Posted by Memorable 20th-century ads did more than sell products. They became cultural icons. Ads like Guinness’s “Dancing Man” and Coca-Cola’s “Holidays are coming…” jingle are now part of our festive traditions. Iconic adverts like Nike’s “Parklife” and Budweiser’s “Whassup!” show how ads can touch our hearts. They prove why advertising was seen as the greatest art form of the 20th century.
These ads didn’t avoid controversy. Tango’s “Orangeman” ad sparked debates, while Dove’s “Evolution” challenged beauty standards. Ads like Energizer’s “Escape of the Bunny” and Sony Bravia’s “Balls” used creativity to leave a lasting impression. Each ad told a story that stuck with us long after the screen went dark.
What made these ads stand out? Emotional connections, striking visuals, and the right timing. Ads like Hovis’s “Boy on the Bike” and John Lewis’s “The Bear and the Hare” are timeless. They show that the best ads are those that stay with us. Catchphrases like “Share a Coke” or “Reassuringly Expensive” prove advertising’s lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
- Iconic adverts like Guinness’ “Dancing Man” turned music into chart-toppers, merging product and culture.
- Coca-Cola’s “Holidays are coming…” remains a seasonal touchstone, showing how brands become traditions.
- Nike’s “Parklife” and Pepsi’s Cindy Crawford campaign illustrate celebrity’s role in defining brand identity.
- Controversial ads like Tango’s Orangeman or Dove’s “Evolution” sparked conversations beyond sales targets.
- Simple slogans like “Whassup!” or “Bud… Weis… Er…” became linguistic milestones in their own right.
The Impact of 20th-Century Advertising
These campaigns didn’t just sell products. They created entire worlds. And their impact? They’re the model for today’s ads, aiming to recreate that magic.
Memorable Print Advertisements
Print advertising’s golden age was a visual revolution. Before digital screens, ads used images to tell stories that stuck with people. From bold slogans to striking visuals, these
The Power of Imagery
Coca-Cola’s 1930s Santa ads made the jolly figure a symbol of Christmas joy. Volkswagen’s 1960s “Think Small” campaign changed car ads, using simple layouts to show reliability. This honesty led to a 307% sales increase by 1968.
Such visuals didn’t just sell products; they created lasting emotional connections.
Iconic Campaigns from the 1960s
The 1960s were a creative peak. De Beers’ “A Diamond is Forever” campaign, started in 1947, boosted U.S. diamond sales by 55% by 1979. Movie ads in The Saturday Evening Post used Technicolor and star power to hype films.
Even crises inspired creativity. When California orange growers faced surplus, rebranding as Sunkist turned excess into success. These nostalgic brand promotions show how print could solve problems and shape culture.
Game-Changing Commercials
Classic promotional videos from the 20th century did more than just sell products. They became cultural milestones. Apple’s 1984 “Big Brother” Super Bowl spot is a prime example. Directed by Ridley Scott, it introduced the Macintosh without showing it, sparking buzz that drove $3.5 million in sales. This commercial
The Rise of Animated Characters
Animated mascots made brands famous. The Chewits dinosaur, for example, changed from scary to friendly over the years. It shows how characters can connect across generations.
Characters like Tony the Tiger or the Geico gecko won hearts. They built loyalty and often outlasted their campaigns. These mascots made brands feel like old friends.
The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements
Stars like Michael Jordan and Ryan Giggs became part of brands. Reebok’s 1990s campaign featured celebrities like Robbie Williams praising Giggs’ skill. It mixed sports and pop culture.
By the 2000s, the Dos Equis “Most Interesting Man” campaign saw 22% sales growth. It showed how relatable personas can engage people. These partnerships evolved from simple endorsements to collaborative storytelling, reflecting changes in media.
Iconic Jingles that You Stil Remember
Remember the 1970s? You might hum the Meow Mix jingle, “Meow Mix, it’s good for your cat!” It made half of Americans buy the product. These influential commercials used music to make brands unforgettable.
From the Folgers coffee tune sold for $90k to Nationwide Insurance’s jingle known by 92.6% of listeners, music’s impact is clear. Today, McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It” melody, featuring Justin Timberlake, shows music’s lasting power. Let’s dive into how these tunes became classics.
Catchy Tunes That Stuck in Your Head
Why do some jingles stick? Nationwide’s 1965 jingle used repetition and a friendly tone, making it unforgettable. Meow Mix’s “meow” sound became a sonic logo. Science backs up the power of repetition and simple lyrics, like Chili’s ribs jingle, the catchiest of all time.
Even jingles you dislike, like Liberty Mutual’s, stick because they’re made to. Over 70% of listeners prefer upbeat, funny tunes, showing positivity grabs attention.
