Three months after its documentary-style anti-bullying video went viral, Burger King is at it again. This time, the burger chain is Whoppersplaining the complicated and controversial issue of net neutrality.
The video, released on YouTube today, shows the often profanity-laced frustration of actual customers who are informed that they’ll have to pay $25.99 for a “hyperfast” Whopper or be forced to wait for their $4.99 slow-speed burger. The scenario illustrates net neutrality, a practice recently repealed by Congress and one that many believe will allow internet providers to slow connection speeds and charge a premium to access certain online content.
“We believe the internet should be like Burger King restaurants, a place that doesn’t prioritize and welcomes everyone,” said Fernando Machado, the chain’s global chief marketing officer, in a news release. “That is why we created this experiment, to call attention to the potential effects of net neutrality.”
Burger King hosts a robust YouTube channel, and its videos extolling the virtues of flame-grilled burgers generate tens of thousands of views. McDonald’s has about 330,000 subscribers to its YouTube channel, which posted a video earlier this month for the launch the new $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu.
Burger King’s social activism videos stand out, however, because they are not food-focused. Its Bullying Jr. video has garnered 4.5 million views since it was posted last October.
KFC, meanwhile, has taken a whimsical approach, fitting with its wacky Colonel-focused ad campaigns. Its most recent YouTube upload is a six-minute guided meditation featuring pot pies and sporks.
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