“Chicken” car advertising: how one commercial changed the perception of brands in the market

Recently, the Internet has literally exploded with an unusual advertisement, where the main characters were chickens and cars. At first glance, the combination is absurd: what do poultry and a modern vehicle have in common? However, marketers have proven that even such an illogical duet can become a viral hit and bring in millions of views. But how does this video affect actual car sales? And why are automakers increasingly resorting to such eccentric promotion methods?

In this article we will look at chicken advertising campaign, which became the subject of discussion on forums, social networks and even among auto experts. You will find out what brand is behind this video, what marketing techniques were used, and how an ordinary consumer can benefit from it - for example, get a discount or bonus when buying a car. We'll also analyze why these types of campaigns perform better than traditional technical advertising.

Which brand released an advertisement with chicken: author's revelation

Let's start with the main thing: A chicken commercial that has received more than 20 million views in a month is from a Korean automaker. Kia and dedicated to the model Kia EV6. The company is known for its creative approach to marketing, but this time they have outdone themselves. In the video, chickens “test” an electric car, testing it for strength, speed and even... taste (yes, there is a “test” moment).

I wonder what Kia was not the first to use animals in car advertising. Previously Volkswagen I made videos with dogs, and Peugeot - with lions. But chickens are a new level of absurdity that, oddly enough, worked. According to AdWeek, brand mentions on social networks increased by 180% after the video is released. And sales EV6 in some regions increased by 12-15%.

• 🐔 Chickens as a symbol: in the video they personify “simplicity and reliability” - they say, if the car can withstand such “testers”, then it is definitely of high quality.
• 💡 Humor as a tool: funny scenes are remembered better than dry facts about engine power.
• 📱 Viral effect: The video was actively distributed in TikTok and Instagram Reels, where short looping videos get millions of views.

By the way, not all viewers immediately realized that this was an advertisement. Kia. Many thought that behind the video was Hyundai (brand owner Kia) or even some chicken feed startup. This once again proves that non-standard marketing can both help and harm - if the brand is not recognizable from the first frame.

Why chickens and not people? The psychology of unusual advertising

At first glance, the choice of chickens as the main characters seems random. But in fact this is a thoughtful move based on psychological triggers:

1. The effect of surprise. The brain remembers better what is out of its usual context. Chickens in car advertising are just such a case.
2. Associative series. Chickens are associated with homeliness, simplicity, and naturalness. This subconsciously incites the viewer to trust the brand.
3. Humor and dopamine. Funny scenes cause the release of the “happiness hormone,” which increases loyalty to the product.

Interesting fact: according to research Nielsen, commercials with animals are remembered by 37% betterthan those where only people act. At the same time, chickens were in the top 5 most “viral” animals after cats, dogs, pandas and monkeys. Perhaps because their behavior is predictably comical - they constantly peck, run and fall, which is ideal for creating funny scenes.

But there is a downside: not all consumers take such advertising seriously. For example, on the forum Drive2 users complain that after watching the video they were left with the feeling that Kia EV6 — this is a “toy”, not a serious car. This is the risk that marketers take when choosing a format like this.

Hidden messages in the video: what is it really advertising? Kia?

On the surface are stupid chickens and an electric car. But if you look closely, several key messages are encrypted in the video:

Scene in the video	Hidden meaning	Marketing Goal
Chickens peck the car, but leave no scratches	Durability of paintwork EV6	Emphasize premium build quality
Chickens are fueled by grains, the car is fueled by electricity	Environmental friendliness of an electric car	Focus on green technologies
Chickens try to "steal" a car, but can't start it	Keyless Entry Security System	Demonstrate the reliability of theft protection
Chickens “test” the interior for comfort	Ergonomics and space EV6	Attract a family audience

Particularly interesting is the scene where the chickens try to “fill” the car with grains. This is a direct hint that EV6 is an electric car and does not require traditional fuel. At the same time, the video does not contain any mention of technical characteristics (for example, power reserve or charging time), which is not typical for car advertising. Perhaps Kia specifically focused on emotions rather than “dry” facts in order to attract a wider audience.

But here lies a potential problem: the viewer, having laughed at chickens, may still not understand what advantages they have. Kia EV6 compared to competitors like Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5. Therefore, such advertising works better when paired with more informative materials - for example, review videos on YouTube or test drives.

What kind of car is actually being advertised?

Despite the fact that the video does not directly mention the model, it can be identified by body parts and logo 2023 Kia EV6 included GT-Line. This electric crossover costs from 3.5 million rubles in Russia and is positioned as a premium alternative Tesla.

How does chicken advertising affect prices and discounts on Kia EV6

A viral video is not only entertainment, but also sales tool. After its release, dealers Kia reported an increase in interest in EV6, especially among young people (25-35 years old). Some salons even launched special promotions:

• 🎁 "Chicken bonus": upon purchase EV6 on credit - free installation of a charging station on 7 kW.
• 🐥 Trade-in with benefits: trade in your old car and get a discount 100,000 rubles on EV6.
• 📱 Social discounts: if you came on a recommendation from TikTok (mentioned promo code CHICKEN2026) — additional service package.

However, there is also a downside: the popularity of the model has led to the emergence of markups on EV6 in the most popular colors (for example, Aurora Black Pearl or Snow White Pearl). According to Autostat, in Moscow and St. Petersburg the price of a car increased by 50-80 thousand rubles compared to the beginning of 2026.

If you are considering purchasing Kia EV6, here's what you can do to save money:

Compare prices at different dealerships (for example, through Auto.ru)

Check availability of trade-in or lending shares

Check if the promo code is valid CHICKEN2026 (sometimes they give it when you sign up for a test drive)

View offers on the secondary market (there are already 2023 cars with mileage up to 10,000 km)

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By the way, if you are not ready to pay for a “promoted” model, pay attention to analogues: Hyundai Ioniq 5 (same platform, but cheaper by 200-300 thousand rubles) or BYD Atto 3 (Chinese electric crossover with a good warranty).