Brands That Leveraged Music
Ricola’s “Riicolaa!” became a global hit, boosting sales in 25 countries. Levi’s ads used hit songs, blending culture with products. The Folgers tune, retired after 38 years, sold for $90,000, showing jingles’ lasting value.
Brands like McDonald’s and Subway used celebrity voices—Timberlake, Pusha T—to connect music and marketing. Even insurance firms like State Farm became cultural touchstones through jingles.
Next time you hear “Nationwide is on your side,” you’ll recall why music makes ads memorable. What jingle loops in your head?
Ad Campaigns that Sparked Controversy
Some historic marketing campaigns didn’t just grab attention—they ignited debates. These debates reshaped brands forever. Take Burger King’s 2021 tweet claiming “Women belong in the kitchen,” which drew outrage. It aimed to highlight gender gaps in culinary careers.
“The best ads don’t just sell products—they start conversations.” — Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
Nike’s Colin Kaepernick ad proved controversy could boost sales. Despite hashtags like #JustBurnIt trending, the campaign saw a 31% sales surge. On the other hand, Pepsi’s 2017 Kendall Jenner ad faced backlash for trivialising protests, leading to its swift removal.
The ASA’s 2015 ruling on Protein World’s “Beach Body Ready?” ad—banned not for body shaming but false health claims—shows how rules evolve.
Brands like Lush saw sales rise post-backlash, while H&M lost major partnerships after their Black child ad. The lesson? Even a viral campaign must balance bold messaging with cultural sensitivity. As brands continue walking this tightrope, their choices remind us that public opinion can make or break a brand’s legacy.
The Evolution of Brand Logos
Logos have changed a lot over time. In the early 20th century, nostalgic brand promotions like Coca-Cola’s red and white swirl were simple. Shell’s seashell logo was also straightforward. These logos told stories in a simple way.
Pepsi changed its logo in the 1950s to bold block letters, matching the modern style of the time. BP’s 2000 logo, a green shield, showed that simple designs can mean a lot. These changes show logos have become more than just symbols.
Many famous ads have used logos to make a big impact. MTV’s 1980s animated logo became a symbol of music. Apple’s 1984 ad made its rainbow logo a sign of rebellion. These examples show logos now carry deep meanings.
Naomi Klein said brands sell ideals, like Nike’s swoosh symbolizing victory. Movie studios like MGM have used lions for over 90 years, showing logos can last a long time. Even bad history, like the swastika, shows logos can take on new meanings.
Today, logos are all about being instantly recognized. McDonald’s golden arches are seen worldwide in just 0.3 seconds. This shows logos have become promises of what a brand stands for.
Learn more about how logos shape our views at this deep dive into logo history. From old ink stamps to today’s digital designs, logos reflect our changing world.
Effective Slogans You Can’t Forget
Every memorable 20th-century ad has a slogan that stands out. These phrases were more than just catchy. They became part of our culture. For example, Nike’s “Just Do It” from 1976 is a global icon today. De Beers’ “A Diamond Is Forever” made diamonds a symbol of love.
These slogans use simple words and emotions to stay in our minds. You can find more about them here.
Memorable Phrases from the 20th Century
“Beanz Meanz Heinz” and “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands” were catchy. Apple’s “Think Different” in 1997 changed how we see the brand. Wendy’s “Where’s The Beef?” became a common phrase, showing the power of short and bold slogans.
L’Oréal’s “Because You’re Worth It” lasted for decades. It showed how slogans can evolve with society.
Slogans That Defined a Generation
Volkswagen’s “Think Small” in 1959 changed the game. “Have a Break, Have a Kit Kat” (1957) mixed humor with usefulness. “I’m Lovin’ It” (McDonald’s) and “A Better Life, A Better World” (Panasonic) reflected the times.
BT’s “It’s Good to Talk” used empathy to connect with people. These slogans sold more than just products. They captured the spirit of their era.
The Role of Colour in Advertising
Colour in ads is more than just decoration. It’s a way to connect with you on an emotional level. Brands from the 20th century used colours to shape how we see them. Think of Coca-Cola’s red or Cadbury’s purple. These colours have stuck with us, showing the power of colour in advertising.
Ever walked into a shop and seen a bright ad? The colour was picked after lots of research. Blue, for example, is trusted by 50% of banks because it feels safe. Red makes us feel urgent, like when we see sales signs. Green tells us something is healthy. These choices are based on psychology, not just chance.
Psychological Impact of Colour Choices
Colours speak to our feelings. Coca-Cola’s red logo, used for decades, excites us. Blue, used by 35% of global brands, makes us feel calm. It’s why Facebook and Oral-B seem trustworthy. 85% of shoppers judge products by colour quickly, making each colour a silent salesperson.
“Colour increases brand recognition by 80%.”
