Hi, noble birds of marketing! We often hear about ads that dominate the spotlight right after their launch, but what about those that take time to brew, and become famous unexpectedly after being released? Some of the most iconic campaigns were once hidden gems, quietly waiting for the right moment, or audience, to shine. In this post, we’re diving into five remarkable examples of advertisements that become famous unexpectedly, proving that the best things are sometimes worth the wait.
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1) Dominos
Crispin Porter & Bogusky created a fun way to order pizza by simply tweeting a pizza emoji and merging social media with a streamlined ordering system.
2) Snickers
This Snickers ad plays on its famous slogan, "You're Not You When You're Hungry." The faces look exaggerated and grumpy, but when you rotate the ad, the Snickers bar appears, showing how it can "fix" their hunger. It’s a fun, simple way to show that Snickers brings you back to yourself.
3) Google
This campaign showcased an innovative yet low-cost approach to virtual reality using a simple cardboard viewer, making VR accessible to more people.
4) Lego
LEGO targeted its adult audience by integrating TikTok challenges with offline experiences. They transformed a store into a LEGO florist, blending digital and physical marketing for maximum impact.
5) Doritos
For prizes, Doritos encouraged fans to share images of triangle-shaped objects on social media. This simple, user-generated content campaign boosted engagement and reinforced the brand's connection with its iconic chip shape.
Before The Ending
These ads remind us that success in marketing isn't always immediate. Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in context, a viral moment, or the right audience to recognize brilliance finally. As marketers, it’s a lesson in patience, creativity, and the unpredictable nature of human connection. What do you think? Which one is your favorite? Which of these campaigns did you find the most surprising? Or do you have a hidden gem of your own to share? Contact with us then via Instagram, E-Mail
