SuperBowl 2023: Creative takeaways, marketing & Inspo!

This year’s Super Bowl was a series of exciting games and show-stopping halfway performances. It is also a prime time for brands to launch their brand and catalyst their product sales. From a marketing perspective, most brands did well, however they kept it on the safe side, to avoid any backlash in today's cancel culture and fearing any negative impact on their brand image. The advertisements were mostly cheery and light-hearted in nature, having warm, fuzzy, and nostalgic vibes rather than something out-of-the-box and innovative that sticks.

Here are the top favorites  

 1. Google Pixel 7 : #FixedOnPixel 

This was a great ad that clearly showed its new tech feature of enhancing, sharpening focus and erasing unwanted elements from your photographs, synonymous with removing unwanted people in your life as well ;)  This ad was cute, creative and perfectly captured what the product was capable of. 

Takeaway : Highlighting your product’s USP and how it will benefit your customers will help you achieve more product sales.

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. General Motors & Netflix: Why Not an EV?

A GM advertisement starring Will Ferrel stole the show in the automotive industry. The clever brand strategy to partner with Netflix and produce a creative ad premise that was engaging, witty and relevant, by referencing top netflix hits and also seamlessly delivering their message. This ad was light, humorous and had the perfect flow.

Takeaway : Leveraging key strategic partnerships can create a mutually beneficial and entertaining experience.

 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 3. Amazon : Saving Sawyer

Saving Sawyer was an example of amazing storytelling along with strategic product placement without shoving a message down your audience throats. Another brilliant aspect was its well-timed theme, and relevance with ups and downs in recent years; from lockdown to post-covid times, and how everyone struggled to adapt to unprecedented changes including our pets.        

Takeaway: Use great storytelling to propel your brand in a way that provides your customers with solutions.

 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 4. Popcorners: Break into something good

It’s been a while to the famous series Breaking Bad and then Better Call Saul, but still remains to be one of the top shows. Popcorners catapulted their brand by creating a memorable and quirky ad, featuring none other than Walter and Jesse in the same rusty RV creating something even more addictive than blue meth; chips. This ad was the perfect dose of nostalgia in this current world of fast-paced trends.

Takeaway: Creating an amazing throwback that isn't overplayed or senseless, but well-written and witty is key.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5. KIA motors: Binky Dad 

KIA motors also relied on formulaic storytelling today in a family-oriented setup, where a dad is goes out of his way to make his child happy. KIA played an integral role by being the focus of this commercial, highlighting it's key strengths as a family car that is built to endure any kind of terrain and landscape, making it an all-rounder.

Takeaway: Centering your product with a solution that can help or potentially save your customer from certain problems will be a winner.

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐

6. T-Mobile : Home Internet

This commercial featured ever-loved Movie star, John Travolta alongside Donald Faison and Zach Braff in a fun trip down memory lane. It reminded us of the old musical ads, that would bing instant joy. Singing on the tune of Summer Nights from "Grease" about the features and capabilities of T-Mobile internet provider. Again nothing cutting edge but simple, pure nostalgic bliss.

Takeaway : Nostalgia can be a powerful ingredient in marketing.

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐

7. Dunkin Donuts : 

Loosely inspired by today's tiktok and youtube landscape, Dunkin goes all out and features Ben Affleck as a regular drive through employee taking daily orders. There is an element of surprise when J-Lo shows up and is surprised to see her husband taking orders ! Overall it was a fun and sweet ad, nothing revolutionary or deep. Simplicity can work wonders.

Takeaway : Using familiar faces in a normal set-up can create a sweet, relatable, enjoyable experience. 

Rating : ⭐⭐⭐

8.The Farmer’s Dog: Forever 

The farmer’s dog took us through an emotional journey by cleverly weaving their product in a solid narrative harmoniously together. Even though this wasn’t an innovative approach, in fact you may even consider it  corny and predictable but it was able to hit the right chords.

Takeaway : Focusing on key values that align with your customers and your product can create a sentimental and valuable experience.

 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐

To wrap it up, Super Bowl played it safe and heavily relied on tried and tested elements in the commercial and from the marketing aspect. These were our top 8 commercials from the super bowl this year.

Comment down below which one was your favorite and why?

Rija Murtaza | February 2023 | Rare Media Solutions