viral marketing

American  

[vahy-ruhl mahr-ki-ting] / ˈvaɪ rəl ˈmɑr kɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. a marketing strategy that focuses on spreading information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially by using unconventional means such as the internet or email.

   Which online social networks can help with viral marketing?

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viral marketing British  

noun

1. a direct marketing technique in which a company persuades internet users to forward its publicity material in e-mails (usually by including jokes, games, video clips, etc)

2. a marketing strategy in which conventional media are eschewed in favour of various techniques designed to generate word-of-mouth publicity, in the hope of creating a fad or craze

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Etymology

Origin of viral marketing

First recorded in 1985–90

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

viral marketing

Long before viral marketing had a name, 1999’s “The Blair Witch Project” was using the still-young internet to convince moviegoers that three student filmmakers might actually be missing in the woods.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 25, 2026

"Wrapped is an incredibly effective viral marketing tool that turns millions of users into enthusiastic promoters," he says.

From BBC ● Dec. 3, 2025

The video she filmed of herself swirling whipped cream onto holiday drinks racked up more than 800,000 views—and gave Starbucks a quick, viral marketing hit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 2, 2025

Despite this, public perception of the site seems overwhelmingly negative—and much of its bad reputation comes from the viral marketing ploys the company uses to reel in new users.

From Slate ● Nov. 14, 2024

DePaoli said it’s not unusual for companies to engage in viral marketing.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2023

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