20 Inspiring and Powerful advertisements of all time

What is an advertisement?

An advertisement is a marketing tool to promote or sell a product, service, or idea. It aims to attract public attention and encourage interest, engagement, and sales.

Advertisements come in various forms, including print, digital, social media, video, and more.

The primary purposes of advertisements are:

Types of Advertisements:

Example: Consider Dove’s “Detox Your Feed” campaign. Dove used video ads, social media content, and billboards to promote positive body image and self-esteem.

One notable advertisement was a billboard made entirely of syringes in a Toronto mall, confronting unrealistic beauty standards.

This campaign eectively raised awareness and engaged the audience by addressing a common social issue.

What are the types of advertisements?

What is an advertisement campaign?

An advertisement campaign is a coordinated series of promotional messages that share a single idea and theme. It is designed to promote a product, service, or brand over a specific time period using various media channels such as television, radio, print, online, and outdoor advertising.

The main objectives of an advertisement campaign include increasing brand awareness, driving sales, and generating leads. This can include specific offerings like tours of Normandy to entice travelers interested in such experiences.

Key Points:

Example:

Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign: In this campaign, Coca-Cola replaced its iconic logo on bottles with famous names and encouraged people to find bottles with their names or the names of friends and family.

This campaign included TVcommercials, social media promotions, and personalized bottles, creating a personalized and engaging consumer experience.

The campaign successfully increased sales and brand engagement by connecting with consumers personally.

Difference between the advertisement and advertising campaign

Advertisement vs Advertising Campaign: Which one is better?

Advertisement Campaigns are generally better for achieving business goals.

Here’s why:

Broader Reach and Impact

Advertisement campaigns uses multiple media channels and formats to reach a wider audience over a longer period.

This ensures that the message is consistently reinforced and more likely to be remembered by potential customers.

Example: Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign used personalized bottles, TVcommercials, social media promotions, and print ads to create widespread awareness and engagement.

Messaging consistency

Campaigns maintain a consistent theme and message across all advertisements, which helps build a strong, cohesive brand image.

This consistency is crucial for establishing brand recognition and trust.

Long-Term Objectives

Advertisement campaigns are designed to achieve long-term business goals such as brand awareness, market penetration, and customer loyalty.

They go beyond immediate sales to create lasting relationships with customers.

Example: Starbucks’ various campaigns focus on promoting products, engaging with customers, and building a loyal customer base.

Higher Customer Engagement

Campaigns often include interactive elements, such as contests, social media interactions, and influencer partnerships, which enhance customer engagement and create a more personal connection with the audience.

Example: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge engaged millions and significantly raised awareness and donations through a viral, interactive campaign.

Top 20 Inspiring and Powerful Advertisements Of All Time

Apple | Think Different Campaign

Won’t you get inspired by this ad?

When I saw this ad, the words and the ideas it emulated punched me, breaking my guard and flooding my brain with fireballs of inspiration.

‘Think Dierent’ is an ad slogan Apple used from 1997 to 2002.

This slogan is based on the response to IBM’s motto, “Think.”

Still, this slogan is printed on the back of the iMac and many other products.

How did this slogan develop?

In 1997, Apple was struggling in the market. Inside Apple Computer Inc., there is a meeting,

BBDO, one of the oldest advertising agencies, pitched the new slogan for Apple’s brand campaign in a meeting with Apple’s CEO, Gil Amelio.

The slogan was “We’re back.”

While everyone in the room seems okay and supports the slogan,

Steve Jobs, who returned to Apple then, Said, “The slogan was stupid cause Apple wasn’t back.”

Then Jobs invited three ad agencies and pitched his philosophy, which he thought should be followed inside the company he founded.

Finally, Craig Tanimoto, an art director at ChiatDay ad agency, created the slogan “Think Dierent.”

The Think Dierent slogan portrayed Apple’s products as Innovative and Unorthodox. Also, it created a new brand identity for Apple.

