You can always count on an Old Spice ad to leave you shaking your head with a smile on your face, as is the case with its latest piece ‘Cement.’
The over-the-top irony of this Old Spice ad is what makes it hilarious. Greg Jennings, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, is found with his body distorted and half covered in dry cement. As if oblivious to the seriousness of his predicament, he gives a speech about positivity.
As he’s clearly in a negative situation, the irony of this Old Spice ad kicks in as he continues his speech. Right as he finishes his motivational talk, a muffler flies off a car from the overpass above him, lands by his feet and ignites! Jennings finishes with another casual talk about perseverance.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Irony-based Advertising
- There is an opportunity for advertisers to use irony to grab viewers' attention and produce memorable content.
- Athlete Endorsements
- Companies can partner with athletes to promote their products and reach wider audiences.
- Humorous Marketing
- Humor can be used as a way to engage consumers and differentiate brands from competitors.
Where This Applies
- Advertising
- The advertising industry can incorporate irony and humor to drive brand awareness and differentiation.
- Sports Marketing
- Sports teams, leagues, and individual athletes can leverage partnerships with companies to increase revenue and reach new fans.
- Consumer Goods
- Companies that produce consumer goods, like deodorant, can partner with athletes to promote their products through humorous and engaging advertising campaigns.
