01. Murph for Nerf

The introduction of a mascot by a long-standing brand like Nerf, with help from The Martin Agency, can be risky. However, this summer, they unveiled Murph, a character crafted entirely from Nerf darts. The design is reminiscent of past favorites, making it a playful addition.

Discover more about Murph's creation and the public's response. Notably, shortly after our initial feature, Adweek explored the mascot's backstory in detail.

02. Two Cheesy Innovations

This entry highlights two unique cheese-related marketing strategies—one from Velveeta and another from Kraft. Velveeta introduced a cheese-scented nail polish that garnered significant buzz, while Kraft chose to rebrand their iconic product as "Mac & Cheese," embracing the name consumers frequently use.

Read more about the nail polish launch and Kraft's rebranding initiative.

03. Cannes Lions Highlights

The Cannes Lions festival returned this year, showcasing outstanding advertising work. Among the winners were some fresh campaigns that caught our attention. Here are a few case studies worth exploring:

• Draw Ketchup
• Skittles Apology
• Foamy Haircut
• Speaking in Color
• Song for Every CMO

04. The Pringles Spider

Pringles launched two quirky promotions this summer. One involved hiring a fan to feature as a character in a video game, while the other campaign involved a real spider species that resembles their mascot, leading to a petition to name it after the snack.

Learn more about the campaign details and watch the accompanying video.

05. Oddballs Unite

Reddit's new campaign, developed with R/GA, includes its inaugural national TV spot. The "Find Your People" campaign embraces niche interests, promoting Reddit as the go-to platform for individuals seeking like-minded communities.

Watch the campaign spot and learn more about its execution.

06. Meaty Mash-Up

This advertisement merges two popular campaigns: Arby’s “We Have The Meats” and Old Spice's Isaiah Mustafa. It's an outrageous promotion for a limited edition meat-scented deodorant, complete with themed merchandise.

Check out the promotional video and learn more about the campaign's unique concept.

07. A Study on Creativity

Not strictly an advertisement, but worth mentioning is a recent study from creative consultancy Aufi. The report is visually stunning and packed with insights.

Read the full report and explore its innovative interface.

08. Humorous Home Insurance Ads

Hippo Insurance launched a major campaign featuring comedic dialogue, but we particularly enjoyed the simpler, humorous ads that followed shortly after. The porta-potty ad, in particular, received great feedback for its clever editing.

Watch the porta-potty advertisement and the one featuring a child.

09. Quick and Funny Campaigns

Take 5's "Faster Than You Think" campaign, created with Erich & Kallman, offers a clever insight with a repeatable 15-second formula that delivers both humor and branding effectively.

Check out the Knitting and Car Wash spots, and read more about the campaign.

10. Heartfelt Fashion

Karen X Cheng, a notable figure in creative branding, recently showcased an augmented reality dress featuring a heart design. Initially a client project, she self-funded its completion when the client opted out.

Watch the dress demonstration and the behind-the-scenes story.

11. Enchanted Oregon

Oregon's tourism board partnered with W+K and director Gerson Aguerri to create a delightful stop-motion campaign. It beautifully transforms ordinary elements into something magical, aligning perfectly with the "Extraordinary is Ordinary" theme.

Watch the various themed spots for rocks, water, and soil.

12. LendingTree's Fun Rhyme

LendingTree's new ad campaign, featuring celebrity Molly Shannon, is full of clever rhymes that make it engaging and entertaining.

Watch the home loan and personal loan spots to see how they executed this playful concept.

13. Embracing the "Ugly"

Birkenstock's global campaign, titled "Ugly for a Reason," embraces their unconventional reputation. The initiative includes a three-part documentary about the human foot, produced in collaboration with the New York Times' content studio.

Watch the documentary and learn more about the campaign.

14. Holiday World Cup Promo

As the FIFA World Cup coincides with the holiday season, a creative team pitched a humorous promotion featuring Jon Hamm as Santa, reminding viewers of the upcoming event.

Watch the advertisement and read about the campaign.

15. Mattress Firm's Humor

Mattress Firm’s "Junk Sleep" campaign highlights a strategic approach, particularly in its latest humorous spots from Droga5. These ads feature a lighter tone while showcasing the importance of quality sleep.

Watch all the spots and read about the campaign.

