The Origins of the Idea

The idea for KFC's fried chicken-flavored toothpaste began as part of the brand's strategy to push boundaries and grab the attention of younger audiences. According to Koban Jones, Hismile's marketing manager, the collaboration was all about finding a fun way to merge two everyday products—fried chicken and toothpaste. As Jones puts it, “We love pushing boundaries, and what better way to do that than by bringing KFC's legendary flavors into an everyday essential?" This tongue-in-cheek product soon gained enough attention to go from concept to reality, further showing how unconventional products can turn into viral moments with the right marketing approach.

Influencers Amplifying the Buzz

While the toothpaste may have initially sounded like a joke, it became a conversation starter, thanks in part to the power of influencer marketing. Influencers, particularly nano- and micro-influencers, have a unique ability to generate organic conversations around even the most unusual products. These influencers, with their smaller yet highly engaged audiences, bring authenticity to their endorsements, which helps build trust in a way that larger campaigns sometimes can’t achieve.

KFC has long recognized the power of influencer partnerships. Nick Chavez, KFC’s Chief Marketing Officer, acknowledged that influencer collaborations have been instrumental in attracting younger audiences to the brand. He stated, “Our collaborations with influencers have recruited and attracted new interest and trial of our products.” In the case of fried chicken-flavored toothpaste, influencers with strong ties to their followers helped elevate the novelty of the product, making it more than just a joke but a shareable experience that people wanted to try.

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Influencer Marketing

KFC’s fried chicken-flavored toothpaste might be an unconventional product, but it shows how the right combination of creativity and influencer marketing can turn something odd into a cultural phenomenon. By tapping into the authenticity of nano- and micro-influencers, KFC has been able to transform a bizarre idea into a viral trend. It’s a reminder that influencer marketing is not just about pushing a product; it’s about creating genuine, shareable moments that resonate with audiences in a meaningful way.

Contact us today to explore how Refluenced can help you connect with the right influencers and achieve your marketing objectives. Book a demo now to see how our platform can work for you!