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?

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of viral marketing

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

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

Sam says it's been "surprisingly popular" - so much so that, unlike his previous viral marketing attempts, he says he won't stop once Alan Wake 2 comes out.

From BBC • Oct. 25, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023

Asked if he was a viral marketing ploy, Lemoine said, “I doubt I would have gotten fired if that were the case.”

From Slate • Jul. 29, 2022

I set up an Instagram business account for her store, and tried to explain, poorly, how Instagram viral marketing worked.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2022