Step into the world of advertisements in 2016, where creativity knew no bounds and messages of hope reverberated across borders.
From the bustling streets of the UK to the enchanting landscapes of Thailand, join us as we journey through the most shared ads that captured hearts and inspired change.
Get ready to be mesmerized by the power of storytelling, as we delve into an advertising landscape that transcended cultural boundaries and united the world.
advertisements 2016
In 2016, there were several highly successful advertisements that gained significant attention and shares.
Some of the top ads include 7 Eleven Thailand’s “Teachers,” Cadbury’s Dairy Milk’s “Aliens,” and Ariel’s “#sharetheload.” These ads were able to make a positive impact on the world in an innovative way, which contributed to their success.
Additionally, sport-related ads, such as those related to Euro 2016 football championship and Super Bowl 50, also had a big impact on advertising in 2016.
Overall, the top 20 ads came from various countries and showcased a range of creative strategies and media execution.
Key Points:
- Successful advertisements of 2016 gained significant attention and shares.
- “Teachers,” “Aliens,” and “#sharetheload” were some of the top ads.
- These ads made a positive impact on the world.
- Sport-related ads, like those linked to Euro 2016 and Super Bowl 50, also had a big impact on advertising in 2016.
- The top 20 ads came from different countries.
- These ads showcased a range of creative strategies and media execution.
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💡 Did You Know?
1. In 2016, the world’s most expensive advertising campaign was launched by Saudi Arabia, spending a staggering $67 billion to promote its Vision 2030 plan for economic and social reforms.
2. The very first banner ad was launched in 1994, and it advertised AT&T’s “You Will” campaign. This small rectangular ad sparked a revolution in online advertising, and the rest is history.
3. Did you know that the iconic “Got Milk?” advertising campaign, which began in 1993, was responsible for increasing milk consumption in California by 7% in just one year? The campaign went on to become one of the most recognizable and successful advertising slogans of all time.
4. The famous “Mac vs. PC” advertising campaign by Apple, which ran from 2006 to 2009, featured a total of 66 commercials. These humorous ads, personifying a Mac and a PC, helped Apple gain a significant market share and contributed to the popularity of their products.
5. While many people associate Santa Claus with the Coca-Cola Company due to their advertising campaigns featuring the jolly character, it was actually the works of political cartoonist Thomas Nast in the late 1800s that popularized the modern image of Santa Claus as a plump, jolly man wearing a red suit.
In the world of advertising, the ultimate goal is to create a campaign that resonates with the target audience and goes viral. The 7 Eleven Thailand ad titled “Teachers” achieved just that in 2016, amassing an impressive 792,328 shares.
The ad begins with a young boy entering a convenience store late at night. He is then approached by a group of teachers who commend him for his dedication to his studies and offer him a cup of coffee to stay awake. However, the ad takes a heartwarming turn when the boy reveals that he is not a student, but a teacher himself, working through the night to support his family.
This emotional twist struck a chord with viewers, resulting in an outpouring of shares and positive comments. It beautifully captured the dedication and sacrifices made by teachers, reminding us of their invaluable role in society.
- The ad titled “Teachers” by 7 Eleven Thailand went viral in 2016.
- It received an impressive 792,328 shares.
- The ad features a young boy who is actually a teacher, working at night to support his family.
- It highlights the dedication and sacrifices made by teachers.
- This emotional twist resonated with viewers and garnered positive feedback.
“Teachers” ad by 7 Eleven Thailand beautifully captures the dedication and sacrifices of teachers, emphasizing their invaluable role in society.
Another standout ad from 2016 was Cadbury’s Dairy Milk campaign titled “Aliens,” which garnered an impressive 852,895 shares. This whimsical and imaginative ad transports viewers to a village where aliens have crash-landed. The villagers, instead of reacting with fear, embrace the extraterrestrial visitors and offer them Cadbury’s Dairy Milk chocolate.
