KFC Sent a Painting to the Guy Who Discovered the Secret Hidden in Its Twitter Account
The Clever Social Media Mystery That Had Everyone Talking
Fast-food giant KFC has always been known for its marketing brilliance, but in 2017, the company took it to a whole new level. A Twitter user named Mike Edgette uncovered a subtle yet ingenious detail about KFC’s official Twitter account that left the internet buzzing. The discovery quickly went viral, prompting KFC to respond in a way that only the Colonel’s team could—by sending Edgette a hilarious and custom-made painting.
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Watch Now: Exclusive Video Inside!
The Secret Behind KFC’s Twitter Account
KFC's official Twitter account (@KFC) had been following only 11 people at the time: all five members of the Spice Girls and six random men named Herb. This wasn’t just a quirky coincidence; it was a clever nod to KFC’s world-famous secret recipe, which consists of "11 herbs and spices."
The discovery went unnoticed for some time until Mike Edgette, a social media user from the U.S., posted a tweet pointing it out. His tweet quickly gained traction, garnering thousands of likes, shares, and comments as people marveled at the subtle yet brilliant marketing move by KFC.
KFC’s Legendary Response: A Custom Painting
Rather than simply acknowledging Edgette’s discovery with a thank-you tweet, KFC decided to take things a step further. They commissioned a one-of-a-kind oil painting featuring Edgette being heroically carried on Colonel Sanders’ back, symbolizing his status as the "chosen one" who cracked the code.
The painting was not just any ordinary artwork—it was a grand, Renaissance-style portrait with dramatic lighting and intricate detail, making it both amusing and impressive. KFC shipped the artwork to Edgette, who shared it on social media, adding even more fuel to the viral moment.
How the Internet Reacted
The internet exploded with admiration for KFC’s witty marketing tactics. Social media users praised the company for its creativity and engagement, with many calling it one of the best brand interactions in Twitter history. Memes, reaction videos, and fan theories flooded the internet, with some users even trying to find hidden meanings in other corporate social media accounts.
Why This Marketing Move Was Genius
KFC’s response wasn’t just a fun gimmick—it was a masterclass in viral marketing. Here’s why:
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Subtle yet Effective Branding: The 11 herbs and spices reference was a brilliant way to reinforce KFC’s brand identity without overt advertising.
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User Engagement: By rewarding a fan’s observation with such a unique and extravagant gesture, KFC strengthened its connection with its audience.
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Viral Potential: The combination of a hidden Easter egg, a fan discovery, and an over-the-top reward ensured the story’s virality.
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Long-lasting Impact: Even years later, this marketing stunt is still referenced as one of the best examples of brand engagement on social media.
Lessons for Businesses and Marketers
This case study provides valuable lessons for brands looking to boost their social media presence:
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Creativity Wins: Thinking outside the box can lead to organic viral moments that traditional advertising can’t achieve.
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Engage with Your Audience: Customers appreciate brands that listen and interact in fun and unexpected ways.
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Easter Eggs Can Drive Engagement: Hidden details can encourage fans to interact more deeply with a brand.
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Go Beyond Expected Responses: Instead of a simple retweet, KFC turned a viral moment into a lasting legacy.
Conclusion
KFC’s response to Mike Edgette’s discovery remains one of the most legendary social media interactions to date. By cleverly incorporating its brand message into an Easter egg, rewarding fan engagement with a humorous and personalized gesture, and ensuring maximum virality, KFC solidified its reputation as a master of modern marketing.
This case proves that sometimes, the best marketing isn’t about spending millions on ads—it’s about finding innovative ways to connect with your audience and leaving a lasting impression. Who knew a Twitter follow list could lead to one of the internet’s greatest marketing stories?
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