Explore 15 powerful social media case studies from top brands. Learn how to write your social media case study with our step-by-step framework.
Social media marketing isn’t just about posts—it’s about strategy and results. The best way to learn? Social media case studies that reveal how brands turn engagement into impact. From viral trends to influencer power plays, these success stories offer a blueprint for digital success.
But the ones that really shed some light and insights about today's best practices in social are the best ones that go beyond vanity metrics, showing how social media marketing drives real ROI.
This article breaks down the smartest campaigns, uncovering what worked, why it mattered, and how you can apply it to your own strategy. Let’s dive in!
#1. Food: Lay's "Do Us a Flavor" Campaign
#2. Jewelry: Tiffany & Co.'s "Believe in Love" Campaign
#3. Restaurants & Cafes: Chipotle's #ChipotleLidFlip Campaign
#4. Beauty & Cosmetics: Sephora's Virtual Artist Campaign
#5. E-commerce: ASOS's #AsSeenOnMe Campaign
#6. Alcohol: Guinness's "Made of More" Campaign
#7. Fashion: Gucci's TikTok and AR Campaign
#8. Airlines: KLM's "Meet & Seat" Campaign
#9. Automotive: Mercedes-Benz's #MBPhotoPass Campaign
#10. IKEA's Place AR App Campaign
#11. Hospitality & Hotels: Marriott's Travel Brilliantly Campaign
#12. NGO: UNICEF Sweden's "Likes Don't Save Lives" Campaign
#13. Travel: Expedia's "Made to Travel" Campaign
#14. Appliances: Samsung's AR Innovation
#15. Beverages: Coca-Cola's "Taste the Feeling" Campaign
When it comes to using the power of user-generated content (UGC), Lay's created a content strategy that would become a social media case study for countless brands.
Their approach? Turn customers into product developers and brand storytellers.
Launched for the first time in July 2012, and revived in October 2024, the "Do Us a Flavor" campaign invited customers to create new potato chip flavors through multiple channels, focusing on direct consumer engagement rather than influencer partnerships or sophisticated technology.
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This social media marketing campaign case study had impressive outcomes in the past, with over 3 million flavor submissions across 30 countries, a 12% increase in sales across participating markets, and 68% of participants reported a stronger brand connection.
For the most recent edition, let’s examine the results in real-time through the Socialinsider dashboard. Here’s a summary of the performance of the posts in the campaign compared to other content pillars.
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đź’ˇInsider tip: The success of this brand strategy case study shows that effective social media campaigns should evolve with their audiences. Lay's continually refreshed its approach, from simple flavor submissions to producing Reels and encouraging UGC, keeping the campaign fresh across multiple years.
​​Want to analyze your campaign performance like a pro? Access comprehensive social media analytics and create your own compelling case studies.
This social media marketing strategy case study demonstrates how a luxury brand can blend celebrity power with authentic storytelling.
Tiffany & Co.'s approach was to create an inclusive narrative around love while maintaining its premium positioning.
Launched in 2017, the "Believe in Love" campaign reimagined traditional engagement ring marketing by featuring diverse real couples and powerful musical storytelling through partnerships with Alicia Keys and later Lady Gaga.
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This content strategy created significant results:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: This social media marketing strategy case study proves that less is more in luxury social media. Tiffany & Co.'s social posts maintained sophistication through simple, uncluttered visuals and minimal text. Even with celebrity partnerships and diverse stories, each post adhered to its clean, elegant aesthetic, proving that simplicity in social media can actually amplify your message.
Chipotle's #ChipotleLidFlip social media case study showcases how turning an employee's casual skill into a viral moment can create authentic engagement.
The company managed to successfully transform everyday restaurant actions into viral social media entertainment — enviable, we know.
Launched in May 2019, the campaign capitalized on a Chipotle employee's unique lid-flipping technique, turning it into a TikTok challenge that would captivate Gen Z audiences.
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This social media marketing case study achieved remarkable results:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: This content strategy case study shows that successful social media challenges don't need complex rules or elaborate setups. The simple lid flip was easy to replicate and fun, making it perfect for TikTok's format. When launching your own challenges, focus on actions that are simple enough for anyone to try but satisfying enough to share.
Sephora's Virtual Artist Campaign case study shows how AR technology can solve a real customer pain point. Their approach was to turn smartphones — which are very accessible to clients — into virtual makeup mirrors.
