This Chipotle Sticker Is a Masterclass in Playful Product Teasing

TIKTOK
STORY
AWARENESS
EN
by @chipotle
@chipotle

hitting a grill near u 9/4

♬ original sound - Chipotle

Creative Idea The creative idea is to transform a mundane operational element-a custom order sticker-into the primary vehicle for a product announcement. By replacing a customer's name with witty, meme-like copy such as "Now Marinating" and "Hittin a grill near u," the brand subverts expectations and creates a moment of surprise. This approach turns a simple behind-the-scenes video into a clever and shareable marketing teaser, generating intrigue and conversation around an upcoming launch without a formal, high-production reveal. Execution Breakdown The video is executed with intentional simplicity, shot from a first-person perspective that mimics authentic, user-generated content. It begins with the familiar and satisfying process of a food bowl being prepared, which immediately grounds the viewer in a known context. The crucial moment is the deliberate placement of the foil lid, followed by a slow zoom onto the sticker. This simple camera movement directs the audience's full attention to the text, making the clever wordplay the undeniable focal point and punchline of the entire video. Why It Works This content succeeds by leveraging authenticity and platform-native humor. It feels less like a corporate advertisement and more like an inside joke being shared directly with the community. The low-production style makes the brand appear more relatable and in touch with current internet culture. This strategy effectively builds brand personality and generates significant organic buzz, as the cryptic yet playful message encourages viewers to comment, speculate, and share, driving engagement far beyond what a traditional ad might achieve. What to Replicate vs. What to Test Next Brands should replicate the core strategy of using everyday, customer-facing assets like packaging, receipts, or signage as a canvas for creative messaging. This low-cost, high-impact method is excellent for building brand voice. To test next, the brand could evolve this into an interactive campaign. For example, they could launch a user-generated content contest asking followers to submit their own witty "order names" or create a poll prompting the audience to guess what new item is marinating, turning passive viewing into active participation. Adaptations for Small Business Owners Small business owners can easily adopt this tactic without a large budget. A local coffee shop could hand-write a clever question of the day on its cup sleeves, a bakery could use a sticker with a fun fact on its pastry boxes, or a retail store could include a unique, humorous compliment on its receipts. The goal is to identify a routine touchpoint in the customer journey and inject it with personality. This creates a memorable and shareable experience that fosters customer loyalty and organic marketing. In conclusion This post is a powerful demonstration of modern, effective social media marketing. By repurposing a simple sticker for a creative announcement, the brand successfully generates curiosity and reinforces its culturally relevant identity. It proves that a clever, well-executed concept can be far more impactful than a large-scale production, creating a genuine and entertaining connection with its audience while achieving key business awareness goals.

Creator: chipotle
Status: published
Featured: No
Created: 9/4/2025