Sure, the wonderful thing about social media advertising is that it’s basically free. However, social media networks’ spectacular focusing on capabilities and wealth of marketing campaign information make them splendid for operating paid advertisements. Plus, while you mix influencer advertising and paid social, you’ll be able to maximize the attain and impression of your campaigns additional.
Here are marketing campaign examples of how a number of the main manufacturers have leveraged paid social advertising, together with actionable recommendation to generate the identical degree of outcomes.
Top Paid Social Media Marketing Examples:
1. JBL
For an instance of easy methods to mix paid social with influencer advertising and use a disruptive product message, there’s JBL’s JBLiens Ear-n-vasion marketing campaign which ran in December 2023. Apple has been dominating the true wi-fi stereo (TWS) market since 2020 and JBL wanted to make use of an unconventional strategy to cancel the noise that Apple was making.
JBL’s merchandise deal with customization, permitting customers to precise their individualism and be their genuine selves. To talk their deal with individualism, JBL labored with Nick Kosir (aka The Dancing Weatherman) who shared sightings of JBLiens, simply observable by their “ear-dividuality” as breaking news.
They additionally labored with Flyana Boss, an American hip hop duo with practically half one million YouTube subscribers.
In addition to YouTube and Instagram, in addition they used TikTook.
Katie A. Raymond, Director of Strategy, Content, Social Media and Paid Media at HARMAN International, JBL’s mum or dad firm, sums up the marketing campaign’s success in a LinkedIn submit as follows:
“The campaign’s success was measured in how it drove the business, and also by the conversations it started, the community it built, and the path-to-purchase traffic it drove.”
- An total attain of 438 million impressions that surpassed KPI benchmarks
- 55 million video completes that generated 2 million click on throughs
- An enhance of over 220% in return on advert spend (ROAS)
- 600,000 distinctive guests to JBL TWS pages (5 instances greater than what these pages generated on common earlier than the marketing campaign)
- A marketing campaign progress of 105% in new customers
- Winner within the Shorty Awards’ Paid & Amplification class
- A Silver Honor within the Shorty Awards’ Technology class that acknowledges the best and artistic use of social media by manufacturers on this area of interest
2. Oscar Mayer
Oscar Mayer, a Kraft Heinz model that sells meat and chilly cuts, introduced house the bacon with the #OscarTakeMeToPromenade marketing campaign. It’s a fantastic instance of easy methods to mix:
- Social listening
- Brand ambassadors
- Hashtags
- User-generated content material (UGC)
As a part of their advertising efforts, Oscar Mayer makes use of an iconic wienermobile that will get pushed round by their model ambassadors throughout America. Each 12 months, they obtain a number of requests for rides of their wiener-on-wheels. These requests usually come from college students.
However, social listening revealed that teenagers thought that the Wienermobile would make a fairly cool experience to the promenade.
Oscar Mayer then turned to their group of name ambassadors to create and share content material through their official Oscar Mayer social accounts. Using paid and natural efforts, they launched a UGC contest on Instagram and TikTook.
The marketing campaign did exceptionally nicely on Instagram. It generated a 65% enhance in attain on Instagram, whereas the content material’s engagement price exceeded the platform’s benchmarks greater than 170%.
What’s noteworthy about this paid social media advertising marketing campaign is what they achieved inside a restricted timeframe and finances. Two weeks after they noticed this chance to achieve a brand new youthful group outdoors of their typical target market, they had been able to launch their social contest. Plus, they used solely 2.3% of Oscar Mayer’s media finances.
- Over 20 million views of content material on TikTook utilizing the #OscarTakeMeToPromenade hashtag
- 260 earned media placements
- 310 million earned media impressions
- 442 million engagements
- Nominated for a Webby Award within the Advertising, Media & PR, Social Media Campaign class
3. Lidl
For an instance of easy methods to use social media for a vacation marketing campaign, there’s Lidl GB’s multi-channel Christmas activation. The low cost retailer chain launched a spoof of East 17’s solely number-one single, “Stay Another Day”. The marketing campaign parodies each the music and authentic music video.
One of the the reason why this paid social marketing campaign works is as a result of the spoof additionally options Tony Mortimer, one of many English pop band’s authentic members. As Coolr, the social media company behind this marketing campaign, explains of their “Save Another Way (…the Lidl Way)” case examine, his inclusion works on two ranges. It improves the sense of familiarity amongst viewers in addition to provides a sort of endorsement.
It additionally works as a result of it combines social good advertising. Aside from selling their rewards app, Lidl GB additionally donated £100,000 to NSPCC’s Childline service.
The marketing campaign was run on:
- TikTook
- YouTube
- Spotify
It was notably profitable on TikTook and Instagram the place it generated practically 68 million impressions. To maximize attain and consciousness on TikTook, the company used the premium TopView placement on TikTook.
The judges of the Global Social Media Awards recommended it for its “social-first approach”. The content material was created with social media in thoughts from the beginning.
For instance, the total, 4-minute music video was uploaded onto YouTube, whereas a shorter model was shared on TikTook, recognized for short-form video content material.
