 394,889 + 394,889 views)

Nike introduced their SPARQ training with three videos (see the other two here and here). What I love about these, is the link between the professional athletes and the little kids. The videos make it seem like everyone is on team Nike and has the swagger that comes with it. Also, the music track in the first video gets you jacked up!

#5 - Powerade - Lebron's Full Court Shot

(4,134,631 views)

This low budget piece by Powerade is a beauty! It is just believable enough to make the average person wonder or at least debate with friends and coworkers. It definitely has "You have got to see this!" appeal.

#4 - Powerade - Evan Longoria

(Too many versions to report)

Powerade is a repeat offender for this list. The marketing executives at the company really know how to get people talking. This gem has been posted on Youtube too many times to count. It is the definition of viral media and again very low budget. (See my favourite Powerade commercial here)

#3 - Reebok - Terry Tate Office Linebacker

(11,522,510 views)

You know you have struck gold when you are getting into the ten's of millions of views. But what is really impressive is that Reebok introduced Terry Tate during the 2003 Super Bowl. That is two years before Youtube was invented! This video made a reappearance two years AFTER it aired and still gained 11 Million views! Reebok is the first company of the list to utilize comedy in their videos and it pays off.

#2 - Pepsi - Uncle Drew

(14,728,981 views)

Pepsi kills it with their Uncle Drew spot! They take the best strategies from above to make a great commercial/viral video. Pepsi uses comedy with believablity to make the audience laugh and wonder who is Uncle Drew. The only downside for Pepsi, is that video is not well branded. Not until the very end of the commercial is there a Pepsi logo or product. One might think it was a Nike commerical because of Kyrie Irving's shoes. For that reason alone, Pepsi grabs the silver medal.

#1 - Nike - Write the Future

(2,627,714 views for full length. Over 20 Million for individual parts)

What can be said about Nike? This video could be a textbook lesson on best practices. It has famous athletes, comedy, cross-promotion with other Nike athletes (even bringing in the Simpsons!) and is littered with Nike branding. Notice every slow motion shot has a huge Nike logo in the background, every soccer ball has a swoosh, every shoe is Nike, every detail that Nike could brand they did. The video itself is entertaining, inspiring, and has a universal commonality to it that grabs your attention (soccer is the universal sport after all). The video even promotes itself on social media networks in the video! It is obvious why Nike's Write the Future captures the number one spot.

So there you have it.That is my take. What are some of your favourite Viral Sports Marketing campaigns?