Are competitors copying? Other auto brands and their “animal” campaigns

Success Kia did not go unnoticed. Already, other automakers are beginning to experiment with similar formats. For example:

• 🐶 Volkswagen released a video with dogs “walking” a new ID. Buzz (electric minibus).
• 🦁 Peugeot used lions for advertising Peugeot 408 - supposedly to emphasize the “predatory” design of the car.
• 🐝 Renault in one of the videos he used bees, symbolizing the “ecological friendliness” of his hybrids.

However, not all campaigns were successful. For example, advertising Nissan with monkeys testing Nissan Ariya, caused a wave of criticism from animal rights activists. The company had to apologize and take the video off the air. This is a reminder that even the most creative marketing must consider ethical standards.

Experts predict that in 2026-2026 we will see even more “animal” advertising campaigns in the auto industry. But for them to work, brands will have to balance humor, originality and respect for viewers. Otherwise, instead of virality, they will get a scandal.

1) Memorable (unusual plot)

2) Does not offend ethical standards

3) Backed up by real benefits of the product (not just humor) -->

How can the average consumer benefit from chicken advertising?

You might be thinking, “So what does it matter to me if a video gets millions of views?” In fact, viral campaigns open up several opportunities for potential buyers:

1. Discounts and bonuses. As we already mentioned, dealers often launch promotions after successful advertising. Follow promotional codes on social networks (for example, in official accounts Kia Russia in VK or Telegram).
2. Improved trade-in conditions. To support demand, showrooms can offer more favorable conditions for exchanging an old car for a new one.
3. More information about the model. A viral video is usually accompanied by a wave of reviews, test drives and comparisons. For example, after the release of an advertisement with chicken on YouTube more than 50 new videos have appeared about Kia EV6 - from analysis of technical characteristics to reviews from owners.

But be careful: sometimes viral advertising can create artificial hype. For example, after the video was released, some dealers began to brazenly inflate prices, citing “increased demand.” To avoid overpaying:

⚠️ Attention: If you are told that a car has risen in price due to a “successful advertising campaign,” ask for official confirmation from the manufacturer. Most often this is just a ploy to sell the car for more money. Compare prices in different salons and don’t hesitate to bargain.

Another life hack: if you liked the car from the viral video, but the price is too high, look at similar models from other brands. For example, instead of Kia EV6 you can consider:

• 🚗 Hyundai Ioniq 5 - same platform E-GMP, but cheaper.
• 🚗 BYD Seal - Chinese electric crossover with a good warranty.
• 🚗 Tesla Model Y — if the infrastructure of charging stations is important to you.

The future of auto advertising: what awaits us after chickens and dogs?

The trend for “animalistic” advertising in the auto industry is only gaining momentum. According to agency forecasts Wieden+Kennedy (who, by the way, worked on the famous advertisement Old Spice), in the coming years we will see:

• 🤖 AI characters. Virtual influencers (such as Lil Miquela) will “test” cars in videos.
• 🎮 Interactive advertising. The viewer will be able to “control” the car in the video via swipes on the smartphone screen.
• 🌍 Eco-themed. The videos will focus on sustainable development (for example, cars “planted” like trees).

But the most important trend is personalization. Already, some brands (for example, BMW) are experimenting with advertising that adapts to the interests of the viewer. For example, if you often search the Internet for information about family cars, you will be shown a video with an emphasis on safety and interior space. And if you love speed, then with dynamic racing.

However, no matter how advertising changes, the main rule remains the same: she should sell. Yes, chickens in the video Kia funny, but if only EV6 was a bad car, no amount of virality would be enough for long-term success. Therefore, always separate marketing ploys from the actual characteristics of the car.

⚠️ Attention: If you are lured into a salon under the pretext of a “chicken promo code promotion,” but then they start pushing you on expensive insurance or unnecessary options, this is a reason to be wary. Viral advertising should not be a cover for deception.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about advertising with chicken and Kia EV6

🐔 Where can I watch the original video with the chicken and the car?

The official version is posted on Kia Worldwide YouTube channel. The video is also available in TikTok and Instagram under the hashtag #KiaEV6Chicken. Beware of pirated copies - sometimes scammers replace links to phishing sites.

💰 Do they give real discounts using the promo code CHICKEN2026?

Yes, but not at all dealerships. The promotional code is valid in official stores Kia in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Kazan. In regions they may not accept it or offer free maintenance instead of a discount. Check conditions by phone or on the dealer's website.

🚗 Why did you choose chickens and not other animals?

According to the creative director of the agency Innocean Worldwide (which developed the campaign), chickens were chosen for their "universal comedy" and association with simplicity. In addition, they do not cause such emotional controversy as, for example, dogs or cats (which have many fans and detractors).

📉 Is it true that prices for Kia EV6 have increased after the advertisement?

Partially. In some showrooms, a surcharge has indeed appeared on popular colors (for example, black or white), but in general the price remained at the level of early 2026. If they offer you a more expensive car 3.7 million rubles in the basic configuration, it is worth looking for other offers.

🔋 Does the Kia EV6 have real advantages over the Tesla Model Y?

Yes, and there are several of them:

• Longer warranty (7 years for battery versus 8 years for Tesla, but with better conditions).
• Fast charging (from 10% to 80% per 18 minutes at the stations 350 kW).
• More spacious interior due to a flat floor (no tunnel for the driveshaft).

However Tesla wins in the number of charging stations and software (autopilot, entertainment functions).