03/04/2025
Advertising plays a powerful role in shaping how we discover, perceive, and engage with brands. Whether it’s the catchy jingle on the radio, a bold visual on a billboard, or a clever message embedded in a social media ad, every form of advertising has the potential to influence behavior and create lasting impressions.
As technology evolves and new media platforms emerge, the world of advertising continues to grow more diverse , and more strategic.
Today, advertisers must understand not only how to tell a good story, but where and how to tell it effectively. That’s why knowing the different types of advertisements is so important. It helps marketers choose the right format for the right audience.
In this article, we’ll explore various forms of advertising, from traditional print and TV ads to modern digital campaigns across social media and search engines. And to bring each one to life, we’ll look at real-world advertisement examples that became iconic in their own space.
Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or creative looking for inspiration, these examples will show you how the right format, message, and timing can come together to deliver a campaign that resonates - and drives results.
Types of Advertisements with Examples
Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of advertising, including real campaigns that demonstrate the strengths of each format.
1.Print Advertisements
Print advertising is one of the oldest and most respected forms of marketing. Found in newspapers, magazines, brochures, and posters, print ads offer a sense of credibility and permanence.
While digital has taken over much of the ad world, print remains highly effective in certain niches like luxury, real estate, fashion, and local markets.
Example: Absolut Vodka’s "Absolut Perfection" Campaign
Absolut revolutionized print advertising by making its signature bottle the star of every ad. The campaign featured creative adaptations of the bottle in different artistic settings—from snowy landscapes to pop art visuals.
By focusing on brand consistency and creativity, Absolut ran this campaign for over 25 years, making it one of the longest-running and most recognizable print campaigns in advertising history.
2.Television Commercials
TV commercials combine sight, sound, and motion to deliver emotional impact and mass reach. They are especially effective for launching new products or building a strong brand identity. TV ads allow brands to tell full stories, often through powerful narratives and cinematic production.
Example: Apple’s “1984” Commercial
Directed by Ridley Scott, Apple’s 1984 Super Bowl ad introduced the Macintosh computer with a futuristic, anti-establishment tone.
Featuring a dystopian world and a heroine smashing conformity, it positioned Apple as an innovator breaking away from the status quo. The commercial aired only once but became one of the most talked-about and studied ads in history.
3.Radio Advertisements
Radio ads rely solely on audio, which makes them unique. Without visuals, a good radio commercial needs strong storytelling, engaging voiceovers, and memorable sound effects. They are great for reaching commuters and local audiences.
Example: Motel 6’s “We’ll Leave the Light On for You”
With Tom Bodett’s soothing voice and friendly tone, this long-running campaign built a reputation for trust and affordability. The catchphrase became synonymous with hospitality, proving that simplicity and consistency can make a big impact in radio advertising.
4.Digital Advertisements
Digital advertising includes any ad that appears on the internet - search engines, websites, social media platforms, and streaming services. These ads are measurable, highly targeted, and adaptable in real-time.
Google Ads
Google Ads show up on search result pages when users enter specific keywords. They are effective for reaching users with high intent.
Example: Dollar Shave Club’s Search Ads
Dollar Shave Club used smart keyword bidding to target phrases like “affordable razors” and “shave subscription,” reaching the exact audience looking for their solution. It led to explosive growth in their early years.
Facebook Ads
Facebook ads let you target users by location, interests, behavior, and more. They support multiple formats , images, videos, carousels, and lead forms.
Example: Airbnb’s “Live There” Campaign
By using stories from real hosts and highlighting unique stays, Airbnb’s Facebook ads promoted the message of “living like a local.” These ads connected deeply with users and boosted bookings.
Instagram Ads
Instagram ads blend into users’ feeds with stunning visuals. They’re ideal for lifestyle and visual-first brands.
Example: Nike’s Colin Kaepernick Ad
Nike’s “Just Do It” ad featuring Kaepernick took a bold stance and sparked global conversation. On Instagram, the powerful black-and-white image aligned with Nike’s brand voice and gained millions of engagements.
YouTube Ads
Video ads on YouTube allow storytelling through short or long-form video. They can be skippable, non-skippable, or even bumper ads.
Example: Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
This quirky, fast-talking ad became a cultural moment. It was optimized for YouTube with shareable humor, which drove Old Spice’s rebranding and sales upward.
TikTok Ads
TikTok offers short-form, user-generated content style ads that thrive on creativity and trends.
