From creating viral campaigns to using social networks to build awareness, film makers are busy leveraging social media to connect with movie fans and promote their products. More and more studios are taking to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to debut their latest trailers.

Paramount Pictures' Paranormal Activity which was made for less than $15,000 went on to gross more than $150 million at the box office extensively used Facebook to promote the film.

From self-funded independent projects to big-name Hollywood blockbusters, the movie industry has embraced social media including YouTube, Facebook & Twitter. A look at some of the biggest hits at the box office proves that many of the most successful films also had strong campaigns via social media.

Social Media lets fans and followers have a sense of ownership of the film and creates a level of awareness and connection that might have not achieved just running Radio or TV spots.

While watching movie previews online has been old-hat for more than a decade, the rise of YouTube, Facebook & Twitter has changed how information gets exposed to fans.

Walt Disney Pictures' used Facebook to debut its first character posters from Alice in Wonderland and has also used Facebook to show off movie trailers.

20th Century Fox had a pretty in-depth Facebook campaign for Avatar, including apps and promotional tie-ins.