Request Demo
dROP US A LINE.
let's chat
Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Search
Every year, the Super Bowl is more than just about football—it's a global event where the biggest brands showcase their creativity, pushing the limits of advertising to engage millions of viewers. Since the first Super Bowl in 1967, commercials have evolved from simple product pitches to emotionally charged, culturally relevant, and viral moments that define a brand’s identity. In this post, we’ll explore the history of Super Bowl commercials and how marketing strategies—ranging from traditional advertising to innovative digital tactics—have been used by brands to increase sales and foster lasting consumer connections.
The first-ever Super Bowl ad aired in 1967, when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. At the time, the concept of the Super Bowl as an advertising vehicle was unproven, and the prices for TV ads were much lower than they are today. The iconic ad from the inaugural Super Bowl was for Bulova watches, which simply featured a clock graphic with the tagline: "America's Watch."
In these early days, the ads were basic, showcasing simple product offerings or service information. But even then, brands were beginning to understand that reaching such a large audience—millions of viewers watching on TV—could create a unique opportunity for driving brand recognition and boosting sales.
By the 1980s, Super Bowl commercials became more elaborate, shifting from basic pitches to emotionally engaging content. Brands began tapping into the power of storytelling to connect with audiences on a deeper level. One iconic example from this era is Apple's 1984 commercial, directed by Ridley Scott. The ad, which introduced the Macintosh computer, was a game-changer in terms of its cinematic style and futuristic message. It became a cultural phenomenon, cementing the idea that Super Bowl ads could create memorable moments that transcended the game itself.
During the 1990s, the focus shifted to humor and pop culture references. Advertisers realized that the Super Bowl was a prime opportunity to create buzz-worthy moments that would be talked about long after the game. Brands like Budweiser and Pepsi became known for their lighthearted, comedic ads, with memorable campaigns such as Budweiser's "Whassup?" and Pepsi's "The Pepsi Generation".
With the rise of the internet in the late 90s and early 2000s, advertisers began incorporating digital elements into their campaigns. The Super Bowl became a key moment not only for traditional TV spots but also for online and social media engagement. By creating online-exclusive content or viral videos, brands could extend the reach of their message beyond TV viewers.
In the 2010s, digital platforms such as Google and Facebook (Meta) revolutionized how Super Bowl ads were integrated into broader marketing campaigns. Brands could use Google Ads and Facebook Ads to target specific demographics, track ad performance in real-time, and optimize strategies based on data-driven insights. This era marked the beginning of multi-channel marketing—where advertisers could align their Super Bowl commercials with online campaigns, social media promotions, and targeted email marketing to maximize impact.
One of the most notable campaigns in this space was Volkswagen’s “The Force” ad (2011). It went viral on YouTube before the game even aired, creating massive engagement online and turning into a global conversation about the brand. Volkswagen's integrated strategy combined TV commercials, digital platforms, and social media in a way that set the stage for how future brands would approach the Super Bowl.
As the costs of Super Bowl ad slots have skyrocketed, brands are no longer just hoping to generate immediate buzz. They now leverage a wide range of strategies to drive sales and ensure a return on investment. Here’s how modern brands integrate comprehensive marketing efforts to convert viewers into customers:
Today’s Super Bowl ads are not standalone efforts—they are part of a larger strategy. After watching an ad, consumers expect to visit a brand’s website, whether to learn more about the product or make a purchase. A seamless web design that enhances user experience (UX) is critical in turning these visitors into leads and customers. For example, a brand like Doritos could create a specific landing page on its website tied to the Super Bowl campaign, ensuring viewers have an easy path to explore and purchase its products.
At STZY Media, we specialize in crafting websites that not only captivate but also convert visitors into loyal customers, ensuring a smooth transition from engagement to purchase. For more on the importance of web design, check out Smashing Magazine, which shares expert advice on creating stunning, user-friendly websites.
The visual aesthetics of a Super Bowl ad often leave a lasting impact. Clever graphic design can make an ad visually striking, increasing brand recall. Whether it’s through custom typography, animations, or unique product packaging in ads, effective graphic design helps create an emotional connection with consumers. For instance, Coca-Cola often incorporates vibrant colors and iconic bottle imagery to evoke feelings of happiness, making its ad instantly recognizable.
If you’re looking for top-tier graphic design services that will elevate your brand’s presence, STZY Media offers creative solutions tailored to meet your marketing goals. Additionally, explore the insights on CreativeBloq for the latest graphic design trends and ideas.
Super Bowl commercials are a showcase for video editing at its finest. From tight editing to smooth transitions and dramatic sound effects, the goal is to craft a story that resonates. A well-edited video can convey a lot in a short amount of time, especially when the ad is part of a broader advertising strategy. By aligning the commercial’s tone with the target audience, video editing becomes an integral part of the multi-channel marketing approach.
At STZY Media, our expert video editing services ensure that your brand’s message is crafted for maximum emotional impact, driving results. For more information on effective video editing strategies, visit TechRadar for expert tips and tools.
In today’s advertising landscape, brands that air Super Bowl ads often complement their TV spots with Google Ads and Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads. Through targeted campaigns, brands can reach viewers who have already engaged with their commercials, retargeting them with personalized messages across other digital platforms. These campaigns are also highly measurable, allowing marketers to adjust strategies based on real-time performance.
With our expertise in Google Ads and Meta advertising, STZY Media can help you create highly targeted campaigns that drive engagement and sales. For additional strategies on Google Ads and Meta marketing, check out WordStream, a resource hub for improving your digital ad campaigns.
Many brands use email marketing to further nurture the leads generated from their Super Bowl ads. For instance, after airing a Super Bowl commercial, brands might offer discounts or exclusive offers through email, giving people an incentive to make a purchase. This integration between TV, digital ads, and email campaigns creates a seamless experience for customers, guiding them through the purchasing journey.
Our email marketing solutions at STZY Media are designed to help you convert leads into long-term customers through highly effective, personalized campaigns. For insights into email marketing strategies, check out Mailchimp's Blog for expert tips and best practices.
As the Super Bowl continues to evolve, so too does the way brands approach advertising. With the rise of AI, augmented reality (AR), and other cutting-edge technologies, we can expect to see even more immersive and interactive campaigns in future Super Bowl ads. The integration of digital technologies, coupled with strategic marketing through multi-channel strategies, will only continue to enhance the power of these iconic commercials.
In conclusion, the evolution of Super Bowl commercials reflects the growing sophistication of marketing techniques. From simple product placements to complex digital integrations, brands have continually adapted to new technology and consumer behaviors. For businesses looking to replicate this success, a strong marketing agency focused on web design, graphic design, video editing, digital advertising, and multi-channel marketing strategies is essential for driving results and increasing sales.
Our personal favorite commercials from the Super Bowl LIX 2025
