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In a world where digital ads are constantly vying for our attention, which campaigns stood out as the best in 2021?
From Airbnb’s ode to their hosts’ unique experiences, to Kick It Out’s bold social media boycott against racial abuse in football, these ads captured both our hearts and our screens.
Join us as we dive into the top 10 digital campaigns that left a lasting impression on audiences around the globe.
best digital ads 2021
The best digital ads of 2021 include Airbnb’s ‘Made Possible by Hosts’ campaign, Kick It Out’s social media boycott, Reddit’s Super Bowl ad, Aldi’s #FreeCuthbert campaign, Weetabix’s partnership with Heinz, Adobe’s collaboration with Billie Eilish, IKEA’s Pinterest quiz, Spotify’s “Everywhere” campaign, Pepsi’s “Better With Pepsi” ads, and Guinness’s “Welcome Back” campaign.
These ads stood out for their creativity, impact, and ability to connect with their target audiences.
Key Points:
- Airbnb’s ‘Made Possible by Hosts’ campaign
- Kick It Out’s social media boycott
- Reddit’s Super Bowl ad
- Aldi’s #FreeCuthbert campaign
- Weetabix’s partnership with Heinz
- Adobe’s collaboration with Billie Eilish
- Creativity, impact, and ability to connect with target audiences.
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💡 Did You Know?
1. The world’s first digital ad was displayed way back in 1978 on a mainframe computer at a university. It advertised the availability of a new version of DEC’s (Digital Equipment Corporation) operating system.
2. One of the most successful digital ads of 2021 was a virtual fashion show by the famous luxury brand Balenciaga. The show took place entirely in a video game format, attracting millions of viewers globally.
3. Did you know that the most effective length for a digital ad is only 15 seconds? Studies have shown that shorter ads tend to have higher engagement rates and are more likely to be remembered by viewers.
4. In 2021, McDonald’s launched a highly interactive digital ad campaign in Sweden. The ads featured a real-time countdown timer that showed a new hourly deal on their app, attracting customers with limited-time offers throughout the day.
5. The world’s largest digital ad network, Google AdSense, serves over 10 million websites worldwide. This network generates billions of dollars in revenue each year and has become an essential platform for millions of content creators and advertisers.
Airbnb’s ‘Made Possible By Hosts’ Campaign
Airbnb launched its successful ‘Made Possible by Hosts’ campaign in February 2021. The campaign aimed to promote the unique and personalized experience offered to travelers when booking a stay with Airbnb.
The series of captivating advertisements featured the stories and experiences of Airbnb hosts, highlighting the fact that it is the hosts who make each stay memorable and unique. This helped differentiate Airbnb from traditional hotel accommodations and emphasized the personal touch of staying in someone’s home.
The campaign tapped into the growing trend of experiential travel, where travelers seek authentic and immersive experiences beyond typical hotel stays. By showcasing the stories of real hosts, Airbnb positioned itself as a platform that allows travelers to connect with local culture and communities.
Through strategic placement on digital platforms such as social media, video streaming platforms, and travel-related websites, Airbnb effectively reached its target audience. The worldwide resonance of the campaign solidified Airbnb’s position as a leading player in the travel industry.
- The ‘Made Possible by Hosts’ campaign successfully highlighted the unique and personalized experience offered by Airbnb.
- It differentiated Airbnb from traditional hotel accommodations by emphasizing the personal touch of staying in someone’s home.
- The campaign tapped into the trend of experiential travel, providing authentic and immersive experiences.
- By showcasing the stories of real hosts, Airbnb positioned itself as a platform for connecting with local culture and communities.
“The campaign showcased the role of hosts in making each stay memorable and unique.”
Football Inclusion Organization’s Social Media Boycott
In April 2021, Kick It Out, a football inclusion and equality organization, initiated a four-day social media boycott to address the persistent issue of racial abuse faced by players. The campaign aimed to send a strong message to social media platforms, urging them to take more stringent measures against online abuse and hate speech.
The social media blackout was supported by various football clubs, players, and organizations, both in the UK and internationally. During the boycott, clubs and players refrained from posting on their social media accounts and encouraged fans to join in the protest by abstaining from using social media platforms during the designated period.
