Marketers know that fear is a powerful motivator, and these scarevertising ad campaigns drive that point home. From frightening ads that ensure you never forget to wear a condom to evil theme parks meant to scare your children into behaving well, there's plenty of fear-inducing innovation to go around.
It's amazing to see just how diverse the tactic of scarevertising can be. Check out the slideshow below to see for yourself.
Implications - But before you check out the slideshow for these 15 Scarevertising campaigns, consider the last time an ad used fear on you and you'll know how effective the method can be.
15 Scarevertising Campaigns
From Freaky Condom Campaigns to Banned Teen Pregnancy PSAs:
Marissa Brassfield — Jun 14, 2009 — Naughty
15
Biomimicmarketing in Shockvertisement
French AIDS Campaign
14
Political Scarevertising
Actual Sarah Palin Quotes Frighten You Into Voting
13
Semen Scarevertising
Doc Morris Ads Use Hitler & Bin Laden Sperm to Sell Condoms
12
Banned Scarevertising
Shocking NHS Video for Teen Pregnancy Banned from YouTube
11
Evil Theme Parks for Marketing
Tiger Balm Gardens (Haw Par Villa) in Singapore
10
Brutal Advertising
Fear Net Twisted & Scary Ads
9
Mannequin Scarevertising
Fantastic Ads to Promote Sales by Harvey Nichols
8
Unfortunate Scarevertising
Condomi Condoms Frighten Potential Buyers
7
Black Magic Scarevertising
Hair Vitalizer Voodoo Doll
6
Superhuman Scarevertising
Freightliner Trucks Instill Fear in Superman and the Incredible Hulk
5
Career Scarevertising
Jobsintown.de Barber's Cape
4
Science-Fiction Scarevertising
Sci-Fi Channel Campaign Mimics Vintage Movie Posters
3
Transsexual & Theft Scarevertising
‘Alfer GPS Sale' and Installation' Ads
2
Terror Free Oil
Clever Marketing with Fear? or American Tragedy?
1
Frightening Eco Films
'Age of Stupid' Looks at Potential Global Warming Disaster
Related Ideas
Creative Ad Responses
Kiehl’s Response to Censorship Embraces Bold Creativity
Playful Billboard Campaigns
Dreamies Treats Unveil a Show-Stopping 3D Billboard Campaign
Empowering Luxury Fashion Campaigns
The Givenchy Spring 2026 Campaign Features Successful Women
Celebrative Icon-Inspired Campaigns
adidas Originals Honors 55 Years with Superstar: The Original
Unapologetic Women-Centric Campaigns
O Positiv Health Hosted an Empowering Event in New York
Sound-Focused Ice Cream Ads
Magnum Ice Cream Ads Bring the Ultimate Sensory Experience to Life
Interactive Fashion Horror Games
The Room by Gentle Monster Reimagines Brand Storytelling
Nostalgic Kitchen Campaigns
Frigidaire is Running the Cheeky 'Daire to Expect More' Campaign
Debunking Skincare Campaigns
The Periodic Fable by The Ordinary Exposes Beauty Industry Buzzwords
Truth-Forward Beauty Campaigns
The Ordinary X Uncommon Unveil the Beauty Industry’s Biggest Myths
Humorous Menswear Ads
Men’s Wearhouse Goes Full Funny with its 'Love the Way You Look' Campaign
Sniffable Deodorant Billboards
Sure's Out-of-Home Campaigns Invites Passersby to Take a Whiff
Humorous Fun-Forward Ads
Six Flags Rolls Out Its 'Funsultant' Campaign to Prove Fun Is Serious
Sci-Fi Thriller Insurance Ads
State Farm's Severance-Inspired Car Insurance Ad Speaks to Gen Z & X
Scary Ketchup Expiry Campaigns
Heinz's ‘Expired Sauce Hunt’ Reminds Consumers to Clear the Fridge
Enigmatically Suspenseful Fashion Campigns
Tom Ford Presents Its Fall 2025 Advertising Campaign
Daring Hard Candies
Strangers Candies Makes Unique, Naturally Flavored Hard Candies
Airline Highlight Advertisements
Spirit Airlines 'More Fly' Campaign is A Fresh Take on Travel
Telenovela-Inspired Safety Videos
Philippine Airlines Unveiled 'Care That Comes From The Heart’
Vibrant Mental Health Campaigns
CDC Has Launched the Playfully Illustrated Free Mind
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Subtly Spooky Halloween Decor
The Target 2025 Halloween Collection Debuted Ahead of Summer
Individuality-Focused Brand Campaigns
Adidas Originals' New Campaign Champions Timeless Classics
Unusual Fast Food Ads
KFC’s ‘Believe’ Campaign Ad Pushes Chicken Obsession to New Heights
Halloween Essentials Campaigns
IKEA Turns Home Essentials into Shields for Scary-Movie Nights
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Horror Franchise Soda Ranges
