5 Bad Brand VMA Tweets

Whether it’s a cultural or sporting event, like the Super Bowl, or a natural disaster, like Hurricane Sandy, brands seem to be forever angling for ways to insert themselves into trending online conversations – for better or worse.

This time it might not be for better. MTV’s Video Music Awards were held last night and, predictably, brands just couldn’t resist chiming in. Here are five of the more-awkward social attempts. Are there any others we missed?:

Taco Bell


Yes. For Subway.

Red Bull

This is a surprisingly forced tweet from a brand that constantly receives deserved praise for being so innovative.

Red Cross Oklahoma

This is a fairly clumsy attempt at glomming on to the N’SYNC chatter. But at least it’s for a good cause.

Coca-Cola

Just, don’t.

Domino’s

This joke was old 10 years ago. Hopefully your pizzas arrive more quickly than your zingers.

Image via Shutterstock

More in Marketing

Agency AI pitches are starting to face harder questions

As agencies race to sell proprietary AI the future of marketing, 3C Ventures argues advertisers need more proof.

What brands are paying to advertise around the World Cup

Sponsorships start at around $15 million and go up to $85 million, with some experts calling $25 million the unofficial barrier of entry to appear on Fox.

Why Dove is betting on hundreds of creators for the World Cup

Dove Men is using hundreds of creators for the World Cup while balancing scale, brand safety and AI concerns.