Why it worked
The video uses a compelling narrative of overcoming rejection and achieving massive success, which is universally relatable and inspiring. The story of WhatsApp's acquisition by Facebook provides a strong, concrete example of this theme.
Summary
The video tells the story of Brian Acton, who was rejected by Facebook and Twitter but went on to create WhatsApp. Five years later, Facebook bought WhatsApp for $19 billion, highlighting that rejection is not a final verdict on one's worth.
Structure
- 1Brian Acton's initial rejections from Facebook and Twitter.
- 2Acton's creation of WhatsApp.
- 3Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp for $19 billion.
- 4The message that rejection is not a final verdict.
Product placement
Facebook (ACTS - Brian Acton applied for a job there, removing it changes the narrative. It later bought WhatsApp, removing it changes the narrative.)
Twitter (ACTS - Brian Acton applied for a job there, removing it changes the narrative.)
WhatsApp (ACTS - Brian Acton built it, Facebook bought it for $19B, removing it changes the narrative.)
On-screen text
In 2009, a man named Brian Acton
applied for a job at Facebook. They
turned him down. He applied to Twitter.
They rejected him too.
So he built his own thing, a simple
messaging app called WhatsApp.
Five years later, in 2014, Facebook, the
same company that had rejected him,
bought WhatsApp for 19 billion dollars.
The company that said no ended up
paying one of the largest sums in tech
history to own what he built after they
said it. A rejection is one company's
opinion, on one day. It is not a verdict on
what you're worth.