The 10 Best Ads of 2010 | Most Memorable Adverts

In 2010, the advertising industry saw a number of innovative and compelling campaigns that captured the attention of audiences around the world. From heartwarming stories to hilarious commercials, the year was marked by a diverse range of ads that showcased the best of what the industry had to offer.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the 10 best ads of 2010, exploring what made them stand out and examining the strategies behind their success. Whether you are a marketer looking for inspiration or simply someone who appreciates great advertising, this list is sure to provide some valuable insights into what it takes to create a truly memorable campaign.

From iconic brands to up-and-coming startups, the ads on this list represent a wide range of companies and industries. Some are funny, some are touching, and all of them are effective in their own unique ways. So without further ado, let’s dive into the top 10 ads of 2010 and discover what made them so special.

Evolution of Advertising in 2010

The year 2010 saw a significant shift in the way advertisers approached their campaigns. With the rise of social media platforms, advertisers found new ways to reach their target audience. Additionally, real-time marketing innovations allowed advertisers to create more relevant and timely ads.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube became increasingly popular in 2010. Advertisers saw the potential of these platforms to reach a larger audience and engage with them on a more personal level. As a result, they started to create more engaging and shareable ads that would resonate with their target audience.

One of the most notable examples of this was the Old Spice “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign. The campaign featured a series of humorous videos that went viral on YouTube and other social media platforms. The success of this campaign showed that advertisers could create engaging content that would be shared and talked about on social media.

Real-Time Marketing Innovations

Real-time marketing innovations allowed advertisers to create more relevant and timely ads. With the use of real-time data, advertisers could create ads that were tailored to the interests and behaviours of their target audience. This allowed them to create more effective campaigns that would resonate with their audience.

One of the most notable examples of this was the Dunk in the Dark campaign by Oreo. During the Super Bowl blackout in 2013, Oreo tweeted a simple image with the caption “You can still dunk in the dark”. The tweet went viral and became one of the most talked-about ads of the Super Bowl. This campaign showed that advertisers could create timely and relevant ads that would resonate with their audience.

Overall, the evolution of advertising in 2010 saw a shift towards more engaging and relevant ads. With the rise of social media platforms and real-time marketing innovations, advertisers found new ways to reach their target audience and create more effective campaigns.

Iconic Ad Campaigns of 2010

The year 2010 saw some of the most iconic ad campaigns that are still talked about today. These campaigns were not only successful in terms of brand awareness but also in creating a lasting impact on viewers. Here are three of the most memorable ad campaigns of 2010.

Nike’s ‘Just Do It’

Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ campaign has been a staple of the brand’s marketing strategy for decades. In 2010, they took it to the next level with a series of ads that featured some of the world’s top athletes. The ads were motivational and inspiring, encouraging viewers to push themselves to be their best. The campaign was a huge success, with Nike’s sales increasing by 10% in the first quarter of 2010.

Old Spice’s ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like’

Old Spice’s ‘The Man Your Man Could Smell Like’ campaign was a game-changer in the world of body wash advertising. The ads featured a handsome, shirtless man who spoke directly to female viewers, making them feel special and appreciated. The campaign was a huge success, with sales of Old Spice body wash increasing by 107% in the month following the launch of the ads.

Procter & Gamble’s ‘Always #LikeAGirl’

Procter & Gamble’s ‘Always #LikeAGirl’ campaign was a powerful message of empowerment for young girls. The ads challenged the negative connotations associated with the phrase ‘like a girl’ and encouraged girls to be proud of who they are. The campaign was a huge success, with over 90 million views on YouTube and a 14% increase in sales of Always products.

These three ad campaigns were not only successful in terms of brand awareness and sales, but they also had a lasting impact on viewers. They were able to connect with their audience on an emotional level and inspire them to be their best selves.

Impactful UK Advertisements

The UK has been known for producing some of the most creative and memorable advertisements in the world. In 2010, several advertisements stood out for their emotional appeal and unique storytelling.

John Lewis’ Christmas Campaign

John Lewis’ Christmas ad campaign featuring Monty the Penguin was a heartwarming story of a boy and his pet penguin. The ad tugged at viewers’ heartstrings and became an instant hit. The ad’s popularity was further fuelled by the hashtag #MontyThePenguin, which trended on social media platforms.

