6 Ad Campaign Examples You’ll Want to Copy
Coming up with a winning ad campaign isn’t always easy. You want something creative, memorable, and most importantly, effective. The kind of campaign that grabs attention, sparks emotion, and gets people talking—or buying. Fortunately, some brands have absolutely nailed it, and their success stories can teach us a lot.
Whether you're a small business looking for inspiration or a marketer planning your next big idea, studying real-world ad campaigns is one of the best ways to get your creative gears turning. In this blog, we’ll look at six ad campaigns that stand out for all the right reasons—and why they worked so well. You might just want to borrow a few ideas for your next promotion.
1. Nike – “Just Do It”
Let’s start with one of the most iconic campaigns of all time. Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan, introduced in 1988, transformed the brand into a global powerhouse. But this wasn’t just about catchy words. It was a mindset. A message. A movement.
The campaign featured everyday athletes, not just pros. It celebrated effort, not just success. Over the years, it evolved to include bold messages around diversity, empowerment, and social issues—all while staying true to its core idea: inspiration through action.
Why It Worked:
Nike didn’t just sell shoes—they sold motivation. The messaging was universal. Whether you were a marathon runner or someone lacing up sneakers for the first time, the slogan spoke to you. The emotional connection they built became more powerful than any product feature.
What You Can Steal:
Keep it simple. Focus on emotion, not just function. And build a message that your audience can make their own.
2. Apple – “Get a Mac”
Remember the “I’m a Mac, I’m a PC” commercials? These ads ran from 2006 to 2009 and featured two characters—one cool and casual (the Mac), and one stiff and awkward (the PC). The message was clear: Macs are sleek, user-friendly, and fun, while PCs are… not.
The brilliance of this campaign was its humor and clarity. It tackled real customer frustrations—like viruses and software crashes—in a lighthearted, relatable way. And it positioned Apple as the friendly, innovative choice without ever getting too technical.
Why It Worked:
The campaign humanized the product. Instead of focusing on tech specs, it turned abstract differences into a simple, memorable contrast. Plus, the recurring characters kept viewers engaged and made the message stick.
What You Can Steal:
Use storytelling to simplify your message. Make your brand feel approachable, and if you can make people smile while doing it, even better.
3. Dove – “Real Beauty”
Launched in 2004, Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign challenged beauty industry norms by featuring real women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. The goal was to celebrate diversity and redefine what beauty means—while positioning Dove as a brand that truly cares about women.
This campaign included videos, print ads, and social experiments. It didn’t just promote a product. It sparked a conversation, touched on emotional truths, and built a deeper level of trust with its audience.
Why It Worked:
Dove tapped into a powerful, underrepresented idea and turned it into a brand mission. They built authenticity into every piece of content and stayed consistent in their messaging for years.
What You Can Steal:
Look for ways to connect your brand to a larger message or mission. Authenticity and relatability can create stronger bonds than slick visuals or flashy features.
4. Old Spice – “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like”
In 2010, Old Spice launched what became one of the most entertaining ad campaigns of the decade. With fast-paced, surreal humor and a charming lead actor (Isaiah Mustafa), the commercial turned what could have been a boring product (men’s body wash) into something everyone was talking about.
What made it even better? The brand responded to fans on social media with personalized video replies, turning the campaign into a two-way conversation. It went viral and redefined the brand for a younger, more digital-savvy audience.
Why It Worked:
It was unexpected, funny, and highly shareable. Old Spice didn’t just push a product—they created a character and an experience that people loved engaging with.
What You Can Steal:
Don’t be afraid to lean into bold, creative ideas—especially in industries that usually play it safe. If your campaign can entertain while selling, you’re already ahead.
5. Airbnb – “Live There”
Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign took a unique approach. Instead of promoting vacation rentals as just a place to stay, the brand invited people to live like locals. The ads highlighted experiences over amenities, focusing on the cultural, emotional aspects of travel.
With stunning visuals and heartfelt messaging, Airbnb positioned itself not just as a service but as a way to connect with people and places more meaningfully. It reframed how people thought about travel and set Airbnb apart from traditional hotels.
Why It Worked:
Airbnb sold a lifestyle, not just lodging. By focusing on authentic travel experiences, they tapped into what people really want from their trips—connection, adventure, and belonging.
What You Can Steal:
Think about what your product enables, not just what it is. If you can connect your offering to a broader aspiration or lifestyle, your message becomes far more powerful.
6. ALS Association – “Ice Bucket Challenge”
Technically, this one wasn’t launched by a brand, but it turned into one of the most successful cause-based campaigns ever. The Ice Bucket Challenge encouraged people to dump a bucket of ice water on their heads, share it on social media, and donate to ALS research.
The campaign raised over $100 million for the ALS Association and spread globally in just a few weeks. Celebrities, athletes, and everyday people joined in, making it one of the most viral social media moments of all time.
Why It Worked:
It was fun, easy to participate in, and had a clear call to action. It also tapped into the power of peer-to-peer influence—people participated because their friends challenged them.
What You Can Steal:
Make participation simple and social. Campaigns that invite people to be part of something bigger can spread like wildfire—especially if they’re fun and meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Great ad campaigns don’t just promote a product—they tell a story, connect emotionally, and make people feel something. Whether it’s through humor, authenticity, social impact, or aspirational messaging, the best campaigns understand their audience and give them a reason to care.
The examples above show that creativity, strategy, and a little courage can go a long way. You don’t need a huge budget to make an impact—just a great idea that resonates with real people.
So take inspiration from these winners. Start by thinking about what your audience values, what your brand stands for, and how you can bring those two things together in a way that’s unforgettable. Who knows? Your next campaign might just be the one that others want to copy.
