Today we present the coronavirus from a slightly different perspective, not as a threat to the entire world, but as the result of a few funny and interesting posts, videos, and even marketing strategies.
KFC
Coronavirus in KFC's strategy
Because of the coronavirus, KFC suspended its campaign titled 'Finger Likin' Good.' At a time when personal hygiene is the best defense against the virus, an ad encouraging people to break basic hygiene rules is out of place. A KFC spokesperson told The Drum magazine that they decided to suspend the ad due to circumstances related to the virus, but they are proud of the campaign and plan to resume it once everything calms down.
[embed]https://youtu.be/FdfqMUcUFEk[/embed]
PornHub
PornHub responds to the pandemic
The service responded to the pandemic very quickly by offering a free premium subscription to all Italians, both men and women. This is meant to help residents comply with the national quarantine. Every Italian citizen can get a free subscription and will not have to provide any credit card data throughout March.
Meanwhile, Ziv Amar from ACC Grannot, Israel, created a series of posters encouraging the use of this service.
You can see more posters from this series here: adsoftheworld.com
Irony and humor online
An ironic comment from influencer @thefatjewish on Instagram. It is an eloquent commentary on our society and how we panic-avoid the virus, but do not worry about the climate catastrophe whose effects can already be seen in some countries.
"Climate change needs to hire the coronavirus's publicist."
Caption: "Let's not call it quarantine, but a government-organized season of shackles"
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B9mYAgqpzdZ/[/embed]
tik tok
Creative actions on TikTok and in Poland
On TikTok, an influencer and dancer @im.quangdang created a short dance routine showing how to wash your hands properly. It started being shared virally and even appeared on the official UNESCO website.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B8wTW_BllKj/[/embed]
And here is the Polish way to avoid the coronavirus: hand sanitizer and, at the same time, a shot of vodka to disinfect the inside of your body too. A shop in Kalisz called "Czysta Chata" posted a short video on its Facebook page. A man/customer enters the shop, and by the door there is already sanitizer waiting for him and a shot of vodka. The caption under the video reads: "Safe shopping at the Czysta Chata store. Welcome."
Summary
The article shows how brands and creators used the coronavirus pandemic for creative and often ironic marketing actions. KFC suspended the "Finger Likin' Good" campaign, and PornHub offered Italians free premium access to encourage them to stay home. Influencer @thefatjewish commented on society's approach to the crisis, and dancer @im.quangdang created a viral hand-washing tutorial that even made it onto the UNESCO website. The Polish touch is the "Czysta Chata" shop in Kalisz, combining disinfection with humor.
It is an example that in times of crisis, even serious topics can become an inspiration for building engagement if they are approached with sensitivity and lightness.