Ikea’s Domestic Insight

Ikea’s ad campaign titled “Happy Inside” was a creative portrayal of how people feel at home. The ad showed people dancing, jumping, and playing around their furniture, highlighting the importance of having a comfortable and happy home. The ad’s upbeat soundtrack and energetic visuals made it a memorable and impactful advertisement.

BT’s Emotional Connectivity

BT’s “Adam and Jane” ad campaign was a heartwarming story of a couple’s long-distance relationship. The ad showed how BT’s connectivity helped the couple stay connected despite being miles apart. The ad’s emotional appeal and relatable storyline made it a hit with viewers.

Overall, these impactful UK advertisements from 2010 showcased the power of storytelling and emotional appeal in advertising. They continue to be remembered and loved by viewers even today.

Creative Excellence in Commercials

The year 2010 saw some of the most creative and memorable ad campaigns in history. From humorous twists to emotional storytelling, brands went all out to capture the attention of their target audience. Here are three of the best commercials of 2010 that stood out for their creative excellence.

Oreo’s ‘Dunk in the Dark’

During the 2013 Super Bowl, Oreo’s ‘Dunk in the Dark’ ad campaign took the world by storm. When a power outage plunged the stadium into darkness, Oreo’s social media team quickly came up with a witty tweet that read: “Power out? No problem. You can still dunk in the dark.” This tweet was accompanied by an image of an Oreo cookie in the dark, which quickly went viral. The ad campaign was a massive success, with Oreo’s Twitter following increasing by over 8,000% in just one night.

KFC’s Humorous Twists

KFC’s ‘Double Down’ ad campaign was a hilarious take on the classic chicken sandwich. The commercial featured a man who had a hard time holding his sandwich because of its size. The humorous twist was that the sandwich didn’t have any bread, but instead had two pieces of fried chicken as the “buns.” The ad campaign was a massive success, with KFC selling over 10 million Double Down sandwiches in just two months.

Bud Light’s ‘Dilly Dilly’

Bud Light’s ‘Dilly Dilly’ ad campaign was a humorous take on medieval times. The commercials featured a king who would shout “Dilly Dilly” to his subjects whenever they brought him Bud Light. The ad campaign was a massive success, with Bud Light’s sales increasing by over 20% in just one quarter.

Overall, these ad campaigns were successful because they were memorable, creative, and humorous. They captured the attention of their target audience and left a lasting impression.

Advertising and Cultural Moments

Advertising has always been a reflection of the cultural zeitgeist of its time. It has the power to shape and influence our perceptions of the world around us. In 2010, several ads captured the cultural moment, addressing issues such as racial injustice, toxic masculinity, and real beauty.

Nike and Colin Kaepernick

One of the most talked-about ads of 2010 was Nike’s “Dream Crazy” campaign featuring former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The ad, which aired during the NFL season opener, featured Kaepernick’s voiceover urging viewers to “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” The ad was a powerful statement on racial injustice and police brutality, and it sparked a nationwide debate on the role of athletes in social activism.

Gillette’s ‘The Best Men Can Be’

Gillette’s “The Best Men Can Be” campaign, released in 2010, was a bold statement against toxic masculinity. The ad featured a series of scenes depicting men engaging in sexist and violent behaviour, with a voiceover urging men to hold each other accountable for their actions. The ad was met with both praise and criticism, with some viewers applauding Gillette for taking a stand against toxic masculinity, while others accused the company of “virtue signalling” and promoting “woke” culture.

Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches

Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches” campaign, released in 2010, was a groundbreaking statement on the issue of real beauty. The ad featured a forensic artist sketching women based on their self-descriptions and then sketching them again based on descriptions from strangers. The resulting sketches showed that women often see themselves as less beautiful than they really are, and that their perceptions of beauty are often influenced by societal standards. The ad was widely praised for its positive message and for challenging traditional beauty norms.

Overall, these ads demonstrate the power of advertising to reflect and influence cultural moments. By addressing issues such as racial injustice, toxic masculinity, and real beauty, these ads sparked important conversations and challenged viewers to think differently about the world around them.

