In the fast paced society we live in today, technology is at the forefront of everything. Technology allows people to share and view things instantly; that includes videos by specific brands, as well as just reviews and tutorials about brands and products that aren’t sponsored or produced by that company.
There are a lot of viral videos circulating that depict reviews and experiences with product in which can not only boost sales and attention to a certain brand, but also hurt them, their sales and/or reputation.
Out of all the videos out there, I do remember one specifically, not because it was funny, but I know it got a lot of attention with my friends and work/social media network. I’m definitely one who enjoys skin care, but when I saw the viral videos for the infamous charcoal mask, I had to second guess why I used certain skincare products.
Natural Science “Black Masks Charcoal Masks,” among other brands, came out with a charcoal mask to remove impurities and help pores, but what the company didn’t know was that this mask would start a huge trend- Not only for skin care, but for people trying these masks. These masks appeal to the company’s target market, especially since skincare seems to be a hot trend. So, after multiple reviews and viral videos came out about the mask, it boosted sales and attention to the product, however, they also brought on negative attention as well. Some videos could make the company look bad, even though the company itself and what it represents isn’t really mentioned in the videos, just the product and its quality/effectiveness. So, with that, I think that the viral videos can be both good and bad for a company. While the viral videos aren’t sponsored by the company, they do draw attention to the product and get people talking about it, or willing to try it, (for entertainment or personal reasons). But the downfall could result from reviews urging people not to purchase because of the flaws, or that it hurts. Either way, these viral videos help boost attention to the product, and I think any attention is better than none- It starts and continues a conversation, in addition to influencing people to use their products as first time customers just to see what happens.
Below are a few links for the viral videos:
The Truth About The Charcoal Peel Off Mask
PUBLISHED BY Channing Hertel- COMM 3370: Social Media in Public Relations