Why it worked
The video likely worked due to its use of a universally recognized symbol (the smiley face) and its subversion of expectations by transitioning from a common, lighthearted image to a more disturbing and unsettling one. This creates a sense of unease and intrigue, encouraging viewers to watch until the end.
Summary
The video shows various depictions of a smiley face being drawn or appearing in different contexts, including on a steamy shower door, in blood on a wall, as smoke from an airplane, and as graffiti. The imagery shifts from lighthearted to unsettling, with the final scenes showing a more sinister or distressed smiley face.