The ad cleverly uses humor and creativity to showcase the brand’s message of bringing people together through the joy of chocolate. By presenting a scenario where aliens are welcomed and accepted, Cadbury’s Dairy Milk encourages us to embrace diversity and celebrate the things that unite us.
In a society where gender roles and expectations often prevail, Ariel’s campaign titled “#Sharetheload” made a powerful statement, accumulating 877,558 shares in 2016. The ad focuses on the inequality that exists within households, specifically the disproportionate burden placed on women when it comes to household chores.
The ad depicts a father realizing his unintentional contribution to this inequality and deciding to change his behavior. He reflects on the example he is setting for his daughter and vows to actively participate in sharing the workload at home. This emotional and relatable message struck a chord with viewers, leading to widespread sharing and engagement.
By tackling an important societal issue, Ariel’s “#Sharetheload” campaign not only generated buzz but also sparked conversations around gender equality and the need for more equal distribution of responsibilities within households.
The 2016 ad from Doritos titled “Ultrasound” caused quite a stir, amassing 893,465 shares. The controversial ad features a pregnant woman getting an ultrasound while her partner eats Doritos. As the father-to-be crunches on a Dorito, the baby in the womb reacts in a peculiar way, eagerly moving toward the chip.
This ad sparked a wide range of opinions and discussions, with some finding it humorous and others deeming it inappropriate. Regardless of one’s perspective, there is no denying that the ad captured attention and generated significant buzz.
Doritos took a bold approach by creating an ad that pushed boundaries and utilized shock value to engage viewers. While it may not have been universally well-received, it undeniably made a lasting impact and was successful in sparking conversations.
–Controversial ad titled “Ultrasound” from Doritos gained significant attention and generated buzz.
–Pregnant woman getting an ultrasound while her partner eats Doritos.
–Baby in the womb reacts in a peculiar way, eagerly moving toward the chip.
–Wide range of opinions and discussions sparked by the ad.
–Some found it humorous, while others deemed it inappropriate.
Doritos took a bold approach by creating an ad that pushed boundaries and utilized shock value to engage viewers.
Ad made a lasting impact and successfully sparked conversations.
Nike, known for its powerful and inspiring advertisements, created waves in 2016 with its campaign titled “The Switch.” This campaign garnered an impressive 969,650 shares, captivating audiences worldwide. “The Switch” tells the fictional story of Cristiano Ronaldo, who swaps bodies with a young fan following a freak accident.
Through stunning visuals and a captivating storyline, Nike takes viewers on an exhilarating journey. The ad portrays Ronaldo navigating the challenges of living as an ordinary fan, showcasing the dedication, passion, and drive required to succeed in sports.
“The Switch” serves as a testament to Nike’s commitment to inspiring athletes and amplifying the power of sports. By featuring one of the world’s most celebrated footballers, the ad resonated with fans across the globe, leading to widespread sharing and engagement.
Key points:
- Nike’s campaign “The Switch” gained significant traction in 2016.
- The ad follows the story of Cristiano Ronaldo swapping bodies with a young fan.
- Stunning visuals and a captivating storyline engage viewers.
- The ad showcases the commitment, passion, and drive required for success in sports.
- “The Switch” highlights Nike’s dedication to inspiring athletes and amplifying the power of sports.
Combining the creativity of the band OK Go and the corporate sponsorship of S7 Airlines, the ad titled “Upside Down and Inside Out” amassed an impressive 1,240,842 shares in 2016. This visually stunning music video, shot entirely in zero gravity, pushes the boundaries of what is possible in advertising.
The ad features the members of OK Go performing intricate choreography and mind-boggling stunts in a zero-gravity plane. The captivating visuals, combined with the band’s catchy music, create a mesmerizing experience that captivated viewers worldwide.
The partnership between OK Go and S7 Airlines demonstrates the potential when art and branding come together. By pushing the limits of creativity and innovation, the ad stands out as a prime example of the power of collaboration in creating engaging and memorable content.
- The ad titled “Upside Down and Inside Out” amassed an impressive 1,240,842 shares in 2016.
- This visually stunning music video was shot entirely in zero gravity.
