3 Reasons Why #HeyStJude Video Will Go Viral

Yes, I am making a prediction. I suppose it’s a bold move. But ever since I woke up this morning to what is finally “autumn in the air,” I’ve been feeling bold.

#HeyStJude is about to go viral.

Wait, what am I talking about?

Earlier today, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital released a new video on YouTube. Set to the tune of the Beatles’ iconic song “Hey Jude,” the music video features patients, hospital staff, advocates and celebrities reminding viewer to “make it better” for kids everywhere fighting cancer and other deadly diseases. And for as little as $5, you can do just that.

Frankly, I have had the song in my head ever since.

But what makes this video stand out among the thousands of cause PSAs and videos shared daily? Here are three reasons:

A-List Advocates: When going viral for a cause, a pocketful of A-Listers will surely help you do the trick. And this video is not shy of its celebrity punch. Talent singing along include Jennifer Aniston, Betty White, Dr. Oz, Michael Jordan, Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres, Marlo Thomas, Juanes, Jimmy Kimmel, Jordin Sparks, Lady Antebellum, Rick Berry and Rachael Leigh Cook, to name a few.

Singing an iconic song like Hey Jude with an all-star cast of musicians, athletes, actors, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital patients was an incredible experience,” said St. Jude supporter Jordin Sparks. “I’m so proud to support the hospital’s mission, and hope everyone will check out the music video on heystjude.org!

Positive Imagery:This video is far from sad, but yet it just might make you tear up a bit. This is very powerful. Recently, PSA trends among nonprofits and cause marketers have gradually steered away from the sad and hopeless to the thankful and optimistic. There are many shots where the celebrity figures blend right in with everyday advocates, patients and champions. This creates a powerfully positive and uplifting sense of community. “It is truly wonderful to see how the ‘Hey St. Jude’ video brings together in such an inspiring way an amazing cast of celebrity friends, patients and faithful supporters of St,” said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nostalgia: There also is something about the Beatles’ song that brings a sense of nostalgia for so many – regardless of generation. Whether you were a Beatles-concert-going aficionado or you grew up listening to your parents hum the soundtrack, this “Hey St. Jude” is playing the tune of nostalgia to engage viewers. And when you are making an ask for donations and support, this connection is key.

Why this matters?

Since opening 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children.

What do you think of the video? Will you share and support #HeyStJude?