Squid Game Season 2 is the most-watched series on Netflix, topping charts in 93 countries and gaining millions of eyeballs worldwide. Mr. Beast’s Squid Game Video and KFC’s pink bun sets as great examples of how marketing needs to be done. Capitalizing on its popularity through creative strategies that would appeal to audiences. Here’s how they did it and how you can apply similar strategies to your brand.
Mr. Beast’s Squid Game Video Success
Mr. Beast drew inspiration from Squid Game and raised it to a whole different level. He spent $100 million creating Beast Games, the most expensive reality show in TV history. Inside a $14 million custom-built city in Toronto, 1,000 contestants—double the size of the original Squid Game—battled for a $5 million grand prize, which surpassed the show’s $4.56 million prize.
Unlike Squid Game, which used traditional sets, Mr. Beast designed an entire functioning city, featuring a 300-foot pirate ship, luxury living quarters for all participants, and a 100-foot glass tower filled with cash. The challenges also upped the ante with monster trucks, Navy SEALs, and helicopter stunts replacing children’s games.
It amassed over 30 million views in 24 hours, rivaling viewership of major TV broadcasts., proving that his massive YouTube following of 330 million subscribers could drive incredible engagement. Mr. Beast’s Squid Game Video shattered 50 Guinness World Records and topped the charts in over 90 countries on Prime Video within two days. Mr. Beast’s success lies in its ability to understand audience behavior and align with YouTube’s algorithm, not just through gaming the system but by creating content that resonates deeply with viewers.
YouTube Strategy you Need to Follow
Whether you’ve seen this video or not, it serves as a textbook example of creating engaging content that hooks viewers, keeps them watching, and aligns perfectly with YouTube’s algorithm. Let’s explore the secrets behind this remarkable video.
1. Grab Attention in the First Few Seconds
In the opening 8 seconds, Mr. Beast clearly outlines the premise:
“I recreated every single set from Squid Game in real life, and whichever one of these 456 people survives the longest wins $456,000.”
This concise introduction immediately intrigues viewers, making them eager to see what happens next. By 18 seconds, the first game—Red Light, Green Light—is underway, ensuring viewers are invested from the start. Use the first 30 seconds to clearly establish what your video is about and why viewers should care.
2. Maintain Engagement Through Regular Triggers
The editing in this video is masterful, incorporating regular engagement triggers to hold attention. For instance:
During the Tug of War challenge, Mr. Beast teases:
“In this game with Team 9 versus Team 11, they went so hard that this happened…”
This tactic piques curiosity, resetting viewers’ focus. By adding unexpected moments or prompts every 30-45 seconds, the video ensures viewers stay engaged throughout its 25-minute runtime. Structure your videos with consistent hooks to sustain interest and encourage viewers to keep watching.
3. Use Story Arcs to Build Emotional Connection
Mr. Beast’s video employs both meta story arcs and micro story arcs to captivate audiences:
- Meta story arc: The overarching narrative of 456 contestants competing for $456,000.
- Micro story arcs: Individual narratives like Player 067’s awkwardness, Player 10’s bold decision during the Glass Bridge challenge, and Player 456’s journey as a central character.
These smaller stories create emotional investment, making viewers root for specific participants. Incorporate relatable character-driven stories to heighten viewer engagement.
4. Deliver High Production Value
Mr. Beast’s Squid Game video reportedly cost $3.5 million; the video features impressive sets, faithful to the Squid Game aesthetic. While most creators may not have such budgets, the lesson here is to prioritize quality—be it through creative editing, strong storytelling, or innovative concepts. You need to invest in quality production to make your content stand out, even with limited resources.
KFC: Turning Pink to Break the Internet
After Squid Game Season 2 premiered, KFC Spain pulled off one of the most daring marketing stunts in its history. They reimagined their iconic chicken sandwich with a vibrant pink bun inspired by Squid Game’s themes, creating a viral sensation.
But KFC didn’t stop there—they went all in by hosting a live Twitch survival game with 456 contestants competing for €40,000 ($42,108). The branding went beyond just food. They replaced Colonel Sanders with a hooded Squid Game soldier, tying the campaign directly to the series.
The limited-edition menu featured a chicken fillet with Korean BBQ sauce, 12 spicy wings, or 10 crispy strips, appealing to fans of Korean cuisine. Social media buzz exploded, and KFC Spain’s follower count skyrocketed to 1.2 million—all achieved without spending on a Super Bowl ad. The campaign exemplified how perfect timing and a creative twist can generate worldwide attention.
What You Should Learn
The success of Mr. Beast and KFC’s campaigns demonstrates key takeaways for marketers:
- Capitalize on Trends Early
- Mr. Beast’s Squid Game video leveraged the mass popularity of Netflix’s Squid Game and all the viral memes around it. By releasing the video during the peak of the show’s cultural relevance, he guaranteed maximum audience interest.
- Add a Unique Twist to the Trend
- Do not just follow the trends. Innovate and create a distinctive experience around it. KFC did not just partner with Squid Game; it reinvented its product and brand identity to differentiate itself, like the pink bun and live survival game.
- Using FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
- Use limited-time offers or special products tied to popular themes to prompt engagement now. KFC’s pink sandwich was the cause of panic among fans for the first bite, which brings about urgency.
- Use Platforms That Maximize Reach
- Choose the platforms where your audience is most active to amplify your campaign. Mr. Beast released Beast Games on YouTube and Prime Video, ensuring massive visibility.
The key takeaway here is the importance of creating content that resonates deeply with your audience while keeping it fresh, engaging, and memorable.
The strategy focuses on high-profile teasers, engaging social media content, influencer collaborations, and interactive experiences to generate excitement and maintain cultural relevance.
Advertising, especially through trailers, teasers, and partnerships, created anticipation, leveraging the show’s cultural impact and fan engagement to drive viewership and brand recognition.
Brands can learn the power of creating relatable, trend-aligned content that resonates emotionally with audiences, along with leveraging cultural moments and interactive content for engagement.
