If you haven’t heard about this yet you must have been living under a very large rock (with no internet connection) because it’s the latest social media phenomenon storming the web.

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral internet video trend where people remain frozen in action, like mannequins, while a video is recorded, (usually with the song “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd playing in the background).

Innocently started by students from a High School in Jacksonville, Florida, in late October, within a matter of days it became the latest trend, with a host of celebrities and public figures getting involved.

Now we’ve seen social media video challenges before, the ice bucket challenge and the Harlem Shake for example, but this time brands have acted quickly to capitalise on the trend.

So here’s our list of the reasons to get involved and the importance of keeping your finger on the social media pulse.

1. Viral movements are a very powerful form of digital marketing and branding.

If you make the effort to get involved using the #MannequinChallenge, you can become part of a trending topic which can boost your visibility, bring people to your profile, and see your channel listed in a trending hashtag list – it’s the kind of virus you want to catch.

2. It’s not just about social media presence.

A quick Google search reveals that most of the national and global news press (The Telegraph, New York Times, ESPN, The Sun, The Independent, BBC etc) are all reporting on the trend, and of course, using visual examples. For the selected few mentioned in these stories, they’ve scored some significant media exposure.

3. A sense of humour goes a long way.

The Mannequin Challenge isn’t the most serious and informative way to showcase your brand and company, but it will stand as proof of creativity, initiative, marketing awareness, and a proactive attitude – all positives when showcasing your brand.

We loved Spain’s football team‘s response to the on-pitch Mannequin Challenge by Jamie Vardy and our home team.

#manequinchallenge @SeFutbol 🇪🇸⚽️🤔😂 pic.twitter.com/OSpIbThhHn

— Sergio Asenjo (@SergioAsenjo1) November 15, 2016

4. Don’t be afraid to break the mould.

When Beyoncé, Paul McCartney and Cristiano Ronaldo got involved, we weren’t really suprised. But Hillary Clinton? The night before the election? This was a clever move by the Democrat candidate to get people talking, and voting, and even earn herself some new fans with a timely “don’t stand still, vote today” strap line and well executed attempt.

https://twitter.com/HillaryClinton/status/795955854059171840

5. Make the most of it.

Some of the most mesmerising mannequin challenges out there are the ones that display some serious skill and talent, meaning that for some it works as an invaluable shop window for their produce, service, or achievements.

Membership at this gym, and booking for the personal trainer who posted this video, will be going up!

https://twitter.com/BradleyMartyn/status/797868770073022464

6. Quality and Timing.

The best Mannequin Challenge videos involve lots of people, good camera skills, creative poses and last no more than a minute. If you make a poor video it certainly won’t ‘break the internet’, and could just be a disservice. Also, strike while the iron is hot. A new trend will soon here.

Here’s one of the best from the the pros at The Late Late Show.

That James is a real crowd pleaser. #MannequinChallenge pic.twitter.com/EwqD2z5xhy

— The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) November 8, 2016

7. Oh and one more point, making a video and posting it on the internet is free.

Yes it requires some know-how and some effort, but it won’t cost a penny and could go a long way. Hendrick Motorsports got involved and had a go in the pits during a rain delay.

Rain delay #MannequinChallenge. 😂 pic.twitter.com/EV0npKSzYw

— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 6, 2016

For advice on how to market your brand, manage your social media channels, and stay up to date on all the latest strategy and trends, contact a member of the team at Red Marlin, call us on 01926 832395 or tweet us @RedMarlinPR.