- The ad features intricate choreography and mind-boggling stunts performed by the members of OK Go.
- The captivating visuals and catchy music create a mesmerizing experience for viewers.
- The partnership between OK Go and S7 Airlines showcases the potential of combining art and branding.
- The ad stands out as a prime example of the power of collaboration in creating engaging and memorable content.
“By pushing the limits of creativity and innovation, the ‘Upside Down and Inside Out’ ad demonstrates the potential when art and branding come together.”
In 2016, Vodafone’s Ramadan campaign received widespread recognition, amassing an impressive 1,435,350 shares. The advertisement effectively portrays the essence of the holy month, emphasizing the significance of family, connection, and charitable acts.
The ad revolves around a heartwarming narrative, featuring a young boy who creates a Ramadan lantern for his elderly neighbor, who lives alone. Through their heartfelt interactions, the advertisement beautifully captures the compassion and unity that characterize the Ramadan season.
By evoking the emotions associated with Ramadan and celebrating the spirit of community, Vodafone’s ad resonated with audiences worldwide. It successfully struck a chord with viewers, resulting in substantial sharing and engagement.
Key elements of Vodafone’s Ramadan campaign:
- Captured the essence of the holy month, emphasizing family, connection, and giving back.
- Showcased a heartwarming story of a young boy and his elderly neighbor.
- Portrayed compassion and unity as defining characteristics of Ramadan.
- Evoked strong emotional responses from viewers.
- Generated significant sharing and engagement.
“Vodafone’s Ramadan campaign beautifully captured the spirit of the holy month, showcasing the importance of family, connection, and giving back.”
Shell’s campaign titled “Best Day of My Life | #Makethefuture” gained significant attention in 2016, amassing an impressive 1,683,072 shares. The ad showcases the power of clean energy solutions and their positive impact on local communities.
Set to the tune of the hit song “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, the ad takes viewers on a journey around the world, featuring various projects supported by Shell to promote clean energy. From solar-powered football pitches to creating biofuel from waste materials, the ad highlights the innovative solutions being pursued to create a greener future.
By aligning the brand with sustainability initiatives, Shell’s campaign successfully generated awareness and engagement. The upbeat and catchy nature of the ad resonated with viewers, leading to widespread sharing and positive reception.
Channel 4’s campaign titled “We Are The Superhumans” struck a chord with viewers, amassing an impressive 1,851,533 shares in 2016. This powerful ad celebrates the athleticism and abilities of individuals with disabilities, challenging societal perceptions and breaking down barriers.
Featuring a diverse range of disabled athletes participating in various sports, the ad showcases their incredible talent and determination. With its energetic soundtrack and captivating visuals, the campaign aimed to change the narrative around disability and promote inclusivity.
“We Are The Superhumans” successfully generated widespread attention and appreciation for disabled athletes. By challenging preconceived notions and celebrating their achievements, the ad sparked important conversations about disability rights and representation.
- The campaign titled “We Are The Superhumans” garnered 1,851,533 shares in 2016.
- It celebrates the athleticism and abilities of individuals with disabilities, breaking down societal barriers.
- The ad showcases a diverse range of disabled athletes participating in various sports, highlighting their talent and determination.
- “We Are The Superhumans” aimed to change the narrative around disability and promote inclusivity.
- The campaign generated widespread attention, appreciation, and important conversations about disability rights and representation.
“We Are The Superhumans” successfully challenges preconceived notions and celebrates the achievements of disabled athletes.
John Lewis, a UK-based department store, has become synonymous with heartwarming and emotionally-driven Christmas ads. In 2016, their campaign titled “#BusterTheBoxer” continued the tradition, garnering an impressive 1,949,387 shares.
The ad tells the story of a little girl named Bridget who receives a trampoline for Christmas. The household pets, including the dog named Buster, eagerly anticipate their turn to bounce on the trampoline. On Christmas morning, the dog finally gets his chance and hilariously jumps alongside woodland animals.
