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About us

Retroviral is an award-winning independent creative digital and communications agency that's made more brands go 'globally viral', than any other agency in Africa - based in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Founded in 2010 by Chief Creative Officer Mike Sharman, the agency is renowned for creating highly impactful viral marketing and public relations campaigns across Africa.
Key Agency Capabilities
The agency focuses on disruptive and alternative marketing methodologies to cut through traditional advertising noise:
Viral Video & Seeding: Crafting tailored content designed for massive organic and paid distribution.
Digital PR: Applying an earned-media lens to modern digital environments.
Guerilla Stunts: Orchestrating unexpected real-world activations that capture public attention.
Influencer Marketing: Building strategic brand partnerships with digital creators.

Famous Campaigns
Retroviral has created several culturally significant and high-converting campaigns in South Africa:
#MyKreepyTeacher (for Kreepy Krauly): A spoof on the Oscar-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher.
The Sixty60 Swindler (for Checkers Sixty60): A satirical campaign capitalizing on the viral Tinder Swindler documentary.
The Gran Boks (for Castle Lager): A humorous sports culture campaign highlighting senior rugby supporters.
Top Industry AccoladesDespite having a team of under 20 employees,
Retroviral frequently competes against much larger networks globally:
AdFocus Small Agency of the Year winner.
Africa PR Agency of the Year at the EMEA SABRE Awards.
Ranked silver globally in the AdAge International Small Agency of the Year awards.

Details

Founded2010

Size11-50 People

Ranking

#133 Ranked Advertising Agency

Achievements

Contributor:

Retroviral has been a Contributor since 25th November 2015.

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Recommendations

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Skills

Creative

Sector Experience

Automotive, Finance, FMCG

Clients

AB-Inbev, Blue Ribbon Bread, HTH Pools, Kreepy Krauly, Liberty Group, Lil-Lets, Ryobi, Volvo

Awards

AdAge, Cannes Lions, Effie\'s - Silver, Loeries - Gold, SABRE Award

Trade Associations

creative circle

Activity

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Followers2

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Creativepool member since 22 June 2026

Followers 2

Retroviral's work

Castle Lager – Granboks

Black Crown – Afrobeatanicals

Profmed – FinDR

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