Case Studies of Successful Colour Use
Cadbury’s purple is so linked to their brand, they trademarked it in the UK. This move made their chocolate a cultural icon. In the 1930s, movie studios used Technicolor to make films like Gone with the Wind stand out. Today, Guinness’ green and Tango’s yellow remind us of old ads, showing colour’s lasting impact.
Next time you see a brand from the past, look at the colours. They’re not random. They’re the result of years of research into what grabs our attention, makes us buy, or remember.
Advertising During Wartime
When war hit, advertisers had to find a way to keep going. They changed their messages to support the war effort. This was about unity, not just making money.
How Brands Adapted Their Messages
World War II changed everything. Brands like Coca-Cola and Bovril focused on helping the war effort. With food and goods scarce, ads for things like Filmo cameras disappeared.
Instead, ads asked people to make sacrifices. General Tire’s 1944 ad said “Don’t buy tyres during wartime”. This showed loyalty over profit. The U.S. even let companies write off 80% of ad costs from taxes, encouraging them to help.
Notable Campaigns from the World Wars
Some ads from the war are unforgettable. The U.S. made 20 million posters, with Beneker’s “Sure! We’ll Finish the Job” being a key message. Britain used simple, bold posters to recruit soldiers.
But not all ideas worked. Frank Brangwyn’s “Put Strength in The Final Blow” was too intense for the British War Savings Committee. These ads were more than just ads; they were propaganda.
From posters to films like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, wartime ads left a mark. Brands learned to support national goals, showing how historic marketing campaigns can serve a greater purpose.
Innovations in Ad Technology
Imagine a world where ads went beyond print and TV. The 20th century’s top advertising campaigns paved the way for today’s digital age. Apple’s 1984 Super Bowl ad, a classic promotional video, started a revolution. Banner ads in the 90s also changed how brands connect. Ads moved from static images to interactive experiences, combining creativity with data.
The Advent of Digital Advertising
The 1990s saw the first banner ads, email blasts, and online video spots. Companies like Absolut Vodka used digital spaces to extend their campaigns. Even classic promotional videos like Nike’s “Just Do It” found new life online, reaching people worldwide.
Small campaigns, like Apple’s $1.5 million 1984 ad, showed that impact matters more than budget. This inspired brands to be bold and lean.
How Technology Changed Viewer Engagement
With shorter attention spans, ads had to get creative. The move from long TV spots to 15-second clips was a big change. Interactive ads, like clickable banners or personalised emails, let brands connect directly.
Think of De Beers’ “A Diamond is Forever,” which thrives on social media today. Technology made ads feel more personal. Brands like Coca-Cola updated their “pause that refreshes” slogan for digital, showing timeless ideas work in new formats.
Ads now speak to you, not at you.
From black-and-white Volkswagen ads to targeted online campaigns, technology turned creativity into a dialogue. Now, ads feel less like ads and more like part of your world.
The Lasting Legacy of 20th-Century Ads
Ads from the past continue to influence how brands talk to us today. Coca-Cola’s Christmas truck ads are a classic example. They show that timeless stories can stand the test of time.
Influences on Modern Advertising
The 1959 Volkswagen Beetle ad Think Small was a game-changer. It introduced minimalist design and honesty. This approach has inspired brands like Apple to create simple, impactful ads.
Bill Bernbach’s 1949 manifesto also had a lasting impact. It emphasized creativity over flashy ads. Today, brands face the same challenge: to stand out among thousands of ads.
Lessons for Today’s Advertisers
Dove’s Real Beauty campaign is a great example. It used authenticity to boost women’s self-esteem by 70%. Nike’s Just Do It slogan has become a cultural icon.
But today’s marketers must balance old and new. 63% of shoppers like brands on social media, but 70% get tired of ads. The best ads today combine old wisdom with new technology.
Phyllis Robinson’s diverse team at Doyle Dane Bernbach showed the power of diversity. As digital spending reaches $455 billion, remember to mix creativity with AI. Ask yourself, will your next campaign be as memorable as Coca-Cola’s trucks, or just another forgotten ad?
Your Favourite Ads: A Personal Journey
Do you remember the slogan “Total eclipse” when you see a Jaffa Cakes box? Or how about Reebok’s 90s ad that warned of “Belly’s gonna get you”? These memorable 20th-century ads are more than just memories. They show how brands have shaped our identities. Take a moment to think about which ones you remember.
Reflecting on Your Top Picks
What nostalgic brand promotions do you remember? Maybe it was a catchy tune, a bold slogan, or an image that stuck with you. The Jaffa Cakes ad or Nike’s “Just Do It” might bring back memories of your childhood or important life moments. What made these ads stand out to you? Was it their creativity, timing, or how they reflected your values?
How These Ads Shaped Your Perspectives
Ads teach us more than just what to buy. They shape our views on fitness, beauty, and even relationships. Think of the “A diamond is forever” slogan or the 1921 ad for a car-owning spouse. These ads have become part of our culture, influencing our choices today.