John Lewis’ Christmas ads have become highly anticipated cultural events, and “#BusterTheBoxer” was no exception.
The heartwarming storyline, paired with a catchy soundtrack, captured the essence of the holiday season and resonated with viewers of all ages.
- The campaign was titled “#BusterTheBoxer“
- Received an impressive 1,949,387 shares
- Featured a little girl named Bridget and her dog, Buster
- Pets eagerly anticipated their turn to bounce on the trampoline
- Hilarious scenes of Buster jumping alongside woodland animals
11. Sainsbury’s Christmas Mog Campaign
While not included in the initial list of most shared ads, Sainsbury’s Christmas Mog campaign deserves honorable mention. The ad tells the story of Mog, a well-loved children’s book character, causing chaos on Christmas Eve, only for the community to come together and save the day.
This heartwarming campaign was hailed as one of the best of 2016 by The Gunn Report. It beautifully captured the spirit of the holiday season and reminded viewers of the importance of compassion, unity, and the power of community. The campaign generated significant buzz and showcased the enduring appeal of storytelling in advertising.
Bullet points:
- Sainsbury’s Christmas Mog campaign
- Story of Mog creating chaos on Christmas Eve
- Community coming together to save the day
- Hailed as one of the best campaigns of 2016 by The Gunn Report
- Captured the spirit of the holiday season
- Reminded viewers of compassion, unity, and the power of community
- Generated significant buzz
- Showcased the enduring appeal of storytelling in advertising
12. 11 Most Successful Campaigns of 2016
The Gunn Report, a prestigious annual publication, celebrates 11 campaigns as the most successful of 2016. These campaigns were chosen for their strategy, media execution, and effectiveness.
The report combines winners’ lists from 45 major award festivals worldwide to determine the most awarded adverts. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the most impactful and influential campaigns globally.
The featured campaigns in the report represent various industries and address a wide range of themes, showcasing the versatility and power of advertising. From heartwarming narratives to groundbreaking visuals, these selected campaigns set the excellence benchmark in the industry.
13. Winners’ Lists from 45 Major Award Festivals
The Gunn Report determines the most successful campaigns of 2016 by considering the winners’ lists from 45 major award festivals. This comprehensive approach ensures that campaigns from all over the world are evaluated and recognized for their creativity and effectiveness.
The inclusion of winners from a variety of award festivals ensures that the report captures a diverse array of advertising approaches and perspectives. From Cannes Lions to D&AD, the selected campaigns have been celebrated by the industry’s most esteemed entities.
The Gunn Report’s reliance on the winners’ lists from multiple festivals reflects the importance of industry recognition and peer validation. By considering campaigns that have been acknowledged and celebrated by their peers, the report upholds the highest standards of creativity and excellence.
- The Gunn Report considers winners’ lists from 45 major award festivals
- Ensures evaluation and recognition of campaigns from around the world
- Captures diverse advertising approaches and perspectives
- Celebrates campaigns honored by industry’s most esteemed entities
14. Making a Positive Impact in an Innovative Way
One common thread among the most successful campaigns of 2016 is their ability to make a positive impact on the world in an innovative way. These campaigns go beyond mere product promotion and seek to inspire, provoke thought, and spark important conversations.
From highlighting societal issues like gender inequality and disability rights to promoting clean energy and sustainability, the selected campaigns demonstrate the power of advertising as a force for change. By using their platforms to address pressing concerns and impact social consciousness, these campaigns set a new standard for advertising’s potential.
In an era where consumers demand authenticity and purpose from brands, campaigns that make a positive impact resonate deeply. By engaging with viewers on an emotional and intellectual level, these campaigns demonstrate that advertising can be a powerful tool for both storytelling and social change.
15. Top 20 Ads from 10 Different Countries
The top 20 list of most shared ads in 2016 reflects the global nature of advertising, featuring campaigns from 10 different countries. The UK, US, Denmark, Egypt, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Norway, the Philippines, and Indonesia are all represented, showcasing the diversity in storytelling styles and cultural nuances.