“The main motto of the ad is that Apple users also think dierently, ask dierent questions, and maybe change the world.”

Steve Jobs said, “You always had to be a little dierent to buy an Apple computer.”

What can you learn from this ad? Always Inspire with your brand philosophy, your brand’s why - the story.

Adidas | Impossible Is Nothing

When you say sports, Adidas sneaks you from behind.

In 2004, Adidas got something up its sleeve for its Brand Campaign, Something to Inspire people like you and me.

Muhammad Ali,

One of the most inspiring athletes of all time said, “Impossible is not a fact, it’s an opinion, impossible is not a declaration, it’s a dare, impossible is potential, impossible is nothing.”

Note the last words, “Impossible is nothing.”

Yes, Adidas used that slogan in its ad, which aired in 2004.

It shows David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and other top players in their respective sports doing a morning jog with Ali. Absolutely it’s not real, but CGI.

This ad gave Adidas something to compete with Nike, the most challenging Rival.

Even the Voice in that ad is Inspired by Muhammad Ali’s quote.

Those with big dreams seeing this ad will get the “Hair standing” moment.

What can you learn from this ad? Ignite your target audience’s desire with motivation & Inspiration. They won’t forget you.

Cadbury, Not just an Cadbury ad | Sharuk Khan Not every ad needs to be product-focused.

Cadbury proved that with its ad, which urges support for local businesses in India.

Ogilvy ad agency created this ad featuring Shahrukh Khan, with the message, “‘Iss Diwali Aap #KiseKhushKarenge?”

Meaning, “Whom will you be happy with this Diwali?”

Chief Creative Ocer of Ogilvy says, “The heart of this campaign lies in generosity, especially in these hard times (Covid-19).”

The way this ad is created is also Impressive.

Cadbury joined with 1800+ local retailers with 260+ pin codes across Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Indore, and Pune to carry out this multi-platform activation campaign.

This ad is customized for each viewer based on their location.

For example, If you see this ad in one of the homes in Mumbai or Delhi, you will see the local stores near that home.

Cadbury has taken personalization to a level that we have never thought about. This reflects what is human - Generosity.

Urging people to support local businesses with the beautiful personalized ad.

What can you learn from this ad? Do something beyond just marketing. Something that’s not about earning revenue or profit.

Bhima Ad | Pure as love | Showing the color of Transgenders

Another Inspiring ad showcases the life journey of a Transgender woman.

Most of the ad talks about dierent lives of people, But speaking about the Transgender woman’s life is impactful in India.

Bheema Jewellery approached Delhi based ad agency named ‘Animal,’

And its creative head, Sayatan Choudry, raised his eyebrows upon hearing about the concept of the ad to be made.

Because It’s not a standard message that is said in India, and when featuring Transgender women, It relatively sprinkles a new touch by combining an Important note to the society.

This added an emotional look to the Bhima Jewellers, a long-time player in the jewelry arena.

What can you learn from this ad? Sometimes, create an ad that reflects what’s going on in the society.

Old Spice | The man your man could smell like.

“Old spice is for grandpas, Not us.”

The mind voice of the 18-34-year-old males whom Old Spice desired to target.

Initially, Old Spice targeted people aged 40-60.

After peeking at that market, They decided to go after the consumers aged 18-34.

In a market where the AXE was sitting on top enjoying the view, Old Spice needed help changing its target audience’s perceptions.

Oh wait, The clouds are thundering, and the Volcanoes are spitting magma,

2010, February 8, Old Spice ad campaign flipped everything.

They went to the marketing geniuses Wieden and Kennedy, who were behind Nike’s slogan, “Just do it.”

As per their market research, “60% of body purchases were made by women.”

Old Spice’s main goal was to convince women not to buy “lady-scented products” for their men.

That lighted a new light, Old Spice | The man your man could smell like.

This ad directly speaks to the women who were said to be buying “Lady scented products” for their men.

And became a massive success in Social media. On YouTube alone, this Video scooped 20 million views in 3 days.