Launched in 2016, this innovative AR filter within Sephora's mobile app changed how customers shop for makeup by enabling virtual product try-ons, becoming one of the continuous innovations the brand came up with over the years.
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The social media strategy delivered great results:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: This social media marketing case study demonstrates that utility comes first and entertainment second. Sephora's success came from focusing on using technology to provide real value. When developing AR content for social media, prioritize practicality rather than just creating a fun filter.
A social media case study that shows how UGC can transform an online shopping experience. ASOS managed to turn customers into content creators and brand ambassadors, which is something all brands aspire to.
Launched in 2014, the #AsSeenOnMe campaign reimagined product imagery by encouraging ASOS customers to share their personal styling of products, creating a more authentic shopping experience.
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A marketing case study with exceptional results:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: While getting tons of UGC is great, quality is also key. ASOS's success came from carefully curating UGC, ensuring quality content while maintaining authenticity. This balanced approach helps maintain brand standards while celebrating customer creativity.
Guinness's "Made of More" campaign shows how emotional storytelling can evolve across time and platforms.
Launched in 2012 as a traditional TV campaign, "Made of More" gained new life in 2018 when Guinness reimagined it for social media through the story of the Compton Cowboys.
The campaign's transformation from cinematic TV spots to platform-specific social content demonstrated how classic brand storytelling can adapt to changing media consumption.
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"Made of More" was an award-winning campaign that delivered significant results:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: This social media case study proves you shouldn't toss campaigns into the archive bin. Instead of starting from scratch, use social media analytics to understand what worked and reuse the powerful core message and tactics of successful campaigns. Only adapt the format and approach for new channels and habits.
Our analysis of Gucci's TikTok and AR campaign demonstrates how a luxury brand successfully connected with Gen Z audiences by blending high fashion with playful, interactive digital experiences.
Launched through multiple initiatives on TikTok and AR platforms, Gucci transformed traditional luxury marketing.
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This social media case study boasts enviable results:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: This social media case study shows that brands need to meet their audience where they are. Gucci's success came from understanding that Gen Z expects interactive, playful content, and they delivered without compromising their premium positioning.
KLM's "Meet & Seat" campaign really took off. The airline managed to transform flights into networking opportunities by connecting passengers before takeoff.
Launched in 2012, this program integrated social media profiles with flight bookings, allowing passengers to choose seats based on shared interests and professional backgrounds. Ingenious, huh?
The social media integration expanded systematically. Initially launched on routes to San Francisco, New York, and SĂŁo Paulo, it later added 10 additional destinations.
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💡Insider tip: KLM's success came from understanding that social connections are most meaningful when they serve a practical purpose — in this case, making long flights more engaging and productive. When creating social media experiences, focus on adding real value to customers' lives.
This social media case study illustrates how a luxury car brand reimagined influencer marketing.
Mercedes-Benz handed over the social media keys to storytellers who could capture authentic adventures with their vehicles.
Launched in 2014 and revived in 2024, the #MBPhotoPass campaign transformed traditional automotive marketing by letting influencers and photographers document their personal Mercedes-Benz experiences, targeting the "Generation Benz" aged 20-39.
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This content strategy delivered impressive results when first launched, with 269 images posted, 173 million total impressions, 2.3 million likes/comments, and over $4 million in earned media.
Wondering how the most recent campaign did? Socialinsider helps you track results based on hashtags and content pillars so you can monitor your brand’s performance — or the competition’s — in real time.
For example, below, you can see the most popular and engaging posts from the latest 2024 #MBPhotoPass campaign — and those are some impressive numbers. If needed, you can drill down the list or analyze each post’s performance in detail.
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: Successful influencer campaigns don't need to control every aspect. Choose the right creators and let them tell genuine stories rather than dictating strict brand guidelines.
Moving furniture around just to see if it fits? IKEA had a better idea. This social media marketing case study reveals how AR technology transformed the furniture buying experience.
Launched in 2017, IKEA Place rearranged the rules of furniture shopping by combining AR technology with social sharing capabilities, making interior design decisions more confident and collaborative.
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: First-mover advantage matters. Being an early AR adopter positioned IKEA as an innovative leader, garnering significant media attention and respect from other players in the industry. Don't be afraid to test and experiment with new platforms and content formats early, and you might become the next successful case study that competitors model.