16. Spoon-Shaped Fries

Heinz has embraced the trend of creative stunts with their latest promotion: spoon-shaped fries to enhance condiment enjoyment. Though they quickly sold out, the buzz surrounding the campaign was significant.

Read about the campaign and watch the promotional video.

17. Ryan Reynolds' Double Act

Ryan Reynolds has dominated advertising headlines since launching his own agency. His latest product demo for MNTN software is engaging and entertaining, breaking the mold for software promotions.

Check out the MNTN demo and learn about A&W's campaign featuring another Ryan Reynolds.

18. Heinz Ketchup Reimagined

Heinz has been making waves with multiple campaigns recently. Their latest involved using AI text-to-image technology to illustrate the brand's strong association with ketchup, showcasing its significance in the market.

Watch the campaign video and read more about it.

19. Exceptional Craftsmanship

This entry isn't a traditional advertisement, but it deserves recognition for its creative execution. An infinite zoom video showcases meticulous detail that captivates viewers.

Watch the creative piece.

20. Fun with Cereal

Surreal, a low-sugar, high-protein cereal brand, has launched a billboard campaign in the UK that humorously targets major competitors like Frosted Flakes and Rice Krispies.

Explore the campaign and its innovative approach.

21. Bear Necessities

Bears made headlines in advertising recently. Wandering Bear cold brew's charming stop-motion campaign tells an engaging story, while Miles Teller promotes Finnish Long Drink in a humorous bear suit.

Watch the Wandering Bear campaign and learn about the Long Drink ads.

22. Tito's Vodka Promotion

With a plethora of seltzer options on the market, Tito’s vodka chose a unique approach by inviting consumers to create their own seltzer mixes using their vodka, combining humor and product engagement.

View the ad and explore the campaign's creative concept.

23. Grown-Up Humor in Advertising

HP’s new campaign, led by W+K and director Jim Jenkins, takes a humorous approach to the realities of modern business life, with a well-cast lead actor delivering relatable insights.

Watch the campaign and learn about its execution.

24. Purposeful Advertising

Perkier’s new campaign satirizes the overuse of "purpose" in advertising, poking fun at brands that go to extremes to showcase their sustainability efforts, with a tongue-in-cheek tagline: "We’re good…so you don’t have to be."

Watch the campaign spots and read more about it.

25. Vibrant Streetwear

Pantone's collaboration with designer Merwan a.k.a. Mero features eye-catching social ads that elevate streetwear with vibrant colors and engaging visuals.

Watch the captivating ads and explore the collaboration.

26. Experiential Marketing

The concept of "experiences, not ads" is popular, and brands are investing in unique activations. Pabst Blue Ribbon opened a retro motel, while Corona launched an island retreat.

Learn more about PBR Motel and Corona Island, and the experiences they offer.

27. Summer Relief

As summer temperatures soared in many cities, Midea's clever activation involved screening a 90-minute film of an air conditioning unit cooling an apartment, inviting viewers to enjoy the comforts of air conditioning.

Read about the campaign and watch the full film.

28. Kissing Booth

Seattle's tourism campaign playfully promotes its rainy climate by taking a kissing booth on the road to warm cities, celebrating the romantic notion of "kissing in the rain."

Watch the kissing booth in action and read about the campaign.

29. Chipotle's Candle

Chipotle launched a limited-edition candle that smells like their lemonade, humorously acknowledging customers who fill up "water cups" with drinks other than water. The campaign generated significant media coverage.

Read about the campaign and watch news stories surrounding the product.

30. Triangle Challenge

Doritos, along with Goodby Silverstein & Partners, introduced a fun digital campaign transforming real-world triangles into their iconic chip shape, featuring Snapchat lenses and TikTok challenges.

Explore the campaign and its multi-faceted media activations.

31. NFL Youth Program

Payton and Eli Manning are frequently seen in commercials, but their latest campaign for the NFL's youth program, featuring talented young actors, showcases their charm in a classic 30-second format.

Watch the "Sheriff" and "Conditioning" spots and read about the campaign.

32. Billboard Art Installation

A new $14 million billboard in Los Angeles has garnered attention, not just for its advertising potential but as an art installation. Its unique design draws interest and raises questions about outdoor advertising.

Read about the installation and see interior photos.

33. Gucci's Tribute to Kubrick

Gucci's recent campaign pays homage to filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, showcasing their latest collection. However, the video faced copyright issues and has been removed from many platforms.