Example: e.l.f. Cosmetics’ #EyesLipsFace Challenge
This viral challenge used a catchy jingle and encouraged users to post their own beauty looks. It became one of TikTok’s most successful branded challenges, with millions of views and user-generated content.
5.Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor advertising grabs attention in public spaces. These include billboards, bus ads, posters in subways, or unexpected installations.
Billboards
Example: The Economist’s Lightbulb Billboard
This minimalist ad only lit up when someone walked beneath it, suggesting the “lightbulb moment” of reading The Economist. It used interactivity to communicate a clever message.
Transit Ads
Example: Apple’s iPod Silhouette Campaign
Bright, energetic ads featuring silhouettes dancing with white iPods became a global sensation. These colorful visuals were impossible to miss on buses and subways.
Guerrilla Marketing
Example: Frontline’s Giant Dog Ad
Placed on a shopping mall floor, this ad made it look like people were fleas on a scratching dog when viewed from above. It was clever, interactive, and unforgettable.
Famous Advertisement Examples
1.Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" Campaign
Coca-Cola replaced its iconic logo with popular names on bottles, encouraging consumers to find bottles with their names and share them with friends. This personalization strategy led to a significant increase in sales and social media engagement.
2.Nike's "Just Do It" Campaign
Launched in the late 1980s, this campaign featured various athletes and everyday people overcoming challenges, inspiring viewers to take action and associate the brand with determination and excellence.
3.Apple's "Get a Mac" Campaign
Featuring personifications of Mac and PC, these ads humorously highlighted the advantages of Mac computers over PCs, effectively positioning Apple as a user-friendly and innovative brand.
4.McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It" Campaign
With its catchy jingle and global appeal, this campaign reinforced McDonald's brand identity and resonated with a diverse audience, contributing to its enduring success.
5.Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches" Campaign
This campaign addressed women's self-perception by comparing forensic sketches based on their descriptions and those of strangers, highlighting the gap between self-criticism and external perceptions. It sparked conversations about beauty standards and self-esteem.
Advertisement Examples by Objective
1. Brand Awareness
Objective: Get people to know your brand, even if they’re not ready to buy.
Example: Coca-Cola's "Open Happiness" Campaign
Coca-Cola has mastered brand awareness through feel-good, emotional messaging. “Open Happiness” didn’t just promote a drink - it created a feeling. By associating Coca-Cola with joy, family, and sharing, the brand made a deep emotional impact that translated to global recognition.
Why It Worked:
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Simple message
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Emotional resonance
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Broad appeal
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Consistent brand colors and visuals
2. Product Launch
Objective: Introduce a new product to the market.
Example: Apple iPhone Launch Ads
Every Apple iPhone launch is a masterclass in advertising. Their videos focus on sleek design, innovation, and user lifestyle. Combined with product reveal events and teasers, Apple generates anticipation like no other.
Why It Worked:
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Clean visuals and typography
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Benefit-focused messaging
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Early buzz and exclusivity
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Clear call-to-action
3. Lead Generation
Objective: Get potential customers to share their contact info.
Example: HubSpot’s Free Template Downloads
HubSpot runs ads offering free marketing templates in exchange for email addresses. These lead magnets help grow their audience while providing real value.
Why It Worked:
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Free value upfront
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Highly targeted messaging
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Clear benefit to the audience
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Seamless funnel from ad to landing page
4. Customer Retention
Objective: Keep your existing customers coming back.
Example: Starbucks Rewards App Promotions
Starbucks regularly promotes their app with push notifications and email ads offering double stars, free drinks, and new seasonal products. These campaigns are laser-focused on repeat customers.
Why It Worked:
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Personalized content
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Exclusive deals
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Simple to use and act on
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Designed for loyal customers
5. Event Promotion
Objective: Drive awareness and attendance for a specific date or event.
Example: Spotify Wrapped Ads
Spotify’s year-end campaign turns listening data into a celebration. Users get personal stats, and the brand shares humorous and insightful billboards, videos, and social content based on global listening trends.
Why It Worked:
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Highly personalized
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Built-in shareability
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Smart use of data
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Encouraged user-generated content
B2B Advertisement Examples
While many of the ads we’ve covered are B2C (business-to-consumer), B2B (business-to-business) advertising is just as creative and essential. Let’s look at how businesses sell to other businesses with powerful advertisement examples.
