The "Whopper Detour" campaign by Burger King, launched in December 2018, was a highly innovative and attention-grabbing marketing campaign that leveraged mobile technology to engage customers and drive foot traffic to Burger King restaurants. Here's an explanation of the campaign's key elements and its impact:

1. Mobile App Integration: The central concept of the campaign was to encourage customers to download the Burger King mobile app. Burger King offered a unique promotion: customers could order a Whopper for just one cent but only if they placed the order while inside or very close to a McDonald's restaurant.

2. Geo-Fencing Technology: Burger King used geo-fencing technology to identify when a customer was within a 600-foot radius of a McDonald's restaurant. Once the app detected the customer's proximity to a McDonald's, it unlocked the special deal, allowing them to order the Whopper for a mere penny.

3. Trolling Competitor: This campaign was not just a clever marketing ploy but also a playful way to troll their biggest competitor, McDonald's. It directly targeted McDonald's customers by enticing them with a heavily discounted Whopper while they were physically near a McDonald's location.

4. Social Media Buzz: The campaign generated significant buzz on social media platforms, with customers sharing their experiences of ordering a Whopper at a McDonald's location for just one cent. The playful rivalry between Burger King and McDonald's added to the campaign's appeal and viral potential.

5. Increased App Downloads: The campaign led to a surge in app downloads for Burger King. Many people downloaded the app to take advantage of the one-cent Whopper deal, and this helped Burger King grow its user base for future promotions and engagement.

6. Foot Traffic: The primary goal of the campaign was to drive foot traffic to Burger King locations. By encouraging customers to physically visit a Burger King restaurant to pick up their one-cent Whopper, the campaign achieved this objective.

7. Brand Awareness: The "Whopper Detour" campaign significantly raised Burger King's brand awareness and showcased the brand's willingness to take risks and be creative in its marketing efforts.

8. Awards and Recognition: The campaign received numerous awards and accolades within the advertising and marketing industry for its innovative approach and successful execution.

In summary, the "Whopper Detour" campaign was a brilliant example of how a fast-food chain like Burger King could use technology, humor, and a bit of rivalry to engage customers and drive sales. It effectively leveraged mobile app integration and geo-fencing technology to create a unique and memorable experience for customers while generating considerable social media buzz and brand recognition.