Planners looking to improve their event videos can learn a lesson or two from some of YouTube’s most viral videos.
Carpool Karaoke with Adele
James Corden, host of The Late Late Show with James Corden, has the ticket with his viral series Carpool Karaoke. A hilarious video with singer Adele, driving through the rainy English streets, had 135.8 million views, making it the most-viewed video on YouTube. The key to Corden’s formula is his likeability; he feels just like your friendly next-door neighbor. Not only does this endear him to his audience but it almost immediately makes his famous guest stars feel comfortable. By the end of the episodes, they are best friends. So rather than a cold and formal narrator, use a regular, relatable guy (or gal) that your audience wants to become hang out with.
The $21,000 Airplane Seat
YouTuber Casey Neistat—who is the epitome of hip—takes a first-class ride on Emirates in the most expensive airplane seat in the world (acting as if he had been upgraded by surprise). This video, with 26.7 million views, is such a hit because it exposes excess at every turn—from caviar on the menu to an in-flight shower that has to be booked in advance. Whatever your video’s mission, poking fun at ridiculousness and excessiveness is sure to bring a laugh.
Grace VanDerWaal: 12-Year-Old Ukelele Player
The video of this sweet and adorable young lady with a one-of-a-kind voice performing for an America’s Got Talent audition and getting the golden buzzer caught the attention of superstar Taylor Swift—and views spiraled to 46.4 million views. There’s nothing like an charming child star in your video to capture people’s hearts and attention.