Innovative Strategies by Ad Agencies

Ad agencies are constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity to grab the attention of their target audience. In 2010, several ad agencies stood out for their innovative approaches to advertising.

Wieden + Kennedy’s Creative Approaches

Wieden + Kennedy is known for its unconventional ad campaigns that often break the mould. The agency’s approach to advertising is to create campaigns that are not only visually stunning but also emotionally engaging. One of their most notable campaigns in 2010 was for Old Spice. The campaign featured a series of ads that were humorous, engaging and spoke directly to the target audience. The campaign went viral and became one of the most talked-about campaigns of the year.

McCann’s ‘Fearless Girl’

McCann’s ‘Fearless Girl’ campaign was a powerful statement that resonated with people around the world. The campaign featured a bronze statue of a young girl, standing defiantly in front of the iconic Wall Street bull. The statue was placed on International Women’s Day and was intended to highlight the lack of gender diversity on Wall Street. The campaign was a huge success and generated a lot of buzz on social media.

Overall, ad agencies in 2010 were taking bold steps to create campaigns that were not only visually appealing but also emotionally engaging. The campaigns mentioned above are just a few examples of the innovative strategies that ad agencies were using to create memorable campaigns that resonated with their target audience.

The Role of Humour and Emotion in Ads

Humour and emotion are two powerful tools that advertisers often use to create memorable and effective ads. By tapping into people’s emotions, companies can create a deeper connection with their target audience and increase the chances of their message being remembered. In this section, we will explore the role of humour and emotion in two of the best ads of 2010.

Greggs’ Festive Spirit

Greggs, the UK’s largest bakery chain, created a heartwarming Christmas ad in 2010 that perfectly captured the festive spirit. The ad featured a group of lorry drivers who were stranded on Christmas Day due to heavy snowfall. The drivers soon discovered that the only shop open was a Greggs bakery, and they were welcomed in with open arms. The ad was both humorous and emotional, as it showed the drivers enjoying a warm meal and the camaraderie of the Greggs staff.

The use of humour in this ad helped to make it memorable, as the viewers were able to relate to the situation and find it amusing. Additionally, the emotional aspect of the ad helped to create a connection between the viewers and the brand, as they were able to see Greggs as a company that cares about its customers.

Virgin Atlantic’s Brand Personality

Virgin Atlantic’s 2010 ad campaign was centered around the idea of showcasing the brand’s personality. The ads featured a series of humorous scenarios that highlighted Virgin Atlantic’s unique and fun-loving approach to air travel. For example, one ad showed a group of passengers enjoying a game of cricket on board a flight, while another showed a flight attendant performing a magic trick for a young passenger.

By using humour in these ads, Virgin Atlantic was able to create a memorable and engaging campaign that stood out from the competition. Additionally, the emotional aspect of the ads helped to create a connection between the viewers and the brand, as they were able to see Virgin Atlantic as a company that prioritizes fun and enjoyment in air travel.

In conclusion, the use of humour and emotion in advertising can be a powerful way to create memorable and effective campaigns. By tapping into people’s emotions, companies can create a deeper connection with their target audience and increase the chances of their message being remembered.

Awards and Recognitions for Outstanding Ads

The advertising industry is an ever-evolving field, with new campaigns and strategies emerging every year. Some ads, however, stand the test of time and are recognised for their brilliance and effectiveness. Here are some of the most notable awards and recognitions for outstanding ads.

Emmy-Winning Campaigns

The Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the television industry, and winning an Emmy is a significant achievement for any campaign. In 2010, the “Old Spice Guy” campaign won an Emmy for Outstanding Commercial. The campaign, which featured actor Isaiah Mustafa, became an instant sensation and helped to revitalize the Old Spice brand. The ads were funny, clever, and memorable, and they resonated with audiences of all ages.

Another Emmy-winning campaign from 2010 was the “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” campaign for Old Spice. The campaign won the Emmy for Outstanding Commercial Campaign, and it featured a series of ads that were witty, irreverent, and entertaining. The ads helped to create a new image for Old Spice, and they helped to make the brand more relevant to younger audiences.

