The Original Tamale Company, a family-run tamale shop in Pacoima, Los Angeles, has achieved viral marketing success thanks to a clever AI-created video produced in just 10 minutes. The 46-second social media spot, which humorously advises a man falling from an airplane on where to land safely, ends by suggesting landing at The Original Tamale Company. The ad, blending humor with product showcasing, has been viewed over 22 million times within three weeks and garnered 1.2 million likes.
Christian Ortega, who manages marketing for the family business, credits ChatGPT for helping create the script and the narrator's voice in the video. Ortega combined AI with his own creativity to produce content that resonates with audiences, leveraging popular memes and trends to connect with potential customers.
The viral video has translated into increased foot traffic and sales at the restaurant, with customers mentioning the ad as a key factor in their decision to visit. The success story highlights how small businesses, often operating on razor-thin margins, can now harness AI tools for impactful marketing campaigns that were previously accessible only to big agencies or influencers.
This story demonstrates the transformative potential of AI as a tool to democratize marketing and enhance the competitive edge of small, family-owned businesses amid challenging economic conditions.