Plus, this manner they may additionally encourage customers who watched the quick model on TikTook to go to YouTube to observe the longer model. The quick model on TikTook generated practically 1 million clicks to YouTube.
- More than 9,500 new followers throughout the model’s TikTook and Meta accounts
- 118,000 likes and feedback on TikTook and Meta
- A view-through price (VTR) of 24% (based on YouTube Help Center, the typical VTR is between 10% and 15%, making this outcomes particularly spectacular)
- Named as winner of the Global Social Media Awards’ Best Use of Paid Social
- Awarded Campaign’s Ad of the Day
4. Volkswagen
PHD, one of many globe’s media businesses with probably the most awards (which incorporates being named Adweek’s Global Media Agency of the Year), created this marketing campaign for Volkswagen to assist them launch their new ID. Buzz.
Electric automobiles is likely to be quiet, however the market is noisy. With Volkswagen boasting solely a 4.2% share when it comes to unit gross sales, it wanted a particular pressure to create a buzz.
To do that, they partnered with Disney and Star Wars to attach the automotive model strategically with these iconic cultural parts. The social technique used acquainted and beloved characters like C-3PO, R2D2, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ewan McGregor to enhance electrical automobile consideration. McGregor additionally occurs to have liked the VW model since a child and owns a few VW buses, elevating him to a degree of name ambassador.
It additionally serves for example of easy methods to pull off a multi-channel technique. It leveraged:
- TikTook
- YouTube
- X
- Meta
The technique was adjusted for every social channel. For instance, Meta was reserved for video-only campaigns utilizing the platform’s out there video placements. On TikTook, the company might be barely extra playful. Here, they created a Star Wars neighborhood for followers.
As two main manufacturers had been working collectively on this marketing campaign and every had their very own advertising company, an answer was wanted to collaborate with out confidential information getting shared.
The Force Is Strong, United! case examine shared on The World Media Group’s web site, explains how they created a Data Clean Room instantly in PHD’s planning software. This means, they may optimize all digital bidding methods. Using an AI-powered automated course of, information might be in contrast in order that bids throughout each campaigns might be matched to forestall mutual high-bidding results.
- Volkswagen model consciousness elevated by 4%, whereas model consideration jumped by 17%
- Ad recall grew by practically 1 / 4
- Winner of The Global Performance Marketing Awards 2023’s Best Use of Paid Social
- Winner of The Performance Marketing Awards’ Best Use of Paid Social
5. Warner Bros.
The Warner Bros. Discovery’s “Did we do ‘Kenough’” marketing campaign is one other instance of how the company PHD UK used paid social successfully.
The technique included:
- Snap Filters that allow customers create a Barbie Land
- A Barbie Selfie Generator that customers may use to share their interior character on social media
- A 3-day Spotlight takeover on Pinterest
- A key phrase viewers technique on Pinterest that prolonged past solely Barbie film followers to focus on anybody involved in pink décor concepts and 90s’ occasion vibes
As a case examine of this award-winning marketing campaign explains, the problem of this marketing campaign was to vary the film’s notion. Unlike the precise dolls, the film’s plot didn’t have the identical target market. As the film had a broader enchantment, it made PHD UK’s key phrase viewers technique a lot simpler.
That stated, whereas the plot tackled extra critical matters like feminism, the company discovered greater than “kenough” room so as to add parts of playfulness. Plus, it additionally helped to set it other than Oppenheimer, Barbie the Movie’s summer time launch competitors sharing the identical launch date.
To do that, all communication touchpoints needed to place the film and its trademark pink into popular culture and be constructive.

- The highest UK launch week consciousness for Warner Bros. to this point
- More than 340,000 followers shared their interior Barbie/Ken on social media utilizing the selfie generator
- More than £18 million delivered in its first 3 days
- Winner of Campaign Tech Awards’ Best Use of Paid Social
6. Priceline
Like Volkswagen, Priceline additionally labored with a TV star, Kaley Cuoco, greatest recognized for her roles in The Big Bang Theory and The Flight Attendant, for his or her social media marketing campaign. This means, they may additionally leverage the Emmy-nominated actress’ large following on social media.
In the advertisements created as a collection of humorous episodes, Kaley encourages her coworkers to e book their dream trip through the use of Priceline’s inexpensive journey choices. As incentive, greater than $5 million in hidden, interactive offers had been made out there completely through social advertisements, making the marketing campaign a fantastic instance of easy methods to add a component of gamification.
If that weren’t sufficient to seize consideration, every episode options an authentic theme music. This theme music was additionally launched on streaming platforms.
In addition to streaming platforms and social media takeovers on Meta, TikTook, and YouTube, in addition they used audio and podcast advertisements.
Combine these offers with the unique music and vacationers got a number of causes to interrupt into music.
In addition to illustrating the good thing about utilizing parts like music and gamification, this marketing campaign additionally highlights the significance of target market analysis. A survey commissioned by Priceline revealed that 76% of US staff are happier once they journey, but greater than 50% determine worth as a motive for not touring. With this information, they may be certain that the core messaging of their marketing campaign gives an answer to their target market’s ache level.