Beyond booking rooms and earning points, Marriott saw an opportunity to spark wanderlust. This content strategy case study explores how the hotel giant transformed from a place to stay into a source of travel inspiration.
Launched in 2013, the Travel Brilliantly campaign shifted focus from beds and amenities to the power of travel, targeting a new generation of global travelers who blend work and play.
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This social media campaign achieved remarkable engagement:
3 key lessons for social media managers
đź’ˇ Insider tip: When developing a social media strategy, consider how you can elevate your category conversation. Marriott succeeded by talking about travel's transformative power, creating content that resonated beyond the traditional hospitality space.
How do you shake people out of their social media comfort zone? UNICEF Sweden did it by calling out empty engagement. This social media marketing case study examines how brutal honesty transformed online activism.
Launched in 2013 to challenge "slacktivism," the campaign used provocative messaging to convert passive social media support into meaningful action.
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This social media case study sparked important conversations:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: This social media marketing case study proves that going against platform norms can be powerful. While most campaigns chase likes and shares, success can come from deliberately devaluing these metrics in favor of meaningful actions.
While most travel social media ads showcase destinations, Expedia chose to celebrate the human instinct to explore. This social media case study reveals how focusing on emotional journeys created deeper audience connections.
Launched in 2022 with a Super Bowl debut and a Twitter activation and updated in 2024, the "Made to Travel" campaign moved beyond travel clichés to capture authentic moments of discovery.
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The posts in this campaign received significant engagement, as shown by the analytics below.
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: When developing travel content for social media, resist the urge to follow typical tourism imagery. Expedia's success came from focusing on the emotional moments of travel rather than the usual landmark shots.
When it comes to making technology tangible, Samsung turned to augmented reality.
This case study examines how AR bridges the gap between digital marketing and product experience — and how social media plays an important role in the process.
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This social media marketing case study showcases AR innovation through:
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đź’ˇ Insider tip: When developing AR features for social media, ensure they serve both marketing and practical purposes. Samsung's success came from creating AR experiences that didn't just promote products but became useful features in their own right.
Sometimes, the biggest stories come from the smallest moments. This social media content strategy case study reveals how Coca-Cola turned everyday experiences into a global phenomenon.
Launched in 2016 as their largest marketing campaign ever, "Taste the Feeling" reimagined how a beverage brand could connect with audiences worldwide through relatable, emotional storytelling.
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This social media marketing strategy case study achieved a massive scale:
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💡Insider tip: When developing social media content, let your audience be your storytellers. Focus on moments your customers are already experiencing and sharing — friends hanging out, celebrations, and daily breaks. Use existing behaviors rather than trying to create new ones.
Ready to document your social media success? Before diving into our case study framework, make sure you have the right analytics tool.
After examining successful social media campaigns across different industries, let's break down how to create your own compelling case study.
Whether you're documenting campaign results or learning from others' successes, this social media template will help you structure your analysis effectively.
Why should you create a social media case study? Because compelling case studies help marketers learn from successful campaigns and demonstrate ROI. And because, let's face it, it's fun to showcase your hard work.
Here's your step-by-step guide to crafting an effective social media case study:
The opening should immediately grab attention by highlighting what makes this campaign unique. Present the brand and explain why this particular case study matters to social media marketers.
đź’ˇ Insider tip: When writing your case study, resist the urge to only showcase successes. Including the challenges faced and how you overcame them makes your case study more credible and valuable to other marketers.
Every successful social media case study starts with solid data. While creativity and strategy drive campaigns, it's the metrics that tell the real story of their impact.
Ready to create your own case study? Start by gathering the right insights. Try Socialinsider's free 14-day trial to access in-depth analytics across all major social media platforms. You'll get the comprehensive metrics and competitive insights needed to build compelling case studies that showcase your social media success.
Turn your next campaign into a social media case study worth sharing.
A social media case study is a detailed analysis of a marketing campaign that documents the strategy, execution, and results. It tells the story of how a brand tackled specific challenges or opportunities through social media, providing concrete data and insights that other marketers can learn from. Think of it as a blueprint that shows what worked, what didn't, and why.
The answer depends on your role.
For brands:
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When brands and agencies submit case studies together, they create a powerful narrative of collaborative success. This partnership approach often leads to stronger award submissions, as they can showcase both strategic thinking and real-world business impact. The resulting recognition benefits both parties through increased visibility, enhanced credibility, and new business opportunities.
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