Old Spice | The Man Your Man Could Smell Like
Why Hacker News recommends it
Used as an example of a viral ad that worked through humor and clever in-camera production.
What it is
The 2010 Old Spice commercial featuring Isaiah Mustafa, shot as a continuous sequence with scene changes and practical effects. It became a famous viral ad.
Recommended by 1 HN commenters across 1 different months, 2010 to 2025.
What Hacker News said
Recommends thih9 · 2025-03 · on “The 2005 Sony Bravia ad”
Honorable mention goes to the Old Spice 2010 ad, where a lot was done in camera too, including the horse. The Man Your Man Could Smell Like: [this video] Pitch presentation: [LINK] Behind the scenes interview: [LINK] It was a big success and a series of similar clips followed; this one has an actual “behind the scenes” video: Scent vacation: [LINK] Behind the scenes: [LINK]
Cites madssj · 2010-03 · on “Chatroulette Improv Piano Player Removed from YouTube”
They do know, I have a friend who works at a seeding agency, and they know very, very well how it works. Make it funny/stupid/sexy enough, and people will watch it. A couple of good examples of this: [LINK] [this video] [LINK] [LINK] Don't know if the latter was launched as a viral campaign, but my point is that you know it and the brand it was from if I'd phone you up and shout "WASSUP". Marketing is a lot scarier that you think.
Cites sudont · 2010-12 · on “Ma.gnolia shut down two months too soon (old delicious competitor)”
It's in reference to a commercial that was particularly well done, especially in scene changes without jump cuts: [this video] What's really amazing is the once-in-a-blue moon of (admittedly, excellent) satire reaching the top of the post rankings.