Lock in a year of Digiday+ for 35% less. Ends May 29.
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?:
Are all these @TacoBell commercials during the #VMAs making anyone else hungry?
— Taco Bell (@TacoBell) August 26, 2013
Yes. For Subway.
Get ready for the Red Carpet. @MTV #VMAs pic.twitter.com/ii52nfxOsk
— Red Bull (@redbull) August 25, 2013
This is a surprisingly forced tweet from a brand that constantly receives deserved praise for being so innovative.
Here it is! @NSYNC! Remember, if you need CPR: #vma https://t.co/nM8eEDSiTv
— Red Cross Oklahoma (@redcrossokc) August 26, 2013
This is a fairly clumsy attempt at glomming on to the N’SYNC chatter. But at least it’s for a good cause.
Reunite with your Coke 90s style, because things just got “IN SYNC!”
— Coca-Cola (@CocaCola) August 26, 2013
Just, don’t.
Awards? Do they even have music videos on TV anymore? #VMAs
— Domino’s Pizza (@dominos) August 26, 2013
This joke was old 10 years ago. Hopefully your pizzas arrive more quickly than your zingers.
Image via Shutterstock
More in Marketing
TikTok Shop says sales from U.S. small businesses climbed 66% in 2025
U.S. small businesses on TikTok Shop increased sales by 66% in 2025 compared to the year before.
Walmart warns it may have to raise prices due to fuel costs
The possibility comes as higher fuel prices are already putting pressure on household budgets.
OpenAI gives ChatGPT ads a visual upgrade
OpenAI is building on its single ad format to include some new iterations that give advertisers more optionality over their appearances.