1. Slack – “So Yeah, We Tried Slack”
Slack created humorous ads showing office teams overwhelmed with email before discovering Slack. Their campaigns use storytelling to show how the tool simplifies communication.
Why It Worked:
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Relatable pain points
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Humor with professionalism
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Direct product demonstration
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Focus on business productivity
2. IBM – “Smart is…” Campaign
IBM’s branding focuses on innovation. Through real-world stories, like smarter cities or AI applications, they show how technology solves complex problems.
Why It Worked:
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Educational and inspiring
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Trusted industry authority
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Focus on real-world impact
3. Mailchimp – “Did You Mean…?”
Mailchimp used clever wordplay in their ads, intentionally misspelling their name in hilarious ways (e.g., “MailShrimp”). These unexpected visuals caught attention and made a lasting impression.
Why It Worked:
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Unconventional humor
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Strong brand voice
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Simple design and storytelling
B2C Advertisement Examples
In contrast to B2B, B2C ads often focus on emotion, lifestyle, and impulse. Here are consumer-facing advertisement examples that drove serious results.
1. Nike – “You Can’t Stop Us”
This inspiring video ad used split-screen footage to show athletes overcoming adversity and working together. Released during the pandemic, it became a symbol of hope and unity.
Why It Worked:
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Inclusive, global storytelling
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Strong visuals and music
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Message of resilience and unity
2. IKEA – “The Wonderful Everyday”
IKEA focuses on how its products improve daily life. Their ads are simple, warm, and family-oriented, making the brand relatable and human.
Why It Worked:
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Everyday scenarios
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Subtle humor
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Product integrated naturally
3. Heinz – “Draw Ketchup”
Heinz asked people around the world to “draw ketchup.” Almost everyone drew a Heinz bottle. The resulting ad showed how deeply their branding had penetrated culture.
Why It Worked:
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Consumer involvement
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Brand association proof
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Viral storytelling
What Makes These Advertisement Examples Successful?
After reviewing dozens of advertisement examples, here are the common traits of effective campaigns:
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Clear Message: One main idea that’s easy to remember
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Emotional Connection: Humor, inspiration, empathy, or joy
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Visual Consistency: Colors, typography, and imagery that fit the brand
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Audience Understanding: Speaking directly to the audience’s pain points or desires
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Call-to-Action: Every great ad tells the viewer what to do next
Ad Copywriting Breakdown
Even with a great idea, your ad won’t work without strong copy. Here’s how top brands write effective ad text:
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The Hook: The first line or visual element that grabs attention (e.g., “Think Different.”)
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The Value: Why should the viewer care? (e.g., “Save 20 hours a week with our software.”)
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The CTA: What should they do next? (e.g., “Download Now”, “Shop the Collection”, “Try Free Demo”)
Key Takeaways from Advertisement Examples
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Creativity wins - but only when paired with strategy
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Simplicity is powerful
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Personalization boosts engagement
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The best ads feel like they’re speaking directly to you
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Whether B2B or B2C, storytelling is the secret sauce
How Centric DXB Helps You Create Winning Ads
At Centric DXB, we turn ideas into powerful campaigns that cut through the noise. Whether you're a startup needing your first launch ad, or an enterprise looking to scale your campaigns across platforms our team combines creativity with data to deliver real results.
We specialize in:
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Creative Advertising Campaigns
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Digital Strategy & Media Planning
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Performance Marketing (Google Ads, Social Media Ads)
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Brand Positioning & Messaging
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Web & App Design for Conversion-Focused Ads
Explore Centric DXB's Services and take your business to the next level.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, you now clearly understand how powerful advertising can be - and how just one great idea can transform the way people see your brand. Whether you’re aiming to launch a high-impact campaign for a global audience or just looking to run a simple, effective ad on Google or Instagram, inspiration is truly everywhere.
From funny commercials and emotional storytelling to interactive content and bold brand statements, the best advertising examples all share a few key traits: clarity, creativity, and connection with the audience.
Studying advertisement examples gives you a strategic advantage. It helps you spot trends, understand messaging styles, and identify what truly engages people across different industries and platforms. More importantly, it helps you avoid guesswork. Instead of starting from scratch, you learn from what has already worked , and then make it your own.
But inspiration alone isn't enough. To turn your ideas into real business results, you need execution.
That’s where the right creative team makes all the difference. From ad concept to copywriting, design to media strategy, a skilled partner helps you connect your message with the right audience, at the right time, and for that you can trust Centric DXB.
