Super Bowl LX showcased brands pushing weight loss drugs, AI, and utilizing celebrities to an absurd amount (what’s new?), as well as another “Minions" movie in theaters (surprised but not shocked). Every marketer weighs in on who won their hearts…and this year, for us, it came down to brands that leaned into storytelling that included nostalgia and emotion, specifically with a human lens.
Read MoreSuper Bowl LIX wasn’t just about football—it was a masterclass in marketing. Each year, brands gamble big (to the tune of $8 million per 30-second ad) for a chance to capture the nation’s attention. With such high stakes, the challenge isn’t just making a good ad—it’s making an ad that resonates long after the final whistle blows.
This year, amid a landscape of economic uncertainty and shifting consumer sentiment, many brands leaned away from risk-taking and played it safe. "Nowstalgia"—pairing rising stars with established icons—dominated, while humor, celebrity cameos, and absurdist comedy took center stage. And while some brands nailed it, others flopped despite their star-studded casts.
Read MoreEvan Rosenthal, Setup's Business Development Manager and resident football fanatic, shares his take on the 2024 Super Bowl ads. As a company that focuses solely on benefiting and evaluating marketers, we've seen our fair share of ads. These were our favorite.
Read MoreSuper Bowl LVII, or what people are calling the "Booze Bowl," also brought new partnerships, relationships, and marketing behaviors.
Read MoreTwo years into the pandemic, brands decided to go maskless and approach this year’s Super Bowl with humor, celebrities, and, most importantly, nostalgia - a favorite marketing strategy as of late. Despite advertisements highlighting cryptocurrency and software companies, the overall tone of the Super Bowl between the Bengals and Rams was lighthearted and fun, with over 112 million people tuning in - 14% more than last year!
Read MoreWhether it’s for the food, party, friends, or actual game, it is no surprise that the Super Bowl is a major spectacle for sporting and avid commercial-watching fans alike. When viewing the Super Bowl, you can expect to see classic beer, car, and snack brands (looking at you, Doritos) representing proudly, but what about other brands?
Are there other days where brands can shine?
Read MorePeople will do just about anything to escape the constant barrage of advertisements shoved their way every day...that is, unless we’re talking about the Super Bowl. In fact, according to Burson-Marsteller, 53% of Americans would be disappointed if the Super Bowl went commercial-free. The combination of a live TV event that reaches over 100 million people, along with the diverse and captive nature of its audience has caused the Super Bowl’s commercials to transform into a beacon for creativity in advertising.
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