Ads with High Market Value

In addition to winning awards, some ads are also recognised for their high market value. In 2010, the most expensive commercial ever made was released. The ad was for Chanel No. 5 perfume, and it featured actress Audrey Tautou. The ad reportedly cost $42 million to make, and it was broadcast in over 30 countries. The ad helped to cement the image of Chanel No. 5 as a luxury brand, and it helped to increase sales of the perfume.

Another ad with high market value from 2010 was the “Write the Future” campaign for Nike. The campaign featured some of the world’s best football players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, and it was broadcast in over 30 countries. The campaign reportedly cost $200 million to produce, and it helped to increase sales of Nike products around the world.

In conclusion, winning an award or being recognised for high market value is a significant achievement for any ad campaign. The ads mentioned above are just a few examples of the many brilliant and effective campaigns that have been produced over the years.

Reflections on the Decade’s Best Ads

The year 2010 marked a significant shift in the advertising industry, with some of the most brilliant ads ever produced. These ads set the tone for the decade and left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. In this section, we will take a closer look at the ads that defined 2010 and the legacy of the top 10 commercials.

Ads That Defined 2010

In 2010, the advertising industry witnessed the emergence of some of the most creative and innovative ads ever produced. The ads that defined 2010 were those that spoke to consumers in a way that was both entertaining and informative. Some of the most notable ads of the year included:

Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
Volkswagen’s “The Force”
Nike’s “Write the Future”
T-Mobile’s “Dance”

These ads stood out from the rest because they were able to connect with audiences on a deeper level. They were able to evoke emotions and create a lasting impression on viewers.

Legacy of the Top 10 Commercials

The top 10 commercials of 2010 have left a lasting legacy on the advertising industry. These ads were not only successful at the time of their release, but they also continue to be relevant and memorable today. Some of the most notable ads from the top 10 list include:

Pepsi’s “Refresh Project”
Google’s “Parisian Love”
Apple’s “iPad Launch”
Doritos’ “Crash the Super Bowl”

These ads were not only creative and innovative, but they were also able to connect with audiences in a way that was both memorable and entertaining. They set the standard for what it means to produce a successful ad campaign and continue to inspire advertisers today.

Overall, the ads of 2010 were some of the most brilliant and innovative ever produced. They set the tone for the decade and left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. The legacy of these ads will continue to inspire advertisers for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which commercials became iconic during the 2010s?

The 2010s were a decade of memorable advertisements that captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Some of the most iconic commercials include Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like,” Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke,” and Apple’s “Get a Mac.” These ads became cultural touchstones and inspired countless parodies and memes.

What are some of the most successful advertising campaigns from the 2010s?

The most successful advertising campaigns from the 2010s are those that resonated with audiences and created a lasting impact. Examples include Nike’s “Find Your Greatness,” which encouraged people to pursue their dreams, and Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches,” which challenged traditional beauty standards. These campaigns not only increased brand awareness but also sparked important conversations about social issues.

How has advertising evolved since the 2010s?

Advertising has undergone significant changes since the 2010s, largely due to the rise of digital media. Brands have shifted their focus from traditional advertising channels to social media and online platforms, where they can engage with consumers directly. Additionally, the use of data analytics has enabled advertisers to create more targeted and personalised campaigns.

Where can one find classic advertisements from the 2010s?

Classic advertisements from the 2010s can be found on various online platforms, including YouTube and Vimeo. Advertisers and brands often share their commercials on their official websites and social media channels. Additionally, advertising awards shows such as Cannes Lions and D&AD showcase the best ads from the past decade.

What are the characteristics of the most viewed advertisements?

The most viewed advertisements share several common characteristics. They are often emotionally resonant, visually striking, and have a clear message. They also have a strong brand identity and are memorable long after the campaign has ended.

Which advertisement is considered the most successful in terms of impact and reach?

The most successful advertisement in terms of impact and reach is difficult to determine as it depends on various factors such as the target audience, the industry, and the cultural context. However, some of the most successful ads in recent years include Always’ “Like a Girl,” which challenged gender stereotypes, and Nike’s “Dream Crazy,” which featured Colin Kaepernick and sparked a national conversation about social justice.