The “Darude — Sandstorm” button prank isn’t the only April Fools’ Day project YouTube participated in yesterday. Google’s online video site partnered with Chevrolet and online comedy network Jash to live stream a day full of surprises for the #BestDayEver marketing campaign on April 1, 2015.
Broadcast out of YouTube Space LA, the #BestDayEver live stream was hosted by comedian Jon Dore and musical comedy duo Garfunkel and Oates. Throughout the day, the trio introduced various surprises live streamed from different parts of the country, including appearances from digital stars like Tyler Oakley, Rooster Teeth, and Harley Morenstein of Epic Meal Time. Traditional celebrities and athletes, such as Kelly Clarkson, Olivia Wilde, and the soccer team Manchester United, also showed up for their own dedicated segments meant to make people’s days a little brighter.
Manchester United mascot Fred the Red presented Make-A-Wish Foundation wish recipient
Matthew McMahon with tickets to an upcoming match in Manchester on May 16. Three Manchester United players recorded a personalized video inviting Matthew to the match.
YouTubers Korey Kuhl and Tyler Oakley answer some live stream viewers’ (apparently amusing) questions.
Olivia Wilde surprised students in a production-assistant’s training program as the
day’s guest instructor in Brooklyn, NY. Wilde shared personal stories about her career, including her first days as a PA before taking a selfie with students.
Alec Baldwin shocked a Occidental College classroom by delivering the day’s lecture
dressed as Abraham Lincoln in Los Angeles on April 1, 2015. Baldwin posed with the students for a selfie.
Norman Reedus poses with students St. John’s University students in Jamaica, N.Y. after
surprising them as their substitute professor.
The initiative was part of Chevrolet’s goal to raise awareness for the car manufacturer’s advances in technology and product design. “We want to surprise people to get them to rethink what they know about Chevrolet and reintroduce our lineup of award-winning cars and crossovers,” said Chevrolet’s U.S. Vice President of Marketing Paul Edwards, to Adweek. “By making it the #BestDayEver for thousands of people across the country, we want them to take notice that the brand is back in a big way.”
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As for Jash, co-founder Mickey Meyer told Adweek the #BestDayEver idea predominantly came from Chevy. “For us, it was a no brainer to work with them because of the success of so much content with a pay-it-forward nature,” Meyer said. “It was the best tool in signing up talent. Our success rate in getting people to participate is near perfect.”
You can check out the #BestDayEver highlights and video clips on Chevrolet’s official YouTube channel.
