The Harlem Shake became a viral YouTube sensation overnight. Marketers and brand builders can use these lessons to make their company stand out…

1. 7 Content Marketing Lessons
from
The Harlem Shake

2. We’ve all seen the videos:
The Harlem Shake
has taken YouTube by storm!
Harlem shake videos all follow the same formula where a
single person begins dancing before being joined by
others. Some brands such as Intel have even taken
advantage of the trend and released their own Harlem
Shake videos.
Content creators and marketers have plenty to learn from
this viral fad. Let’s explore!

3. 1. Humor Sells!
• More and more brands like Old Spice have taken
advantage of a good ole laugh and incorporated it into
their advertising.
• Humorous content is more likely to go viral than serious
content.
• Consider that 60% of
advertisements that go
viral are produced by
smaller companies who
don’t take themselves
as seriously as larger
corporations.

4. 2. Do the Content Shake
• The Harlem Shake has a clear formula: One guy starts
dancing – others join.
• Despite the predictable outline, each Harlem Shake
video has an element of surprise and creativity.
• Your content doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel. Just
shake it up and add your unique voice and twist.

5. 3. People want to feel.
• In content marketing,
we often discuss how
people should feel
emotionally connected
and invested.
• Emotions aren’t
always the only thing we
feel. As Kid President
once said, “Sometimes,
it’s just time to dance.”

6. 4. Timing is everything
• If a company tries to
jump onto the Harlem
Shake craze at this
point they might
tarnish their brand by
being behind the
trend.
• Posting content at
the right time can put
your marketing on the
map or even make your
content go viral.
If you were thinking of creating your own
Harlem Shake video now, the internet
might think you’ve missed the wagon.

7. 5. Be Spontaneous
• Each Harlem Shake video was spontaneous and
unexpected.
• Even if your content and marketing plans have a
formula, there’s plenty of room to be creative and
spontaneous!

8. 6. Develop a Content Strategy
• When Intel released their version of the Harlem Shake,
there was likely a lot of planning that went on behind it.
• They had to ensure that their “image” was protected in
a video that is goofy and pushes that “invisible line.”
• By developing a
content strategy your
brand will easily jump
onto the next craze
since you’ll have a solid
idea of what your image
is.

9. 7. Have Fun!
• Why in the world do we still get stuck with boring
commercials and marketing?
• No one wants to do business with a boring business. This
is 2013, so show your personality and get dancing!

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