After 1month, Old Spice became the Most viewed brand on YouTube.

What can you learn from this ad? Know your target audience, and you can create the perfect ad that flies o to the moon and buries your brand flag.

Got milk? | California Milk Processor Board

Got Milk?

An American ad campaign ran in 1993 to encourage people to consume milk and related dairy products.

Goodby Silverstein & Partners created this ad for the California Milk Processor board.

When the ad came, it was a meteorite hit and took over the public mind.

This campaign ran more than 70 commercials on California televisions alone. The 350 varieties of Milk Mustaches ad campaign ran nationally on TV and in Print.

Take any day; 80% of US citizens come into contact with this ad, “Got Milk?”

It’s a huge success.

The tagline itself is short and easily remembered.

A milk mustache is a typical thing people would encounter after finishing a glass of milk in one go.

Adding the celebrity and sticking that milk mustache above their lips made this ad famous.

This ad shows what’s already there, An event that happens in every person’s house.

Successful campaigns reflect what’s already inside the people’s lives, their funny moments, desires, dreams, emotions, etc.

What can you learn from this ad? Create an ad that reflects what’s already inside people’s lives. Also, Make your ad or the slogan easy to remember, How will you do this? Use simple words and keep it concise.

Red Bull Stratos | An ad or not? Tell me.

It may not seem like an ad at all,

But if you ask me, I would say that marketing magic is inside this Record-breaking event.

The event is called Red Bull Stratos.

Where an Austrian Skydiving pro, Felix Baumgartner, jumped from the highest altitude to break the record.

He did it anyway,

But why am I including this in the best ad?

A spokesperson from Red Bull says, “This is not an ad, but a project their team documented for 7 years.”

However, this project, knowingly or unknowingly, became an excellent promotion for Red Bull.

This event was live-streamed in 50 countries across 80 TVstations.

8 million people watched this live stream on YouTube.

Another 52 million people watched this through 280 other digital partners.

They say it’s not an ad, but we marketers know it is the best ad in the world. This energy drink company is adamant about maintaining its personality and values.

Red Bull creates stories of adventure and adrenaline. It stays true to its brand motto, “Giving wings to people and to Ideas,” wherever it shows its head.

Car racing? Red Bull is there. Bike Stunts? Red Bull.

Rock Climbing? Red Bull. Do you get the point?

What can you learn from this ad? Always stay true to your brand’s personality and show it to the world.

Dove | Stop the beauty test | Concerning the Indian marriage system

“3 in 4 Indian women face rejection in arranged marriage systems because of the look,” says the Matrimonial statistics.

This ad was created to describe the situation in the Indian marriage system.

Unlike other ads from above, This may not seem like a big hit that shook up the world,

But Dove, the product and brand from Unilever, the British-Dutch multinational company, always stays true to its values and personality, like Red Bull from above.

That’s what helped them to create this inspiring ad.

What can you learn from this ad? Stand for something higher than your product and brand and communicate that clearly to your target audience.

Volkswagen | Think Small

Muscle, big, sleek, stylish, and an adrenaline rocket are the names Americans used to describe cars in the 1960’s.

But trying to sell a car that looks like an injured bug that fell from the hands of a coal digger to the American people is a crazy idea.

But somehow, it worked.

This ad kicks out the shiny and boasting mouths of the typical ad format car sellers used in that era.

While every ad pressurizes Americans to buy this and that,

This ad is honest and transparent, and it is an uncommon sight that every American eye will see among the shouting ads in their morning newspaper.

Meaning? It stood out from the rest in a healthy way.

This ad made people in America rethink their thoughts on buying cars,

The ad posters become the ornament inside the Teenager’s bedroom and a small talk among coee-drinking Oce people.

This ad changed the way of advertising.

What can you learn from this ad? Stand out from the rest.

Absolut Vodka | The Absolut bottle.

The longest-running ad campaign in history ran for 25 years with an astonishing 1500 variations of the same ad, ensuring it never became stale.

