Gone are the days when one would begrudgingly watch what would seem like 15 minutes of commercials in between your favorite noontime show. These days, with one tap on your screen, you can choose to skip an ad and opt to binge videos without the pain of watching a commercial in between (if you’re lucky enough to have paid subscription). However, every now and then, in a moment of serendipity we find campaigns that touch us, move us and puts smiles and laughter on our faces, keeping us from skipping the ad, sometimes even searching for them.
Here’s a look at some of our all-time favorite international YouTube Ads that have touched us, showed us diverse storytelling in different formats, with unique audio and visual experiences.
- Mutant Brain (KENZO World)
If you’re deep into the world of ridiculous ads, then “Mutant Brain” created by Framework for Kenzo definitely sticks out. Written and directed by the genius that is Spike Jonze, we’re not sure why Margaret, clad in her emerald green gown is dancing or why there are laser beams coming out of her hands but we don’t care, it just gets more ludicrous and addicting as you keep watching. The commercial’s soundtrack ‘Mutant Brain’ (feat. Assassin) by Sam Spiegel & Ape Drums has got us hooked for wherever this is going.
- Welcome Home (Apple Homepod)
Considered one of the best and most memorable ads from 2018, Welcome Home deserves a spot on this list for its creativity and energy. The commercial/short length film with music by Anderson Paak (‘Til It’s Over) is highly addictive especially with FKA Twigs coming home to her HomePod and having an eclectic dance breakdown in her living room. Created by TBWA\ Media Arts Lab, the ad portrays the best of FKA Twigs skills, at the same time superb mind of Spike Jonze.
Yes, because we apparently can’t get enough of Spike Jonze (he’s just that good!).
- Timeless, The Fim (Lacoste)
Although quite a cliche storyline in romantic themes, there’s nothing like a good old time jump between star crossed lovers who lock eyes and instantly fall in love. Directed by Seb Edwards, the lovers go through decades and the test of time in fashion; at the end sealing a kiss that could be the beginning of a long romance.
It’s hard to imagine a world without the classic Lacoste polo and this beautiful campaign created by BETC Paris for Lacoste takes us time traveling through Lacoste’s long history — founded in 1933 by tennis René Lacoste and André Gillier—while explaining why its classic polo endures.
- #WhatTravelBringsYou (China Airlines)
They say traveling is one of the best ways to experience breathtaking adventures and make unforgettable moments. Ask anyone, look at any travel ad, or just look up in the sky — wherever you go, someone or something will always show you how there’s just something about traveling that you can’t get anywhere else. Discovering new cultures, exploring new places, and encountering all kinds of experiences you’ll never get anywhere else are usually the things you’ll hear, but with China Airlines’ campaign made by Leo Burnett Taiwan, our eyes open to everything else, including the not-so Instagram-worthy moments.
- Next Episode (Old Spice)
Old Spice ads have gained a cult following for their over-the-top humor and just absolute ridiculousness, and they have Wieden + Kennedy Portland to thank for a lot of that. In one of their latest creations for the lifestyle brand, they feature two bros, one hell-bent on rescuing the other from spending the night in, binge-watching shows in a messy man cave while in his robe. This is part of the brand’s “Never Let a Friend Lose His Swagger” campaign, where they show off how Old Spice is what you’ll need to recover.
The video exaggerates scenarios, mixing in cinematographic elements of war flicks, edgy camera movements, and even lame yet clever alternatives for explosions and action scenes. The ad is a clear veer away from the older viral Old Spice ads, but it’s definitely got us chuckling on our seats. And of course, it ends with the signature Old Spice tone and whistle.
It’s thanks to some of these ads that we are able to expand and engage our ideas of creative storytelling. YouTube, the biggest online video platform in the world, has changed the game for ads and campaigns, now becoming the playspace for this new breed of content.
It is this kind of storytelling that will be honored at the coming YouTube Ads Awards Year 2 happening at Whitespace Manila on September 25. Catch more of the best local campaigns and stay updated on all things #YTAdsAwards2 at www.adobomagazine.com/ytaa
adobo Magazine, the word on Creativity, is the official Media Partner of the this year’s YouTube Ads Awards.
