A Tamale Shop Proves AI Ads Can Outperform Big Brands by Hitting 22 Million Views

The Unexpected Viral Hero

Picture this: a small, family-run tamale shop with a modest following and a lot of heart suddenly finds itself at the center of attention online. Not with a big budget, not with a slick ad agency behind them, but with the power of AI-driven advertising. Their videos? Over 22 million views. That’s not a typo. A local food business just pulled off what many big brands struggle to do, and it is shaking up how we should all think about marketing in 2025.

So how did they do it? And more importantly, what does this mean for small and medium businesses that are tired of playing second fiddle to corporate giants? Let’s break it down.

Why AI Levels the Playing Field

AI in advertising used to sound like something reserved for tech companies in Silicon Valley. But now, tools powered by AI are everywhere, and small businesses are proving they can use them just as effectively. This tamale shop leaned on AI-powered targeting and creative tools to get its content in front of the right people at the right time.

Instead of guessing what might work, AI helped them run different versions of ads, test them instantly, and double down on the ones that actually clicked with audiences. That means every dollar stretched further, and every ad had a better chance of landing. For a small business, that’s gold.

Engagement That Actually Matters

Here’s the harsh truth: views mean nothing if nobody cares. But in this case, those millions of views weren’t just empty numbers. AI helped shape the content to feel more personal. Younger audiences were drawn to fun, quick reels, while older viewers connected with the cultural story behind the food.

The end result? Real conversations, real shares, and actual customers walking through the door. You can see one of their viral clips for yourself here: Instagram Reel.

The Harsh Truth About Going Viral

A lot of businesses want to “go viral,” but let’s be real—it doesn’t just happen by chance. The harsh truth is that most content dies quietly online because it’s generic, it’s not tested, and it’s not reaching the right people. This tamale shop flipped that on its head. By letting AI guide their advertising, they removed the guesswork and gave themselves the kind of reach that usually takes deep pockets.

That’s the part big brands don’t want to admit: small businesses can now compete. Not by outspending, but by outsmarting.

What Small Businesses Should Learn From This

If you’re a small or medium business owner, here’s the wake-up call. AI isn’t just another buzzword. It’s the tool that can help you stop wasting money on ads that don’t work. Whether you run a bakery, a gym, a repair shop, or a boutique, AI can help you connect with the exact audience that’s ready to engage.

And you don’t need a huge team to make it happen. What you need is the willingness to test, learn, and use the tools that are now accessible to everyone. The tamale shop story proves that the old excuses—“We don’t have the budget” or “We can’t compete with the big guys”—are officially outdated.

Digital Marketing That Works

The term Digital Marketing gets thrown around a lot, but what works now is very different from what worked even a few years ago. Posting content and hoping someone sees it is not enough. Neither is boosting a random Facebook post once in a while.

AI tools make it possible to:

• Personalize ads for different groups of people

• Run dozens of tests without spending thousands

• Understand what your audience actually responds to

• Get more results out of smaller budgets

This isn’t about replacing creativity—it’s about supercharging it. The tamale shop still had to bring their own flavor (literally and figuratively). AI didn’t cook up their recipes or their passion, but it made sure the right people saw it.

Why Playing Safe Doesn’t Work Anymore

Here’s the other truth: safe marketing rarely works. Too many businesses play it safe with generic ads, stock photos, or bland copy. They’re afraid to stand out, and then they wonder why no one is paying attention.

The tamale shop took a risk by putting their story, their culture, and their personality front and center. With AI amplifying that boldness, the risk paid off. Playing it safe won’t get you 22 million views. Playing it safe won’t get you remembered.

The Bigger Picture

Analysts are calling this shift an “entrepreneurial revolution.” AI is lowering barriers for non-technical founders and opening doors that used to be locked. What used to cost tens of thousands of dollars to pull off is now doable for a fraction of the price.

But it comes with a catch. You have to be willing to embrace the tools and move quickly. Businesses that drag their feet or dismiss AI as a “trend” will be left behind. Customers aren’t waiting around, and neither are your competitors.

Final Thoughts

A small tamale shop hitting 22 million views isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a signal. The marketing landscape has changed, and it’s not changing back. AI-driven advertising is here, it works, and it’s giving small businesses a fighting chance against brands with endless resources.

So here’s the takeaway: if a local food business can use AI to take over feeds and outshine big names, what’s stopping you? The tools are here. The only question is whether you’re ready to use them.