If you know of anyone that’s been stuck at home for a year or more, then the messaging behind Bed Bath & Beyond’s new ad campaign will ring true.
The world is evolving daily as human beings have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. This snapshot in our planet’s history is something that’s unique and worth documenting. Even though the crisis has ravaged our social norms, the global economy and the concept of “business as usual” — there are still a lot of positive things happening in the world. We’ve broken down some of the best branding, advertising and marketing initiatives that have risen up since the lockdown began.
The BUZZ is our weekly curation of some positive things happening in the world of branding, marketing and pop culture. Here are the efforts that have found their way onto our radars during the pandemic.
If you know of anyone that’s been stuck at home for a year or more, then the messaging behind Bed Bath & Beyond’s new ad campaign will ring true.
The concept is simple—at some point in the future the key search terms that people type into Google will once again be void of pandemic phrases.
Jeff Bezos hands the reins of the company worth more than 1.5 trillion dollars over to Andy Jassy, the lead of its web services cloud team.
There’s little doubt that people are looking for a getaway from reality during the pandemic and they don’t care where they get it.
This year is a little different since the world is still spinning from the pandemic and brands that have become a staple of the big game, like Budweiser, opted out of advertising in the Big Game.
The “Year in Search 2020” gives us a glimpse into the collective human psyche and our relentless need for answers.
Planters graced the world with an ad featuring their resurrected peanut mascot, now quite a bit older than we last saw him.
The ad spot might be the best thing we’ve seen since COVID-19 hit the world like an apocalyptic meteor shower.
The Campbell Soup Company is “on a mission to preserve and protect our most magical of winter birthrights: the snow day.”
The sale of Slack to Salesforce is a testament to how every brand should treat itself—like a $28 billion dollar enterprise.
LEGO has done a magnificent job of showcasing what makes their product uniquely suited for quarantining.
Kohl’s created an ad spot that spotlights human kindness, but just so happens to take place during the global pandemic.
Burger King’s Christmas in July effort from mid 2020 rings true during the actual holidays more than one would think.
Told from the perspective of the postal workers who cover a vast distance in order to deliver things that are important to us.
Amazon’s The Show Must Go On ad spot is as much social commentary on humanity’s struggle during the global pandemic as it is a holiday feel good message filled with hope.
After a long year of postponed in-person events, Red Bull announced a global street dance competition via the social media platform.
Etsy’s new holiday ad campaign called “Gift Like You Mean It” gets to the heart of what it’s like to be human, along with some of the emotions we all experience.
Petco, which has been around since 1965 and operates 100 locations, announced that it has officially rebranded as Petco, The Health & Wellness Co.
In an effort to recognize the global pandemic, KFC’s advertising confesses that the slogan might be a tad tasteless for the time being.
The Planters #MakeMyBirthdayNuts sweepstakes is an effort that has proven to be thought provoking to some critics.
Inspired by consumers creating the concoction themselves, Cheetos launched Cheetos Mac’n Cheese in three flavors.
Shark Week annually has high advertiser and consumer demand, but with COVID-19, analysts expect revenues to drop 30%.
Kia Motors America promoted a live stunt on Twitter that included three drivers who needed to get everything right in order to make the event successful.
Microsoft and the NBA has installed 17-foot tall LED screens that will wrap around the court, allowing players and fans to interact with each other in real time.
Crook & Marker introduced its own facemasks with a flap on the front that users can unbutton to reveal an opening for drinking straws.
To remind people how important restaurants are, DoorDash released “Without Restaurants,” where actors discussed how restaurants helped their careers.
It’s a brilliant campaign that plays perfectly to the relatable stir-craziness we’ve had during the pandemic and the yearning for past summer getaways.
Stella Artois wants its customers to Embrace the person they could be even if they’re away from others and are social distancing.
The Environmental Protection Agency certified Lysol Disinfectant Spray as a COVID-19 assassin.
Families who visit participating McDonald’s locations in Sweden can send their loved ones a senior happy meal.
According to the Las Vegas YouTube page, “The lights are on. The doors are open. And we can’t wait to see you.”
If you’re a fan of ice cream and Boyz II Men, then Daily Harvest’s new Scoops ice cream campaign is a real treat you’ll enjoy.
According to Nike SB, the footwear company’s skateboarding brand, the Ben & Jerry’s brand aesthetic aligns nicely with its footwear.
There has been a 200% rise in email marketing engagement since the beginning of the crisis. This makes sense since people have had more time on their hands.
It should come as no surprise that a recent report sheds light on the surge of new account creations for the popular virtual meeting platform Zoom.
The platform saw a tidal wave of new users during quarantining. Will an older audience tear the very fabric that made it a cool in the first place?
Ryan Reynolds hints at the future of Deadpool and the possibilities of the character continuing on in its own standalone series or in the MCU.
After buying an ownership stake in Mint Mobile in late 2019, we’ve been seeing his presence felt in its communications and marketing efforts.
Aviation American Gin is going all in, with its owner Ryan Reynolds as the voice of the brand.
