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AdFreak cracks KFC's secret code

Kfc_hidden_code_spot It looks like KFC is getting some buzz out of a commercial it's breaking tonight that encourages viewers to play the ad again in slo-mo to find a secret code that will allow them towow!get a $1 coupon on a new sandwich. We're told that a story about the ad just appeared on CNBC, positioning it as a work-around aimed at getting DVR nation to pay some attention to an ad for once. (According to this story at Adweek.com, for some reason ABC is alone in not airing the spot with the stealth information included.) The commercial is also airing at the KFC site, so you could view it here, but it's really not much of a commercial. And besides, we figured it out already; the secret code is "Buffalo." If you want the coupon, go to the same link and type the word in. And don't forget to tell 'em AdFreak sent ya.

Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

February 23, 2006 in KFC | Permalink

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This will be interesting: Since the ad hasn't aired yet, how did you find out the code?

Posted by: Elisabeth | Feb 23, 2006 6:01:33 PM

It's in the commercial that is streaming on the site...so it ain't much of a secret.

Posted by: Catharine P. Taylor | Feb 23, 2006 6:10:24 PM

Sorry, I wasn't trying to be accusatory. I was just wondering if it actually worked.

It sounds cool to me...giving people a free sample just for paying attention? Do you think other brands will pick up the idea?

Posted by: Elisabeth | Feb 23, 2006 6:18:55 PM

Not to worry. I didn't take it that way. I suppose other advertisers may try something like this, but this seems awfully rudimentary from an executional perspective.

Posted by: Catharine P. Taylor | Feb 23, 2006 6:24:06 PM

Their website accepts the "secret code" but then rejects me as being "too young." Doesn't seem to matter what year I use for a birthdate either. Born in 1920? Too young for buffalo.

Posted by: Bryan | Feb 23, 2006 11:29:04 PM

Okay, seems to be an error with their website when viewed with Firefox. But they are MAILING (via snail mail) the coupon, IF you are among the first 75,000. As if the website could not have determined that already and just freaking printed out the coupon right now!

Very bad promotion!

Posted by: Bryan | Feb 23, 2006 11:31:44 PM

I just tried it and it times out before it goes anywhere...must be crashing??

Posted by: stephen | Feb 24, 2006 12:05:27 PM

Probably the most interesting thing about the production of this is all the edits/cuts. It must cut 15 times in 30 seconds! I imagine this is to get you all twitchy with the pause button. I think the video shakes a second as well, near the beginning.

Posted by: Gary Stein | Feb 24, 2006 1:20:18 PM

this is a great experiment - just what tv advertisers should be trying.

the press will get some people to try it, just for the novel experience. those who cheat & go straight to the coupon site & type the code will try the sandwich, which is the goal anyway - who cares if those people didn't watch the ad?

Posted by: denzil meyers | Feb 24, 2006 7:53:32 PM

Yeah, I've read some posts from people who thinks it's dumb because people can get the code without watching the spot...but isn't that exactly what KFC wants to happen - everyone gets the code and realizes theres a new product out there with buffalo on it?

Posted by: Elisabeth | Feb 25, 2006 1:40:42 PM

Okay, seems to be an error with their website when viewed with Firefox. But they are MAILING (via snail mail) the coupon, IF you are among the first 75,000. As if the website could not have determined that already and just freaking printed out the coupon right now!

Very bad promotion!

I AGREE!!!

Posted by: Bruce | Feb 25, 2006 1:54:58 PM

actually, the real goals are to 1) get the coupons out, and 2) collect your identifying information. Give up your phone number willingly to be considered for the $1 coupon? And even if you lie on the phone, you'll probably still give them the right address, if you want that coupon. Next week we'll probably see a pub release about how the ad firm generated 1/2 million new interested leads, etc.

Posted by: no | Feb 26, 2006 10:27:04 AM

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