All businesses are constantly trying to jump on to latest trends and use the perfect audio to make one of their Instagram reels go viral. Sometimes that works. However, occasionally the simplest reels that don’t use any trending audio or special effects can take off at the most unexpected of times.
This was the case for Bob Ross Inc. While we know that Bob Ross is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through Bob Ross Inc. They are a company that sells official Bob Ross painting supplies, merchandise, and carries on the happy little spirit of the lovely Bob Ross. Bob Ross Inc. decided to partner with us at Bad Rhino to help develop a more organized and consistent social media presence. Their social profiles already had a substantial following thanks to the well-known name of Bob Ross.
Their Instagram content is consistently well-received through reels and still images, but this particular Instagram reel surpassed all expectations. In July of 2024, an Instagram reel on Bob Ross Inc.’s Instagram page achieved 6.5 million views, 483,826 reel interactions, and resulted in an increase of 90,823 followers. The best part? Not a single penny was spent. This reel took off completely on its own, though it certainly benefited from ongoing ad campaigns that consistently drive exposure to the brand.
You can view the Instagram reel here.
You must be wondering what made this reel so special to gain all of this traction. It’s tough to say. Sometimes, content simply hits the right note at the right time, and the algorithm shows it to a large audience. This reel’s success was a perfect storm of factors: the calming presence of Bob Ross, the simplicity of the reel, and a touch of nostalgia. Replicating the success of this reel is extremely difficult. It’s often a combination of timing, relevance, and a bit of luck.
While high-quality videos and complex ad strategies definitely have their place, Bob Ross Inc. is a good reminder that sometimes the simplest, most authentic content is what resonates the most with an audience.