- Winner of Digiday’s Best Use of Social Awards
- Each YouTube video generated thousands and thousands of views
How Can Brands Create Better Paid Social Marketing Campaigns?
These 6 award-winning paid social advertising campaigns spotlight a number of ideas that manufacturers and their advertising groups can use. Here’s what they educate us:
1. Use analytics instruments to study your target market higher
Understanding your target market is essential, much more so while you’re operating a paid marketing campaign. Social media platforms have distinctive viewers focusing on capabilities, however to make use of it correctly you’ll want to know and perceive your viewers.
For instance, within the case of the marketing campaign for Barbie’s film launch, segmenting audiences primarily based on demographics like age was important. The film was, in reality, aimed toward teenagers and girls, not tweens just like the doll.
Demographics, although, are just one standards. The marketing campaign created for Priceline illustrates how understanding your viewers’s ache factors are essential too.
You may know who your target market is, however you’ll be able to all the time get to know them higher.
Plus, wants and pursuits change which might impression your marketing campaign’s strategy.
In the case of Priceline, a easy survey already revealed key data relating to vacationers’ ache factors, however you may as well use extra strong viewers analysis instruments like:
- Facebook Audience Insights
- Google Analytics
- Brandwatch Consumer Intelligence
2. Combine social media with influencer advertising
Depending in your finances, you’ll be able to incorporate influencer-generated content material. According to The Influencer Marketing Factory, 90% of influencer advertising campaigns embrace paid media.
This means, you’ll be able to add that component of belief and validation that are necessary to social media customers.
Another profit is that you just develop your attain. Your advertisements will seize the eye of the influencer’s followers too.
You don’t essentially want to make use of the likes of Ewan McGregor or Penny from The Big Bang Theory. In reality, our Influencer Marketing Benchmark Report 2024 discovered that mega/superstar influencers are used least usually. Only 12.9% of manufacturers plan to make use of mega influencers in 2024, in comparison with 44% that plan to make use of principally nano-influencers.

- Influencer Preferences
Cost isn’t the one motive. Nano and micro-influencers in some situations have greater engagement charges.
This is very true should you plan on utilizing Instagram or TikTook.
Data shared by Captiv8 with EMARKETER reveals that Instagram influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers have the best engagement price at 6.23%.
On TikTook, the image appears comparable. Here, nano-influencers even have the best engagement price, based on Statista’s numbers.
What is crucial when choosing influencers is that focus on audiences should align with the influencer’s followers. Ideally, there also needs to be a hyperlink between the influencer’s personal pursuits and that of your product. In the case of Volkswagen’s marketing campaign, the truth that Ewan McGregor is a longtime Volkswagen driver, helps to create that belief and validation that makes this type of advertising so efficient.
Key Takeaways
Crafting profitable social advert campaigns requires greater than only a finances and creativity. By leveraging analytics instruments, you’ll be able to acquire profound insights into your target market, guaranteeing your content material resonates and engages successfully.
Prioritizing social-first content material tailor-made to every platform’s distinctive setting can considerably increase your marketing campaign’s efficiency. For instance, on TikTook and Instagram movies designed for cell viewing are a should.
And, in case your finances permits it, mix your paid social efforts with influencer advertising. It can amplify your attain and credibility, making your social media advertisements extra impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which social media platform is greatest for paid promoting?
Facebook is taken into account the most effective social media platforms for paid promoting. It has superior viewers focusing on options, numerous advert codecs, and permits for various marketing campaign targets comparable to consciousness, visitors, engagement, leads, app promotion, and gross sales. What’s extra, Facebook is the most-used social media platform worldwide, providing a big and various viewers for manufacturers to achieve.
Which AI instruments can you utilize for paid advertising?
The following are top-rated options that use synthetic intelligence and will help with paid advertising:
- Phrasee
- Albert
- Blueshift
- Hyros
- WordStream by LOCALiQ
- 6Sense
- Skai
How do you create a finances for social media advertising?
To create a finances for paid social advertisements and your different social media advertising exercise, use the next steps:
- Identify your short-term and long-term objectives e.g. to extend leads or generate extra gross sales
- Complete a social media audit that includes taking stock of the platforms you’re at present utilizing, researching your viewers, and reviewing your social media analytics
- Create a content material calendar
- Analyze your sources which embrace the workers and instruments wanted
How do you measure social media advertisements’ effectiveness?
Examples of key efficiency indicators (KPIs) that you just wish to monitor are:
- Reach (the variety of distinctive customers who see your advertisements)
- Impressions (the variety of instances your advertisements had been seen)
- Engagement charges (how customers work together along with your advertisements)
- Conversion charges (how efficient your content material is at producing e.g. clicks)
Which advertising businesses are good at paid social?
The following are top-rated digital advertising businesses that embrace paid social of their providers:
- Disruptive Advertising
- SmartSites
- Fresh Content Society
- Iron Roots
- Thrive Internet Marketing Agency
- Moburst
- Sociallyin
- LYFE Marketing


