Lesson #4: Try Shit

@Wahony finds his way to 10 lessons from 10 viral reels, at number four.

To earn $900 to pay his increased rent, digital creator @wahony posted a video stating he was selling ad space on the wall behind him. i.e. printed papers taped to a wall. Starting with these $3 ads, the videos progress to showcase him selling half his profile picture ($25), a separate ‘korean’ wall, slots on a table to place products and eventually a ‘premium ad’ auctioned for $130.

With over 18mn views over 11 videos, the series sees @wahony’s “success” and failure. Things take a downward turn when he decides to read out what people want him to say, for a price. And of course, people sent some not-so-nice things for him to say about himself.

After selling over 400 slots of ad space, the series culminates in a paid partnership with @instagramforbusiness – the world’s most ironic spin on things – and a video that… well... you just need to watch.

This series reminded me the Million Dollar Homepage – a gem from the archives of the pre-algorithm internet days. Gen Z folks reading this – google it. (Or ChatGPT it?)

Lesson #4: Try shit

With traditional marketers still sitting at the top of the marketing food chain in most organizations, it’s easy to make your social media just another distribution channel for your ads. But if you want your social to be social, brand playbooks and keys might have to take a backseat. Social media is a little weird, it is a little random and embracing it can be quite rewarding.

The engagement and business from @instagramforbusiness @pizzahut and @mrbeast on this piece of randomness should be enough to encourage you to Try Shit.

Created by @wahony for his landlord.