Ever wondered what makes certain pieces of content capture the internet’s imagination? In this post, insights from a Founder & CEO and an owner reveal the quirkiest creations that went viral. Discover how a “Marching Band Mishap” infographic took over social media and conclude with the unexpected success of epic trailers for mundane products. With four unique insights, this article offers a fascinating look into the world of viral content creation.
Marching Band Mishaps Infographic
The weirdest content I’ve created that went viral was an infographic on “Marching Band Mishaps.” It featured hilarious stories of marching bands gone wrong, from tuba pranks and piccolo fails to stray sousaphones careening out of control. For some reason, band kids and band parents around the country loved sharing that infographic. I think it resonated because it tapped into the quirky spirit at the heart of any marching band and the inside jokes that come with the territory.
Another example was an explainer video we created demonstrating how to operate a touch-screen trophy case. It featured my golden retriever, Brody, awkwardly pawing at the screen to select inductees and show their profiles. That video spread through alumni groups and sports booster clubs and even won a marketing award. I think people just enjoyed the sheer absurdity and levity of a dog walking users through an interactive display.
Some of our weirdest creations have struck a chord by tapping into shared experiences and bringing some light-hearted fun. They showcase that you don’t have to be too serious to make an impact. A little personality and quirkiness can go a long way, as long as you know your audience and what they’ll find amusing. The key is not being afraid to take a chance on an offbeat idea that could bring a smile to customers’ faces.
Chase Mckee, Founder & CEO, Rocket Alumni Solutions
Infographic on The Office Runtime
I’ve created some bizarre content that ended up gaining serious traction. A few years back, my team put together an infographic showing the total runtime of every episode of “The Office.” At the time, it was over 190 hours total. For some reason, that infographic spread rapidly and ended up on dozens of pop-culture sites.
I think it resonated because it tapped into viewers’ nostalgia for the show and realization of just how much content had been created. It was an amusing, shareable piece of content that made people smile.
Another example was a listicle on obsolete tech accessories from the 2000s, like portable CD players and flip phones. We used ridiculous stock photos with the items. It ended up as one of our most-shared pieces of content, also due to nostalgia and the desire for lighthearted, smile-inducing content.
The lesson is that bizarre, quirky content ideas can spread the widest. They tap into human emotions and the thirst for shareable content that brightens your day. Though silly, they drive traffic and raise brand awareness. The key is finding that peculiar idea that resonates with your audience.
Chase Chappell, Founder, Sirge
Humorous Car Detailing Fails Video
The weirdest piece of content I created was a humorous video titled, “Car Detailing Fails: What NOT To Do!” In this video, I exaggerated common mistakes people make when trying to clean their cars themselves—like using household cleaners or scrubbing too hard on delicate surfaces—while showcasing over-the-top reactions from actors pretending to be horrified by these blunders. Surprisingly, this lighthearted take on car care resonated widely on social media platforms.
I believe it went viral because it combined humor with relatable content that many people could connect with—everyone has made a mistake while cleaning their car at some point! The comedic element made it shareable among friends and family who could laugh at their own experiences or those of others. Additionally, by including tips on what to do instead at the end of the video, we provided value while entertaining viewers. This blend of humor and education helped boost engagement significantly and positioned my brand as approachable and knowledgeable in an often-serious industry.
Epic Trailers for Mundane Products
As the founder of a marketing agency, I’ve created some weird content over the years that went unexpectedly viral. A few years back, my team made a series of exaggerated “epic trailer” videos for mundane products—things like bread, milk, and toothpaste. Something about portraying boring, everyday items as thrilling blockbusters struck a chord, and the videos spread like wildfire, garnering millions of views.
Another peculiar hit was a set of ironic “demotivational” posters we created for clients, poking fun at common platitudes. Slogans like “Teamwork: Together Everyone Achieves More…than the sum of their individual parts” and “Success: The only place where hard work always pays off!” resonated with people’s sense of cynicism and spread rapidly on social media.
The lesson I learned is that peculiar, ironic, or exaggerated takes on familiar topics or formats can resonate strongly by tapping into people’s desire to share amusing or clever content. Standard or clichéd approaches are easily ignored, but quirky or unconventional concepts that subvert expectations in an entertaining way can be ideal for gaining attention and spreading brand awareness. The trick is finding those peculiar ideas that will delight your target audience by confirming their view of the world…with a twist.
Josh Cremer, Founder & CEO, The Rohg Agency
