Top 10 Social Media Marketing Campaigns in 2025

I am sure you’ve heard of how YouTube is cracking down on mass-produced AI-generated content. 

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It has amended its monetization policies to limit the spread of repetitive and inauthentic content. YouTube supports creators using AI to enhance their content. However, it wants to stop rewarding people for stealing or copying original ideas and tweaking them with AI. 

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This move is targeted against creators not putting enough effort and creativity into their content and just churning out videos with AI-generated voice, clips, and so on. You can read all about it on the internet. It’s blowing up. 

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But that’s not my point. What I want to ask is, how long do you think before social media platforms start applying similar policies? 

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Many of us have generated social media campaign ideas using ChatGPT and Gemini, written copies using Claude, and generated high-resolution images and videos using Sora or other tools. The premium version of these tools is expensive, but it is worth the investment. 

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There are social media campaign examples that have gone viral with the help of AI. But is this popularity sustainable? 

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Originality Sells

Creating original social media campaigns is tricky. However, they are the most rewarding. Because people relate to them. 

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It’s 2025. Most people have access to the internet and social media. And in this ‘doom scrolling’ generation, you can assume that users have seen repetitive versions of the same thing on social media. 

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That’s why originality matters. Because people retain original ideas better. 

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Also, it’s not that AI is strictly prohibited. It’s more like the creative part of it should derive from you, your understanding of the market, and the audience. That’s how digital and social media marketing is done. 

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Leverage AI when it comes to the implementation. 

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So, what are the social media marketing tips you should follow to create that viral campaign?

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Popular Social Media Campaigns in 2025

Instead of going through lists of typical social media marketing dos and don'ts, it’s better to take inspiration from some of the best social media campaign examples this year.

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1. CeraVe: Michael CeraVe Super Bowl Prank

CeraVe leaned into humor and viral curiosity by launching a campaign that playfully suggested actor Michael Cera created the brand. Timed around the Super Bowl, it gained over 9 billion impressions.

Lesson: 

The best social media marketing uses timely humor and cultural relevance to spark mass conversations.

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2. Spotify: Spotify Wrapped 2025

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Spotify continued its legacy of personalized recaps, encouraging users to share their music history. This UGC-driven campaign dominated Instagram and TikTok.

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Lesson: 

Personalization, nostalgia, and shareability are a goldmine for engagement. Personal content drives deeper brand loyalty. Plus, everyone believes that they have superior music taste. Spotify Wrapped affirms it for them. 

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3. Snickers: Rookie Mistake Super Bowl Contest

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Snickers invited users to share their biggest “rookie mistake” moments for a chance to win Super Bowl tickets. This social media campaign created a flood of UGC and hilarious threads.

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Lesson: 

A contest that feels fun and culturally relevant can amplify engagement and reach, making it a staple social media campaign tactic.

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4. GoPro: GoPro Awards & Million Dollar Challenge

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GoPro turned everyday customers into content creators. Their challenge received over 43,000 video submissions, building community and virality.

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Lesson: 

Rewarding your audience for sharing content generates trust and makes your followers the heroes of your social media marketing strategy. Why do you think there’s a novel writing or film script submission contest every once in a while? 

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Such social media marketing not only drives engagement but also provides a sense of productivity and purpose to the audience. 

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5. Dove: #TheFaceOf10 Campaign

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Dove tackled unrealistic beauty standards by advocating age-appropriate skincare. This purpose-driven content created emotional impact and strong social resonance. Because insecurity related to facial features, body, and skin has always been in society, especially for women. 

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Lesson: 

Value-based storytelling connects. In digital and social media marketing, brands that take a stand build long-term loyalty.

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6. Little Caesars: Burn the Burns TikTok Campaign

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Instead of deleting negative comments, Little Caesars burned them and used the flames to cook their pizzas on TikTok. It went viral with 53.6 million views. 

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So, they did not lean into those criticisms and opted for rebuttals. 

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Lesson: 

Embracing criticism with humor creates relatability. 

7. McDonald’s: As Featured In Meal

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McDonald’s tapped into 90s nostalgia with meals referencing moments in films and shows. They rolled this out with bold visuals and influencer collaborations.

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Lesson: 

Nostalgia and pop culture remain powerful tools in social media marketing when tied to clear branding.

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8. Airbnb x Polly Pocket Collaboration

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Airbnb brought back childhood memories by creating a real-life Polly Pocket house. This collaboration exploded across Instagram and reels.

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Lesson: 

Strategic collaborations built around cultural icons can fuel massive social reach, especially when designed for visual content.

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9. Tinder: It Starts With a Swipe

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Tinder rebranded from hook-up culture to meaningful relationships by showcasing real user stories. The social media campaign championed diversity and inclusivity.

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Lesson: 

Narrative matters. Emotional storytelling and real-life representation help brands reclaim their image.

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10. Notion: Notion Faces

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Notion turned user avatars into a brand-wide activation on LinkedIn, creating FOMO and prompting thousands of users to participate.

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Lesson: 

FOMO + community + self-expression = one of the smartest social media campaign examples of the year.

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What Did We Learn From These Campaigns?

If I had to sum up the common social media marketing tips from these examples, it would be - 

• Try to leverage humor, nostalgia, or emotion in your campaigns.
• Always encourage participation. Be it through contests, challenges, or big money prizes. 
• Focus on getting the timing right. The ongoing sentiment due to some kind of event can decide the success of your digital and social media marketing. 
• Finally, always stay on brand. Never compromise what you stand for for any number of likes or shares. 

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