This post was also published at the end of January when Mental Wellness Month was taking place.
Elmo’s post has received over 200 million views and 18,000 responses. It has also been reposted over 58,000 times by users. Users used memes, images, and other visuals in their Elmo replies to add layers of humor and sarcasm.
Elmo’s A number of celebrities and brands shared Elmo’s message. The story also caught the attention of the news media. Outlets like the New York Times reported on it.
U.S. President Joe Biden joined the online conversation to share mental health resources. Joe Biden, the President of the United States, joined in on an online discussion to discuss mental health resources.
Elmo’s viral post was a result of the popularity of Sesame Street, a popular brand.
Elmo’s X virality shows how fictional characters can become influencers. Characters like Elmo, who have a strong social media presence, are well-suited for creating a viral moment.
Read more: Barbie isn’t just a movie star now — she’s also a virtual social media influencer.
A brand with an iconic image
Douglas Holt, a cultural branding expert and marketing specialist, describes Elmo and Sesame street as examples of “icon brands“. These are companies that have become major cultural icons. We can relate to them on a personal basis. They are myths that shape our identity.
Since Sesame street debuted in 1969 is now a major brand. Many people are familiar with the show and its characters. They also have merchandise, storybooks or video games. And now, social media accounts. I learned to read using the Sesame Street book, Big Bird.
Elmo is a cultural icon. Elmo has appeared in TV shows and movies. The release of the plush Tickle Me Elmo toys in the late 1990s became a cultural sensation. The 2011 documentary Elmo’s Joy: A Puppeteer’s Journey highlighted the joy Elmo brings to terminally-ill children.
These examples clearly show that Elmo, Sesame Street and Sesame Street are still a popular brand on social media.
Elmo’s social media brand
Holt says that a brand must be maintained constantly in order to remain iconic. Brands like Sesame Street and Elmo now need a presence on social media.
Elmo’s not the only Sesame Street character to have an X Account. Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster join Elmo in X.
Elmo, his Sesame Street, and his friends are a trend in which fictional characters are given human characteristics via social media accounts. This is similar to Virtual Influencers.
Elmo’s X is a social media account that, like all fictional characters, is managed by a manager. However, Elmo’s X allows the public to interact with him in incredibly unique and new ways.
It takes a lot of work to keep iconic brands relevant in the popular culture.