They used this ad globally using local things, such as telephone booths, Christmas gifts, Geographical landscapes, etc.

Absolut stepped inside and lived in the people’s hearts with this single ad campaign alone for 25 years.

This ad made use of the geography of Manhattan City.

When a brand speaks to you personally, You are more likely to buy from it; that’s what Absolut did here.

In the 1980s, 10,000 bottles were sold in the US alone, and by the year 2000, Absolut was selling 4.5 million cases. My gosh!

Absolut made up more than half of the imported brands in the USA.

Also seen a rise in demand across the globe.

All they did was show their bottle’s shape creatively.

That’s Impressive.

What can you learn from this ad? Think creatively simple.

Dollar Shave Club | The Viral Video.

One Video, which jumped onto YouTube at 6 a.m. on March 6, brought the Dollar Shave Club, a subscription-based razor-selling company, tons of customers overnight.

Michael Dubin, The founder of the Dollar Shave Club, Starred in his Brand Video, Which tries to explain why their Shaving blades were great.

But less did he know that one Video could hammer him toward the roof of success in a day. Two hours after the video was uploaded to YouTube, His Dollar Shave Club website crashed due to the large amount of trac it had received in a short time.

What! He was terrified, Fearing that his dream could turn into a nightmare.

Then, it was restored within 24 hours.

Within a day, They basketed 12,000 new subscribers into their list through this simplistic Brand Video,

(Video)

After that, they produced another, totaling both Videos; they galloped 25 million Views for their Video.

What can you learn from this ad? Be your brand self.

Pepsi | New generation | Michael Jackson

This ad changed people’s perceptions of Pepsi.

For example, Pepsi is for youth, while Coca-Cola is for older guys.

Two years after ‘The Thriller,’ the best-selling music album of all time, Michael Jackson agreed to appear in this ad promoting Pepsi.

Which is the best decision Pepsi has ever made for its campaign.

Know what? It was a massive hit for Pepsi, and after this ad, the company topped 7 billion dollars in profit.

This ad became famous also for another reason, MTVplaced a rule that ads must be shown only with white artists,

But Pepsi here, Showed the 1980s, Michael Jackson.

What can you learn from this ad? Do something no one would dare to do with the right people.

Dove | The real beauty sketches

Yeah, Dove again, But better.

After just one month, this ad garnered 114 million views, quickly earning its place in the Hall of Fame as the ‘Most Viral Ad of all time.’

What do you think of yourself? Handsome? Beautiful? You may feel like that, but do you know what other women think about themselves?

Dove’s ad campaign on real beauty sketches wants to explore that concept.

An FBI-trained sketch artist who started drawing real-time sketches of a woman, first based on their own input about themselves,

Second, based on the stranger’s input about the woman.

The final sketches revealed one thing: Sketches drawn from strangers’ input were more attractive than their own input about themselves.

This taught one thing: Women were more attractive than they thought.

Uploaded in 25 dierent languages, in more than 33 of Dove’s YouTube channels, and Viewed in 110+ countries.

Unruly Media’s global head of content and PR, David Waterhouse, says, “It brought the emotion of ‘Warmth and Happiness’ from its target audience.”

According to Unruly data, the Video was shared 3.74 million times, making it the third most shared Video of all time.

This Video gave people a reason to share, which means,

Brands should create content that touches the emotional part of the audience and must provide a reason for them to share it with the world.

Sweet.

What can you learn from this ad? Give a strong reason why people should share your ad. A reason, something people can relate to, feel, and think would be helpful to their close knots.

Chipotle | ScareCrow

Chipotle tells a story ad that shows the harmful practices of the fictional Crow Food Corporation in its food factory and contrasts it with how the Chipotle scarecrow character uses natural and sustainable ingredients in his fast-food store.

The ad intended to show how Chipotle, a fast-food corporation, uses natural and sustainable ingredients to make its fast foods.

