Viral marketing has been a major aspect of advertising since internet usage became widespread. Movies and TV shows have been sneaking things onto websites and social media platforms hinting at new releases, often using a product or message that fans aren’t even aware exists yet. This is the case for the first promo items we’ve seen for Season 3 of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”
Television has changed. The must-see shows are no longer just on the major networks at primetime. Streaming services and other platforms have revolutionized the way we watch movies and TV, so it only makes sense that the way we advertise those programs changes, too.
Instagram user nycityguys posted a picture of a product called Scoops Ahoy hats. Scoops Ahoy is a fictional location in the town of Hawkins, Indiana, where the show takes place. You’ll notice the packaging not-so-subtly also depicts the main stars of the show, too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuADaANnU4I/?utm_source=ig_embed
It’s fun when these TV shows and movies blur the lines between the fictional universe and real life through merchandise and just the right amount of self-awareness. Remember how “A Star Is Born” marketed itself through band T-shirts and billboards around Los Angeles? It takes advertising a step beyond just telling you to watch something. It makes you as a viewer or fan feel more involved, and it makes the show’s universe feel more fleshed out, too.
So, what we want next is some drinkware from the “Jurassic World” location of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, or perhaps some Tej’s Garage car floor mats from “2Fast2Furious.” Hit us up for more ideas on movie tie-in promo items. We’re full of them.