Read about the campaign and watch behind-the-scenes content.

34. Hot Dog Popsicle

Oscar Mayer's unique campaign features a "hot dog popsicle," generating buzz with its tagline, "Stupid or genius?" The playful concept has sparked conversations online.

Read about the campaign and watch media coverage.

35. Taylor Swift's Marketing Prowess

Taylor Swift recently stole the spotlight at the MTV Music Video Awards, announcing her upcoming album while engaging her fans through social media, maintaining a sense of community.

Watch the announcement and read about the album covers.

36. Industrial Light & Magic

The six-part documentary on Industrial Light & Magic, now available on Disney+, explores the evolution of special effects in filmmaking, emphasizing creativity's role in storytelling.

Watch the trailer and dive into the series.

37. Mailchimp's Absurdist Campaign

Mailchimp's latest campaign stands out for its quirky approach to advertising. It tells engaging stories about email marketing while effectively highlighting their product without overwhelming viewers with technicalities.

Watch all seven ads and read about this inventive campaign.

38. Mr. Beast's Treasure Hunt

Mr. Beast, a major YouTube influencer, launched his burger joint with an extravagant treasure hunt event that attracted thousands to a New Jersey mall. It serves as a case study in effective real-life marketing.

Watch the treasure hunt video and read about the campaign.

39. Millionaire Ice Cream Bars

A Canadian lottery campaign features ice cream bars that taste like luxurious items, cleverly titled "Ice cream bars that taste like rich people stuff."

See the campaign spot, including behind-the-scenes insights from flavor creators.

40. Pinterest's Global Campaign

Pinterest's recent global campaign positions the platform as a remedy for self-doubt, tackling imposter syndrome and encouraging users to embrace their creativity.

Watch the various ads and read about the campaign's messaging.

41. Jamba Juice's Vibrant Campaign

Jamba Juice's "Just Gotta Jamba" campaign reflects the brand's colorful and upbeat persona, perfectly aligning with their product offerings.

Watch the campaign spots and see their in-store promotions.

42. Cheesy Humor

Cheese Heads has launched a quirky animated campaign for its string cheese that combines childlike visuals with surreal humor, resulting in a charmingly cheesy experience.

Watch the various animated spots and read about the campaign.

43. Levi's Timeless Denim

Levi's "Buy Better Wear Longer" campaign showcases the journey of a pair of jeans over 50 years, emphasizing sustainability and enduring style.

Watch the campaign spot and explore the behind-the-scenes film.

44. Postmates' Unique Photography

Postmates has produced a striking collection of photos that capture the personality of their brand, moving away from traditional stock imagery to create something fresh and engaging.

Explore the photography collection.

45. The Gym Group's Playful Campaign

The Gym Group's campaign addresses gym intimidation with humor through the catchy "Gym face" song, making the experience more approachable for newcomers.

Watch the campaign video and read about its approach.

46. Upwork's Zombie Musical

Upwork's "This is How We Work Now" campaign features a zombie musical that brilliantly contrasts traditional advertising norms with a fresh, engaging approach.

Watch the full anthem and see the playlist of spots.

47. Paramount's Viral Stunt

To promote their horror movie "Smile," Paramount created a viral marketing stunt by placing actors with frozen smiles at MLB games, generating significant attention on social media.

Read about the campaign and see news coverage.

48. Citrus Ads

The short ad format has grown increasingly essential, and Venables Bell & Partners created six-second ads for Peelz that are tailored for quick consumption, all while delivering humor and effectiveness.

Watch the various spots.

49. "Out There" Vibes

Kathmandu's campaign, "We're out there," features a quirky aesthetic that resonates with its outdoor brand ethos. The catchy soundtrack adds to its appeal, making it memorable.

Watch the campaign and read about its creative execution.

50. Burberry's Sci-Fi Inspired Campaign

Burberry's "Night Creatures" campaign blends dance and visual storytelling, showcasing their new outerwear collection while encapsulating a luxurious feeling.

Watch the film and explore the previous installments.

51. Tabasco's Brand Identity Refresh

Tabasco's recent brand identity overhaul highlights how cohesive visual branding can elevate a product’s presence across various platforms.

Explore the new branding and its applications.