Despite receiving both criticism and praise, this ad made a significant impact on consumers’ minds.

Who wants to eat chemically ballooned chicken?!

The ad smoothly transitions from dark scenes depicting Crow Food Corporation’s evil acts to positive and uplifting ones, where the Scarecrow character uses natural and sustainable ingredients in his fast-food store.

The ad amassed 6.5 million views on YouTube.

What can you learn from this ad? Tell your brand values through stories.

Apple’s Iconic Super Bowl ad

After you see the ad, You will understand why Apple is the change maker.

Aired during a break in the SuperBowl January 22, 1984,

A young woman sprints into a room with a sledgehammer and throws it onto the big screen.

Where,

A bald villain character (Talking on the screen) is brainwashing or manipulating a group of other bald heads sitting on a chair hypnotized.

Yeah, Like science fiction stu.

That sledgehammer broke the screen and released the bald heads from the villain’s grip.

Ridley Scott, who directed Blade Runner, 1982, Directed this ad. (Now, I understand why this ad has a cinematography style)

Steve Jobs loved this ad, and it drew the media’s attention, getting a free replay on the news broadcast the next day.

Many people in the advertising world will point to this ad and say, “You know? This ad marked Apple’s Innovative image in this tech world.”

It’s true.

What can you learn from this ad? If you believe your product will change the world, or at least your target audience, show it as dramatically as possible.

Reddit Superbowl awareness campaign

Frenzy - A word to describe the ad. Broadcasted in SuperBowl 2021.

The moment the ad showed its head on the screen,

People are like, “What?! What am I seeing?”

Two SUVcars are racing across the desert, blowing the dust everywhere, and then there is a glitch!

What? A long message with a headline, “Wow, This actually worked.”

Finishes with a group of Horses running across a valley and stops!

Does this ad make sense? Absolutely not, and that’s why it became one of the most searched Super Bowl commercials on Google.

On Sunday, Northwestern University’s business school reported it as the most eective commercial of the broadcast.

300+ News Outlets cover this ad, and it also sweeps 6.5 billion Impressions.

Like Neil Armstrong’s statement, one small ad becomes a giant leap of awareness for Reddit.

Even Reddit’s servers crashed because of the trac it got after the ad.

What can you learn from this ad? You don’t need a 30-second ad to become a frenzy talk among the people.

Nike | Crazy Dreams

Nike has always been an inspiring icon in the sports game.

This ad is just like that, Inspiring & showering goosebumps on people’s skin.

Some people said they cried after seeing this ad, which seemed more like a motivational talk piercing people’s hearts.

Statista states, “Crazy dreams were the most eective ad campaign in the United States in 2021. Earned Nike an all-time high in stock price & a brand value of around 6 billion dollars.”

What can you learn from this ad? Always stay true to who you are; focus on getting into the emotional part of your target audience through Inspiration, Happiness, Comedy, etc.

Adidas Original | End Plastic Waste.

If Kermit the Frog voices the Adidas ad, won’t you get excited? Also, if you are a die-hard Star Wars fan, this ad will make you open your mouth wide.

Delivering the message for people to do their part in going green: Saving the environment and improving the world.

The ad also includes the cameo of the tennis legend Stan Smith at the end to introduce its brand new sneakers with a tennis-inspired design.

It must be noted that this shoe is made from recycled polyester.

Instead of using some deep-voiced artists to fill up the Video’s ambient, Adidas used the Iconic & hilarious voice of Kermit the Frog.

Making it one of the best TVcommercials of 2021.

What can you learn from this ad? If everyone uses the most obvious thing in their ad, all you have to do is - Do something else that people could never see coming.

Amazon Alexa | The Alexa’s body but it’s a little bit popular

Amazon’s Alexa voice AI is a virtual assistance technology that helps people find information, shop, communicate with loved ones, Play music or movies, set up reminders, and more.

But can you avoid it If that boring round object becomes Michael B. Jordan?

