Want to try video marketing but not sure how it’ll fit into your business or brand? Here’s a thought – instead of fitting in, we recommend thinking outside the marketing playbook.
We’d love to brainstorm creative media advertising ideas with you, but in the meantime, let’s get those creative juices flowing.
These 8 brilliant video ads prove that sometimes, the most effective strategies are the ones that break all the rules.
1. Apple – “The Whole Working-From-Home Thing”
This sequel to Apple’s award-winning “Underdogs” ad perfectly captured the relatable chaos of pandemic WFH life:
An office team struggles with screaming kids, embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions, and more while trying to design a new product remotely – all while showcasing Apple’s work-from-home products.
Aside from being funny and uber-relatable, the product placement was subtle but deeply woven into the video concept itself.
2. Webflow – “We Have A Typo”
As any designer knows, a launched site typo is the ultimate nightmare fuel. This hilarious Webflow ad shows their no-code solution swiftly fixing a typo without the dev team’s help.
This is a prime example of “Show, Don’t Tell.” Instead of a dry list of features, Webflow made their software relatable.
3. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
Few video ads have achieved the level of cultural impact as Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like.” This tongue-in-cheek ad features a charismatic and over-the-top spokesman (played by Isaiah Mustafa) who delivers a rapid-fire monologue filled with absurd scenarios and innuendos.
The ad’s humorous and self-aware tone and viral success made it a cultural phenomenon and a benchmark for effective and engaging advertising.
4. Dollar Shave Club – “Our Blades Are F***ing Great”
This notorious viral hit turned a razor subscription into a billion-dollar business through clever storytelling and absurdist humor.
Instead of the typical sexy shaving ad, founder Michael Dubin bluntly asks, “Are our blades any good?” before launching into ridiculous gags like a toddler shaving a man’s head.
The unique approach and massive views showed the power of creative risks. This ad also positioned Dollar Shave Club as a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it easy for the audience to connect with the product.
5. Taco Bell – “Web of Fries”
When it comes to brilliant brand storytelling, few top Taco Bell’s movie trailer parody ad.
What begins with a simple “why no fries?” question escalates into an insane conspiracy theory adventure full of clowns, “Burger People,” and more absurdity – all to promote Nacho Fries. Using an engrossing narrative over a boring pitch? Chef’s kiss.
6. Budweiser – “Puppy Love”
Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” ad tells the tender story of an unlikely friendship between a Golden Retriever puppy and the brand’s iconic Clydesdale horses.
From the adorable puppy-horse bonding moments to the heart-wrenching separation and joyful reunion, this ad takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster. And it’s all set to the perfect soundtrack of Passenger’s “Let Her Go,” amplifying the feels even further.
The lesson? Your video ads don’t always have to be a hard sell of your product. In fact, no Budweiser product appears in this ad at all.
Instead, it built an emotion around the brand, something that remains with the audience long after they’ve watched the ad.
7. Salesforce – “Transform Your Business”
For a B2B audience, this LinkedIn ad balanced being insightful and entertaining without feeling too “salesy.”
The engaging visuals showed how Salesforce can level up companies’ operations and customer experience. Corporate ads can absolutely avoid being mere snoozefests with some fresh and creative media concepts!
8. Amazon – “Alexa’s Body”
Featuring Michael B. Jordan as a human version of Alexa, this thirsty ad set hearts racing with over 78 million YouTube views. Jordan’s smoldering looks make mundane tasks like dimming lights seem irresistible.
It cleverly combined celebrity endorsement with the promotion of Amazon’s Echo and Jordan’s Prime movie in one fell swoop.
PS.
Notice Michael B. Jordan’s blue-ringed eyes? It’s the same color as Alexa’s iconic blue ring, a subtle but clever detail that adds an extra layer of brand recognition.
Let’s Work on Your Marketing Hit
The best video ads use clever narratives, evoke real emotions, and create memorable personalities that stick with audiences long after viewing.
And no, you don’t need a Hollywood budget to create a powerful video ad. At CMC Advertising, we blend data, bold thinking, and industry experience to craft creative media campaigns that connect and convert.
Let’s talk about how we can do that for your business– call 619-337-8088 or send us a message to book your free consultation.