52. Mr. Doodle's Artistic Endeavor

Mr. Doodle, a UK artist, spent two years doodling his entire house, resulting in a captivating two-minute time-lapse video that showcases his artistic journey.

Watch the time-lapse and read about the project.

53. Volvo's Truck Love Story

Volvo Trucks may never top their iconic "Epic Split" ad, but their latest truck love story ad is charming and showcases their commitment to storytelling.

Watch the spot and read about the campaign.

54. Kraft Mac & Cheese's Bold Move

Kraft Mac & Cheese has humorously petitioned McDonald's to add their mac to the Big Mac, cleverly combining PR and product promotion in a fun way.

Discover more about the campaign and its playful elements.

55. Samsung's Flip Phone Revival

Samsung is attempting to rekindle interest in flip phones with a series of innovative outdoor ads, including foldable billboards and bus wraps.

Read about their outdoor campaigns and creative strategies.

56. Ocean Spray's Cranberry Sauce Spot

Ocean Spray's latest advertisement about cranberry sauce has generated buzz within the advertising community, thanks to its fresh execution and clever strategy.

Watch the spot and read about the campaign.

57. Pizza Hut's Unique Approach

Pizza Hut's campaign takes a humorous twist by offering $100 to customers who agree not to discuss their new Melts on social media, cleverly flipping the typical marketing approach.

Learn more about the campaign's creative strategy.

58. Las Vegas' Playful Promotions

Las Vegas has rolled out a new campaign that humorously nods to its adult-oriented image, encouraging visitors to embrace the city's lively atmosphere without their families.

Watch the campaign spots and read about its execution.

59. Seasonal Campaigns

As the holiday season approaches, Amazon has released a cheerful new advertisement that resembles a nostalgic Christmas special from the 1960s, showcasing the variety of products available for purchase.

Watch the advertisement to get into the holiday spirit.

60. British Airways' Ambitious Campaign

British Airways has embarked on a bold campaign, producing 500 unique outdoor ads, alongside 32 short films that creatively capture the essence of travel.

Explore some of the outdoor ads and films associated with the campaign.

61. Dying for Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dave’s Hot Chicken has launched a macabre campaign featuring a tagline that humorously suggests trying their food before it’s too late, creating a memorable narrative.

Watch the spots featuring Sam and Ryan, and learn about the campaign's execution.

62. NRMA's Beautiful Storytelling

NRMA's new campaign features beautifully shot narratives that evoke emotional responses without dialogue, showcasing the power of visual storytelling.

Watch the stories "Runaway" and "Duel," and explore their print and outdoor content.

63. Just for Food for Dogs' Unique Advertising

The campaign by Just for Food for Dogs features tiny billboards in dog waste, generating attention for its unconventional approach while engaging dog owners in a humorous manner.

Check out the campaign ads and read more about its creative strategy.

64. Absurdity in Advertising

Zulu Alpha Kilo's new video pokes fun at the advertising industry's tendency to create work aimed more at winning awards than serving real customers, highlighting the absurdity of the creative process.

Watch the video and read about the campaign's insights.

65. Native's Holiday Scents

Native has launched a fun holiday-themed campaign promoting their "naughty & nice" scents with catchy lines and memorable performances.

Watch the spot and explore the campaign further.

66. Toys ‘R’ Us Imagination Campaign

Toys ‘R’ Us Canada aims to encourage imaginative play in children, addressing the decline in kids with imaginary friends through their latest campaign.

Watch the ad and explore the outdoor advertising.

67. Cadbury's Playful Case Study

Cadbury's campaign in India serves as a playful nod to advertising tropes, suggesting doing nothing because their 5-Star brand is already everywhere.

Watch the ad and read about the campaign.

68. Miniature Craft Insights

A deep dive by It’s Nice That explores the art of miniature crafts and what the advertising industry can learn from these creative processes.

Read the insightful article.

69. Wholly Veggie's Deceptive Campaign

Wholly Veggie’s campaign humorously embraces the idea of tricking loved ones into trying plant-based foods with catchy tunes and engaging outdoor ads.

Watch the various spots and read about the campaign.

70. Denny's Breakfast Promotion

Denny's has introduced a unique Black Friday offer where a $5.99 t-shirt grants the wearer free breakfast for a year, generating buzz with a fun promotion.

Learn more about the campaign and how to purchase the t-shirt.