Absolutely cannot.

That’s what made this 1-minute ad one of the best Super Bowl commercials of 2021. What can you learn from this ad? Turn the most obvious things in a little dierent way.

Heinz | Draw Ketchup

It will make you smile first and then laugh during oce hours.

Heinz Ketchup asked people from 5 continents to draw a simple ketchup, and I don’t know how it happened and how it’s possible,

Everyone scribbled a ketchup bottle with Heinz on it, Showing that most people worldwide are using Heinz ketchup.

What can you learn from this ad? Sometimes, your customers make a great ad.

HP | Parallel Lives

A Grease-sticking machine produces plastic. An infant fish comes out from its egg.

Plastic turns into a thin bag and is sent to the department store.

The small fish is now big.

A woman uses the plastic bag for a while and throws it into the garbage.

The fish? Still swimming.

Plastic bag, now sleeping on a beach’s shore. (Wind blows)

The plastic flies and lands in the ocean water.

The fish saw the plastic and started swimming towards it,

(Fish opens it’s mouth)

Then, a hand grabs the plastic and pulls it outside before the fish eats it.

Finally, the ad shows how HP uses ocean-bound plastic in its laptops.

What can you learn from this ad? If you contribute to environmental wellness, communicate that message to your target customers through a story. Cause stories last.

What do all these ads have in common?

Storytelling

Each ad uses a compelling narrative to connect with the audience emotionally, making the brand’s message memorable.

Authenticity

The ads stay true to the brand’s core values and personality, which helps build trust and relatability with the audience.

Inspiration

Many of these ads inspire and motivate the audience, tapping into emotions like hope, aspiration, and positivity.

Novelty

The ads stand out by doing something unique or unexpected, whether through creative visuals, messages, or formats.

Relevance

Each ad reflects or addresses current societal issues, trends, or everyday experiences, making the message relevant and relatable to the audience.

The Rhetorical triangle: The technique behind the inspiring ads.

So, there’s this old idea from a Greek philosopher named Aristotle, who lived around 2,000 years ago, called the Rhetorical Triangle.

It’s all about how people (or brands) communicate eectively with others.

The triangle has three essential parts: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Ethos: Trusting the Speaker

Ethos is about trust. It ensures the person or brand talking to you seems believable and reliable.

In Ads: When you see an ad where a doctor recommends a product, like toothpaste, that’s ethos in action. The ad uses the doctor’s credibility to make you trust the product.

Pathos: Playing with Emotions

Pathos is all about feelings. It’s when an ad tries to make you feel something, whether it’s happiness, sadness, or excitement.

In Ads: Think of those heartwarming ads that show a touching story, like a family reuniting, or ads that inspire you to take action. They use emotions to connect with you.

Logos: Using Logic and Facts

Logos is about logic and reason. It’s when an ad uses facts, stats, or logical arguments to convince you.

In Ads: Imagine an ad that shows how a product saves you money over time or gives you scientific proof of how well it works. That’s logos – it’s trying to persuade you by making sense.

How They Work Together in Ads

The best ads mix Ethos, Pathos, and Logos to communicate their message. Here’s how they do it:

Ethos (Trust): The ad might start by making you trust the brand, showing you how long they’ve been in business, or featuring someone you respect.

Logos (Logic): It gives you logical reasons to believe in the product, like showing you data or explaining how it works.

Pathos (Emotion): Finally, it pulls at your heartstrings or excites you by telling a story you can relate to.

A Quick Example

Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches” ad is successful because it skillfully combines Ethos, Logos, and Pathos:

By integrating all three appeals, the ad becomes more than just a commercial; it becomes a powerful statement that connects with viewers on multiple levels.

This approach makes it so eective and why it achieved viral success.

The idea is that ads that use all three—trust (ethos), logic (logos), and emotion (pathos)—become really eective.

That’s why some of the most powerful and inspiring ads are built on these ancient principles.

They connect with you on dierent levels, making the message stick with you longer.