This global representation highlights the universality of certain themes and emotions that resonate with viewers across different cultures. While the execution and approaches may vary, the fact that these campaigns garnered significant shares and attention worldwide speaks to their ability to transcend borders and touch a chord with audiences.
The inclusion of ads from 10 different countries further emphasizes the impact and reach of advertising as a medium. In an increasingly interconnected world, campaigns have the potential to capture the attention of viewers regardless of their geographic location.
16. Impact of Sport on Advertising
In 2016, sport had a significant impact on advertising, especially with the Euro 2016 football championship and Super Bowl 50. These two events were so influential that they made it to the top 20 list of most shared ads. The global stage of these high-profile sporting events provided brands with the perfect opportunity to connect with passionate fans.
Sports have an emotional and communal nature, which makes them an ideal platform for storytelling and brand engagement. Brands that associate themselves with major sporting events tap into the fervor and excitement surrounding the games. This strategy leverages the passionate fan base and creates buzz, ultimately driving shares.
Furthermore, sporting events give brands the chance to align themselves with major cultural moments. By being associated with the excitement and camaraderie of sports, advertisers can generate positive brand sentiment and establish a lasting emotional connection with viewers.
17. Average Runtime of Top 20 Videos
The average runtime for the top 20 videos of 2016 was 2 minutes and 49 seconds, with the longest being 7 Eleven Thailand’s ad “Teachers” at close to nine minutes. This suggests that audiences are willing to invest their time in longer-form content, provided it captivates their attention and delivers a compelling narrative.
This shift towards longer videos reflects the changing dynamics of advertising consumption. In an age of smartphones and social media, viewers have developed an appetite for content that goes beyond traditional 30-second spots. Brands are now leveraging this desire for deeper engagement by creating longer videos that tell immersive stories and allow for more comprehensive brand messaging.
While shorter attention spans are often criticized, the success of longer ads in the top 20 list demonstrates that audiences are willing to devote their time to high-quality content that resonates with them. As advertisers continue to experiment with different formats and storytelling techniques, longer videos may become more prevalent in future campaigns.
18. Other Brands in the Top 20 List
In addition to the aforementioned ads, several other brands made it to the top 20 list of most shared ads in 2016. This includes McDonald’s, Volkswagen, and Mentos, among others. These brands demonstrated their ability to engage audiences and create resonant content that captured attention and prompted sharing.
For McDonald’s, their campaign titled “Committed” showcased the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability, generating significant buzz and shares. Volkswagen’s ad titled “The Dog Strikes Back” cleverly tied in their new car model with the universally relatable theme of weight loss, captivating audiences and driving shares. Mentos’ campaign, “Ninja Kittens – Catapult,” combined the cuteness of kittens with the humor of ninja antics, resulting in a viral hit.
These brands’ inclusion in the top 20 list further illustrates the power of creative storytelling and finding unique angles to connect with viewers. By tapping into emotions, humor, and relatable themes, these brands successfully generated sharing and engagement.
19. McDonald’s, Volkswagen, and Mentos among the Top Ads
In this passage, we will discuss the importance of regular exercise in maintaining good health. Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing various chronic diseases and improving overall well-being. Let’s delve into the key points:
- Regular exercise has numerous benefits for our body. It helps to control weight by burning calories and building lean muscle mass.
- Engaging in physical activity reduces the risk of developing diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Exercise enhances mental health by reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. It also improves cognitive function and promotes better sleep.
- Additionally, regular physical activity increases energy levels and improves endurance, making everyday tasks easier to accomplish.
- Cardiovascular exercises, like running, swimming, or cycling, strengthen the heart and improve circulation, leading to a healthier cardiovascular system.
- Strength training exercises, such as weightlifting or bodyweight exercises, help to build and maintain muscle strength, which is essential for maintaining mobility and independence.
- It is important to choose activities that you enjoy and can sustain in the long term. This will increase the likelihood of sticking to your exercise routine.
- Remember to start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts. This helps to prevent injuries and allows your body to adapt to the increased demands.
- Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns.
- Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is essential. Try to find opportunities to be active throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk during your lunch break.
Regular exercise is not just beneficial, it is vital for maintaining good health. By making physical activity a priority, we can improve our overall well-being and reduce the risk of developing various chronic diseases.
- Regular exercise helps control weight and build lean muscle mass
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers
- Enhances mental health by reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress
- Increases energy levels and improves endurance
- Cardiovascular exercises strengthen the heart and improve circulation
- Strength training exercises build and maintain muscle strength
- Choose activities you enjoy and can sustain long term
- Start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration
- Consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program
- Incorporate physical activity into daily routines
FAQ
The shift towards digital platforms and social media ads in 2016 had a significant impact on traditional advertising methods. Traditional advertising methods, such as TV commercials and newspaper ads, saw a decline as more businesses began to allocate their advertising budgets towards digital channels. This shift was driven by the increasing popularity and effectiveness of digital platforms in reaching target audiences, as well as the relatively lower cost and greater flexibility of digital advertising compared to traditional methods.
As a result, traditional advertising methods had to adapt to remain relevant. Many companies started to integrate digital elements into their traditional advertising campaigns, such as incorporating hashtags or website URLs in TV commercials or print ads. Others began to explore programmatic advertising, which uses automated technology to target specific audiences and deliver personalized ads across various digital platforms. Overall, the shift towards digital platforms and social media ads in 2016 marked a turning point for traditional advertising, necessitating a reevaluation and adjustment of strategies to keep up with the changing landscape.
2. What were some notable trends or themes in advertisements during 2016?
In 2016, there were several notable trends and themes in advertisements. One prominent trend was the focus on diversity and inclusivity. Many brands made a conscious effort to feature a variety of ethnicities, body types, and gender representations in their ads. This shift was a response to growing social movements advocating for greater representation and acceptance.
Another significant theme in advertisements during this time was the use of nostalgia. Many brands tapped into consumers’ feelings of nostalgia by incorporating elements from the past, such as retro designs or references to iconic pop culture moments. This strategy aimed to evoke positive emotions and create a sense of familiarity with the brand, ultimately leading to increased customer engagement and brand loyalty.
3. How did the rise of ad-blocking software in 2016 affect advertisers’ strategies and budgets?
The rise of ad-blocking software in 2016 significantly impacted advertisers’ strategies and budgets. Ad-blocking software allowed internet users to block or filter out online advertisements, making it more difficult for advertisers to reach their target audience. This forced advertisers to reevaluate their strategies and find alternative ways to reach consumers. Advertisers shifted their focus towards native advertising, which integrates promotional content seamlessly into the user’s experience, making them harder to block. Additionally, advertisers started investing more in influencer marketing, content marketing, and social media advertising, as these channels were less likely to be affected by ad-blocking software. Ultimately, advertisers had to be more creative and strategic with their campaigns, ensuring that their content was engaging and non-intrusive to capture and retain consumers’ attention in an ad-blocking era.
4. Were there any controversial or memorable advertisements in 2016 that generated significant discussion or backlash?
Yes, there were several controversial and memorable advertisements in 2016 that generated significant discussion and backlash. One such ad was the Pepsi “Live for Now Moments” commercial featuring Kendall Jenner. The ad attempted to address social justice issues by depicting a protest scene, in which Jenner resolves tensions by offering a Pepsi to a police officer. However, it was widely criticized for trivializing activism and exploiting recent protests for commercial gain. Many considered it tone-deaf and insensitive, and Pepsi eventually pulled the ad amidst the backlash.
Another controversial ad from 2016 was the Dolce & Gabbana “#BoycottDolceGabbana” campaign. It featured a series of videos showcasing a Chinese model struggling to eat Italian food with chopsticks, implying cultural insensitivity and perpetuating stereotypes. The campaign faced significant backlash, particularly in China, with many calling for a boycott of the brand. Dolce & Gabbana issued multiple apologies, but the controversy had a lasting impact on their reputation and sales in the Chinese market.