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What were some of the best and most expensive commercials during Super Bowls?

The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched television events in the United States, with millions of viewers tuning in every year. Along with the excitement of the game, Super Bowl commercials have become a cultural phenomenon, with companies vying for the attention of the massive audience by creating memorable ads. Super Bowl commercials are so significant because they offer a unique opportunity for companies to reach a massive and diverse audience in a single ad slot, which can potentially increase brand awareness, sales, and overall success. 

However, with the increasing popularity of Super Bowl commercials, the cost of advertising during the event has skyrocketed over the years, making it one of the most expensive advertising platforms in the world. Despite the cost, the potential benefits of a successful Super Bowl commercial make it a highly sought-after opportunity for companies to showcase their brand. In this article, we will explore some of the best and most expensive Super Bowl commercials of all time and analyze the factors that contribute to their success.

The Cost of Super Bowl Commercials

The cost of Super Bowl commercials has been increasing steadily over the years. In the first Super Bowl in 1967, the cost of a 30-second commercial was $40,000. Fast forward to 2022, the cost of a 30-second ad during the Super Bowl has reached a record high of $6.5 million. Despite the increase in cost, the number of viewership for the Super Bowl has also risen over time, making it a highly valuable advertising platform for companies.

When compared to other advertising platforms, Super Bowl commercials are by far the most expensive. For example, the cost of a 30-second ad during the 2021 Oscars was $2 million, while a 30-second ad during the 2021 World Series cost approximately $500,000. However, the Super Bowl has a much larger audience than both the Oscars and the World Series, making it a more attractive advertising platform for companies looking to reach a large audience.

The cost of a 30-second ad during the 2022 Super Bowl was $6.5 million, which is a 14% increase from the previous year. Despite the high cost, companies continue to invest in Super Bowl commercials due to the potential return on investment. The high cost of Super Bowl commercials is due to the significant reach of the Super Bowl audience, which is estimated to be over 100 million viewers. The cost also reflects the high demand for advertising slots during the Super Bowl, making it a highly competitive market for companies.

Examples of Best and Most Expensive Super Bowl Commercials

Coca-Cola’s “Mean Joe Greene” commercial from 1980 is often cited as one of the best Super Bowl commercials of all time. The commercial features former professional football player Mean Joe Greene limping through a tunnel and being offered a Coca-Cola by a young fan. After drinking the Coca-Cola, Mean Joe Greene tosses his jersey to the fan as a thank you. The commercial was widely popular due to its emotional appeal, excellent storytelling, and the use of a popular football player as a spokesperson for the brand.

Apple’s “1984” commercial from 1984 is also considered one of the best Super Bowl commercials of all time. The commercial was a cinematic interpretation of George Orwell’s book “1984” and features a woman running with a sledgehammer and destroying a screen displaying the image of “Big Brother.” The commercial was a bold statement against conformity and was a departure from the traditional commercials of the time. The commercial was also significant because it was the first time that Apple advertised during the Super Bowl, and it helped to establish the brand as an innovative and forward-thinking company.

In 2021, DraftKings aired a commercial during the Super Bowl that featured their CEO offering a free $55 million prize pool to new users who signed up for their sportsbook app. The commercial emphasized the bonus offer and the potential winnings that users could receive by signing up for the app. This bonus is quite similar to what Ignition casino has now, which can provide you with exciting offers and discounts on their games and services. One way to get the most out of your experience is to use an Ignition casino bonus code, which can help you claim exclusive promotions and bonuses. The commercial was well-received due to its humorous tone, engaging spokesperson, and relevant message. The commercial also highlighted the growing trend of online sports betting and how DraftKings is at the forefront of this industry.

Amazon’s “Alexa Loses Her Voice” commercial from 2018 was a hilarious take on what would happen if Alexa, Amazon’s digital assistant, lost her voice. The commercial featured celebrities such as Gordon Ramsay, Cardi B, and Anthony Hopkins replacing Alexa’s voice and reacting to various commands. The commercial was well-received due to its humor, clever use of celebrities, and the portrayal of Alexa as an integral part of people’s lives. The commercial was also significant because it demonstrated the versatility of Amazon’s products and how they can be integrated into people’s daily routines.

Budweiser’s “Whassup?” commercial from 2000 is a classic Super Bowl commercial that featured a group of friends greeting each other with the phrase “Whassup?” The commercial became an instant hit due to its humor, catchphrase, and relatability to the target audience. The commercial was so successful that it spawned a cultural phenomenon, with people using the catchphrase in everyday conversations. The commercial was significant because it demonstrated how a simple idea and relatable humor could create a lasting impact on pop culture.

Analysis of the Success of Super Bowl Commercials

Several factors contribute to the success of Super Bowl commercials, including the timing and placement of the commercial, the use of a relatable and engaging spokesperson, and the message or theme of the commercial. Additionally, the brand’s reputation and target audience also play a significant role in the success of a Super Bowl commercial. The most successful Super Bowl commercials are those that can capture the audience’s attention and make a lasting impact, whether through humor, emotional appeal, or clever messaging.

Creativity, humor, and storytelling are key components of a successful Super Bowl commercial. Super Bowl commercials that are memorable and stand out from the crowd typically incorporate these elements in some way. Humor can be a powerful tool to engage viewers and create a positive association with the brand. Storytelling can also be a powerful tool to create an emotional connection with the audience and convey the brand’s message. Creativity, on the other hand, can help a commercial stand out from the crowd and make it more memorable.

The rise of social media has had a significant impact on Super Bowl commercials. Social media allows viewers to engage with Super Bowl commercials beyond just the television broadcast, creating a more interactive and immersive experience. Companies can leverage social media to extend the reach of their Super Bowl commercials, allowing them to connect with a broader audience and increase brand exposure. Social media also provides companies with valuable feedback and insights into how their Super Bowl commercials are being received, which can inform future marketing campaigns. Overall, social media has become an integral part of the Super Bowl commercial landscape, providing companies with new opportunities to engage with their audience and create memorable experiences.

Key Takeaways 

Super Bowl commercials have become an integral part of American culture, offering companies a unique opportunity to reach a massive and diverse audience in a single ad slot. The cost of advertising during the Super Bowl has steadily increased over the years, but the potential benefits of a successful Super Bowl commercial make it a highly sought-after opportunity for companies to showcase their brand. We explored some of the best and most expensive Super Bowl commercials of all time and analyzed the factors that contribute to their success. The success of Super Bowl commercials is dependent on several factors, including creativity, humor, storytelling, timing, and placement. Looking ahead, future trends in Super Bowl advertising are likely to incorporate new technologies and platforms, such as virtual reality and social media, to create more engaging and interactive experiences for viewers. Overall, Super Bowl commercials will continue to be a significant part of the advertising landscape, offering companies a valuable opportunity to connect with their audience and make a lasting impact.

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