These days, it is fairly common for commercials and viral videos to tug at your heartstrings. An emotional video is one tool that advertisers use to build brand loyalty, especially during the Christmas season. Add in a unique twist or unexpected turn and the result is viral video gold. The amazing thing is that we fall for it even when we know the tricks that advertisers use to manipulate your emotions!
Back in 2013, WestJet set the standard for an emotional and touching Christmas video. It was really the first time in a long while that an airline did something nice for their passengers and filmed it. If you recall, the late 2000’s and early 2010s were part of an era of airline austerity. Back then, airlines thrived on minimalism. It was a race to the bottom with less food onboard, smaller seats, less service, mergers ‘to serve you better’ and more fees.
So to see an airline roll out a campaign where they spread the holiday spirit was downright fascinating. To date, almost 50 million people have seen the video. Unsurprisingly, the video has aged really well. There is something really creative and exciting when you watch passengers semi-jokingly tell a cheesy Santa video console at a gate what they want for Christmas only to see that WestJet’s Santa and his team of elves (employees) actually deliver the requested gifts at their destination to grateful passengers.
This WestJet Video Tugs At Your Heart Strings
Six years later, we checked out this video and once again we might have a little something in our eye. It’s just allergies, right?
WestJet has continued this tradition. And each year we post on their video. While the original will probably always be the best, we’re excited to see what this year’s WestJet Christmas video will bring. WestJet posted online this week that this year’s video is coming soon. We can’t wait.
Awsum
Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you and yours.