Not all clever ads makes it to the spotlight. Some are subtle, clever, and quietly brilliant, so much so that you might not even realize how creative they are at first. But when you do, they stick with you. In this post, we share 6 clever ads that flew under the radar but are packed with smart ideas. Let’s dive into these underrated gems and see how brands can make a big impact in small ways.
IG: @marketing birds
BMW
BMW’s print ad cleverly replaced the road in a rear-view mirror with a texting app screen, emphasizing how distractions can lead to accidents.
IKEA
IKEA used RGB lighting to create posters that revealed different messages depending on the color of the light, showcasing their innovative lighting solutions.
Nivea
Nivea created a print ad with a built-in solar panel and USB port, allowing people to charge their phones while enjoying the sun.
Oreo
During the 2013 Super Bowl blackout, Oreo tweeted, “You can still dunk in the dark,” capitalizing on a moment with humor and relevance.
Samsung
Samsung developed an app to help Alzheimer’s patients by showing them pictures of people they know when they approach, bridging technology with empathy.
Tide
Tide ran commercials during the Super Bowl that appeared to be generic ads for other products, only to reveal they were all "Tide ads" because of the clean clothes.