Elon Musk tweeted out that the company would be restarting production against Alameda County’s rules, while also acknowledging the potential for his arrest.
Google’s video conferencing platform is poised to compete with Zoom, GoToMeeting and Microsoft Teams—the big pandemic contenders.
Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey emailed employees, notifying them that they’d be allowed to work from home indefinitely.
Currently, Disney has pushed almost all of its theatrical releases back, but has acknowledged the studio is evaluating each movie individually.
NBCUniversal’s CEO Jeff Shell suggested it might start releasing movies simultaneously in theaters and on-demand.
The COVID-19 crisis and the need for social distancing has created somewhat of an opportunity bubble for the once booming drive-in movie theater industry.
The game’s recent Blockdown (zombie-themed) simulator experience was created to educate the youth of today on best practices for containing the spread of viruses.
We think this effort is from a global brand who knows whassup, and is using its clout to help people through this traumatic time.
Coca-Cola is one company that’s identified actions it’s taking to support employees, customers and communities around the world.
Both Hilton (with the assistance of American Express) and Marriott are two brands donating hotel stays to frontline medical personnel.
Puzzles everywhere are selling out and puzzle sales are reportedly up 335% since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis.
You may have heard of the Steak-umm, the frozen meat company that is loved by those who love frozen boxed meat.
It seemed like a good time to talk about the recent PSAs that actors from the actual 2011 virus thriller movie Contagion unleashed upon the world.
Amazon Prime picked up the festival’s 2020 collection and is showing it exclusively on the streaming service.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot used humor in her recent PSA about COVID-19, hopefully bringing some semblance of joy to others during this crisis.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot used humor in her recent PSA about COVID-19, hopefully bringing some semblance of joy to others during this crisis.
A rambling message from Ryan Reynolds is a fantastic example of the human touch we need from brands.
No sports? No problem. Buffalo Wild Wings has a very timely ad spot that reminds people that “even when sports aren’t on, sports live on.”
Once the coronavirus became a pandemic, Ford Motor Company, like many brands, needed to reassure people that the brand was there for them in their time of need.
The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has caused The Ad Council to partner with ViacomCBS to push a message meant to help slow the spread of the virus.
Guinness beer created a last minute St. Patrick’s Day ad that reminds the world not to worry, and that we’ll all “march again!”
From commercials to PSAs to social media initiatives—these are the advertising efforts that have defined us during the coronavirus pandemic. Can’t find something you’re looking for? Submit your favorite effort here.
In the not-too-distant future, Extra Gum will be there for when we need it again.
In a world of strange new habits, Burger King consoles us as we transition between what we knew and what is now.
Budweiser revisits its Big Game spot to promote vaccination.
After reuniting us during the Big Game, Samuel Adams shows our cousin from Boston getting his vaccination.
Google’s 2021 search bar ad looks for a change in the not-so-distant future.
The Ad Council hopes to promote vaccination through this moving take on life in 2021.
WarnerMedia partners with Ad Council to show their popular movie and show characters sporting masks.
No matter the circumstances, the show must go on. Amazon tells the story of a family and community coming together to bring hope during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Etsy paints a very realistic picture about the pandemic in their new ad. Even though we may be spending the holidays apart, we will always be connected through the small things we do for our loved ones.
Celine Dion, the NFL, and some other familiar faces, team up to remind fans of the good times and what is still yet to come for America’s favorite sport.
KFC has dropped “finger lickin” from its slogan to be more socially conscious of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Snickers reminds us to put on our pants whenever we have friends over for a visit.
Where would we be without restaurants? DoorDash presents a dire plea for these culinary institutions from an unexpected source.
Just let it out in the wilderness of Iceland.
See how others are coping with social distancing in this ad by Facebook.
Get your next pair of shoes safely, at DSW.
Anheuser-Busch lets its fans know that after this is over, we will run again.
Watch how fans cope without their specially made Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Start the conversation and seize the awkward! Help out those in your life that may need it most.
Make sure you take a mint before you mask! Prevent the dreaded “Mask Breath”.
Jeep’s Groundhog Day spot is reimagined for the stay-at-home movement.
Stay at home Bud Light fans and keep on air high-fiving.
Bud Light wants to highlight those who have lifted our spirits: Balcony Singers
Just checking in! Budweiser wants you to stay connected with your loved ones.
There’s nothing wrong with being a couch potato. In fact, Burger King encourages it!
Stay safe and healthy when you get your next pizza from Domino’s.
Domino’s locations are offering jobs to those in need.
Nike tells athletes to stay focused and stay ready with this motivational ad.
Bad movies but good phone service? Hear Mint Mobile customers opinions on their phone service and Ryan Reynolds movies.
Burger King is here to help families in need with this generous offer.
Stay safe with contactless delivery from Domino’s
Check out this ad from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health featuring the cast of Contagion (2011).
Let’s keep the spirit of sports alive, even if we’re stuck at home.
See the inspirational words that Ford has for its customers affected by covid-19.
Through all of the difficult times, Ford is there to lend a hand.
No matter how it’s celebrated, St. Patrick’s day is within us all.
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