This campaign leveraged the power of social media to raise awareness about the prevalence of racial abuse in football and demanded action from relevant platforms. By organizing a coordinated boycott, Kick It Out effectively gathered momentum and attracted widespread attention to the issue. The campaign also put pressure on social media platforms to review their policies and take stronger measures to combat online racism.
The social media boycott campaign not only highlighted the seriousness of the issue but also demonstrated the collective power of football clubs and players in combating discrimination. The campaign received significant media coverage and sparked important discussions surrounding the responsibility of social media platforms in creating a safe and inclusive online environment.
Reddit’s Super Bowl Ad Slot
In a surprising move, Reddit purchased a five-second ad slot during the Super Bowl in 2021. This decision was particularly noteworthy as Reddit used its entire marketing budget for the year on this single ad, highlighting the platform’s confidence in the impact it could make.
Reddit’s Super Bowl ad aimed to showcase the power of coming together around shared ideas on their platform. The ad featured a Reddit logo that gradually transformed into various forum topics and threads, symbolizing the diverse range of communities and discussions on the platform.
The ad’s brevity and simplicity were intentional, aiming to pique curiosity and encourage viewers to explore the Reddit community further. By choosing the prestigious Super Bowl stage to deliver this message, Reddit aimed to reach a wider audience and convey that their platform is a space for meaningful conversations and connections.
This campaign showcased Reddit’s commitment to innovation and creativity in digital advertising. By strategically selecting the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched events globally, Reddit managed to generate buzz, increase brand awareness, and entice new users to explore their platform.
FAQ
What are the best marketing campaigns 2021?
In 2021, several marketing campaigns stood out as innovative and impactful. Apple’s iPhone 12 Fumble campaign generated significant buzz and engagement, showcasing the highly-anticipated new smartphone in a playful and unexpected way. With videos documenting iPhone 12’s durability during a fumble, the campaign successfully captivated audiences and built anticipation around the product launch.
Dove India’s Stop the Beauty Test campaign also made waves in 2021. With a powerful message challenging societal beauty standards, Dove India aimed to empower women and promote self-acceptance. By sparking conversations and encouraging individuals to redefine beauty, this campaign resonated with a wide audience and sparked a positive social impact.
Overall, these marketing campaigns demonstrated creativity, storytelling, and a dedication to making a difference, making them some of the best of 2021.
What is the most successful digital marketing campaign?
One of the most successful digital marketing campaigns to date is Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” campaign. Launched in 2015, this campaign showcased stunning photos and videos taken by everyday iPhone users, highlighting the powerful photography capabilities of the iPhone. The campaign went viral on social media platforms, with users sharing their own impressive shots under the hashtag #ShotOniPhone. This user-generated content not only increased brand engagement but also positioned Apple as a leader in mobile photography, ultimately boosting iPhone sales and solidifying Apple’s position as a technology innovator.
What are the most effective ads?
The most effective ads are those that tap into the power of word-of-mouth advertising and utilize satisfied customers as their primary advocates. By creating a compelling brand experience that exceeds expectations and leaves customers genuinely satisfied, businesses can inspire positive conversations and recommendations among their target audience. These recommendations hold immense persuasive power, as people tend to trust the opinions and experiences of their peers more than any other form of advertising. Thus, the most effective ads are those that turn customers into enthusiastic brand ambassadors, who willingly share their positive experiences and actively promote the product or service to others.
What is the best ad campaign 2021 UK?
In 2021, the standout ad campaign in the UK was undoubtedly the Aldi campaign led by McCann Manchester / UM Manchester. Titled “2010-2019: How taking an alternative path took Aldi from shame to pride,” it achieved exceptional success with a score of 43 points. This campaign resonated with audiences by highlighting Aldi’s journey from being perceived negatively to becoming a source of pride. By cleverly showcasing the company’s alternative approach, the campaign effectively captured the attention and loyalty of consumers.
The advertising industry in the UK saw substantial investments in 2021, with advertisers projected to spend roughly 36.09 billion British pounds. With such a significant investment, multiple noteworthy campaigns emerged. However, it was the Aldi campaign that triumphed with its impactful messaging and ability to captivate consumers. This advertising effort serves as a testament to the power of innovative storytelling and establishing a strong brand image.