These Fanta Sodas Showcase Horror Film Characters
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Night QSR Campaigns
The Mcdonald’s Night Posters Turn Post-Party Cravings into Glowing Urban Art
Drug-Themed April Fool's Gags
Innocean Berlin's Glory Over Pain Corporation Campaign is Satirical
Sensitivity Marketing Campaigns
Cetaphil Teams Up with Lil Wayne for Super Bowl Spot
Provocative Tequila Campaigns
PATRÓN's ‘Censored Truth’ Sheds Light on Transparency
AI-Assisted Business Ads
Google Workspace's 50 States, 50 Stories Shares Small Businesses Using AI
Vibrantly Comedic Travel Campaigns
The 'Booking.yeah' Campaign Features The Muppets
Surreal Car Care Campaigns
Turtle Wax's You Are How You Car Reimagines Drivers as Their "Car-Self"
Humorous Mens Fragrance Campaigns
A New Axe Campaign Takes Sweetness to Absurd New Heights
Brighton Retail Launch Ads
IKEA Brighton Uses Seagull Splatter Campaign to Win Local Attention
Retail Advertising Campaigns
IKEA Hides Price Tags to Highlight Material Quality in a New Campaign
Cheeky Sports-Inspired Diaper Campaigns
Huggies Aligns Family Planning with a Major Sports Event
Art-Promoting Campaigns
Beige Billboards Spark a Bold Call to Save Charlotte’s Art Scene
Consumer-Focused Packaging Strategies
Hershey's Unveils Elevated Packaging at Sweets & Snacks Expo
Nightmarish Mobile Campaigns
Liquid Death Created the Cellphone Bill Character for Boost Mobile
Larger-Than-Life Candy Campaigns
Sour Patch Kids Presents a 15-Foot Inflatable for Hidden Treats
Condiment Marketing Campaigns
Hellmann’s Launched Its ‘Main Flavour Energy’ Marketing Campaign
Customer-Starring Billboards
Bobbie's Campaign Spotlights Moms as "the OG Influencers"
TV-Inspired Detergent Campaigns
Tide Draws Parallels Between Stranger Things & Letters to Tide
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
AI Sun Care Billboards
The Burnable Billboard Shows Damage Caused to Human Skin in Real-Time
Gen Z Sun Care Campaigns
indu's Latest Initiative Aims to Improve Teen SPF Application Habits
Marketer-Targeted Albums
The Spotify Tunetorials Campaign Blurs Education and Entertainment
Creative Auto Campaigns
The Electric Capri Campaign Revives a Legend with Modern Flair
Educational Valentine's Campaigns
No More’s 'Language of Love' Campaign Exposes Coercive Control
Imaginative Fantasy-Inspired Campaigns
Canva Spotlights its Creative Tools Ahead of Halloween
House Party-Themed Campaigns
Hiders Keepers Shows Stella Artois’ Clever Take on Party Etiquette
Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns
Polaroid Launched 'The Camera for an Analog Life'
Unfiltered Sleep Campaigns
The IKEA Sleep Talk Reviews Campaign Uses Real Nighttime Mutterings
Innovative Outdoor Advertising Campaigns
Unilever's Dirt is Good Turns Billboards into Playgrounds
Gun Violence Prevention Films
Sandy Hook Promise Turns a Childhood Symbol Into a Call for Action
Feel-Good Ad Campaigns
Pella’s 'Make Life Brighter' Campaign Celebrates Home and Comfort
Cinematic Condiment Campaigns
Mike's Hot Honey Has Debuted Its First National Advertising Campaign
Cheeky Infant Formula Campaigns
Good Start® Debuts the Stigma-Addressing 'Suck It' Campaign
Sensorial Soda Campaigns
Sprite's 'Hurts Real Good With Sprite' Targets Gen Z
Music Scene-Informed Luxury Campaigns
Burberry Taps Twiggy for Spring 2026 Advertising Campaign
Gamified Scent Marketing Experiences
Axe's Grab The Sweet Turned a Bus Stop into a Claw Machine
Humorous Tequila Campaigns
Gran Centenario Tequila Launches the 'Don't Be a Gringo' Campaign
Sleep Poverty Awareness Campaigns
Ikea Canada Introduces the Sleepless Lamp Calmpaign
Workplace-Inspired Salad Campaigns
BrightFarms Launches the Salad Freaks in the Workplace Campaign
Artful Bandage Collections
The Met x BAND-AID Collaboration Shares Exclusive First-Aid Products
After-Dark Pizza Ads
Morrisons' Market Street Halloween Pizza Ads Transform at Night
No-Nonsense Frozen Snack Campaigns
Yasso's Foolproof Freezer Challenges April Fool's Day Pranks
Burger Ad Campaigns
Burger King’s New Campaign Suggests Even Babies Can’t Resist the Whopper
Cinematic Video Game Spots
Droga5’s ‘Wake Up’ Campaign for Xbox Shows an Escape from the Everyday
Banshee-Inspired Fashion Collections
McQueen’s Spring 2025 Ad Campaign Embraces Irish Folklore
Poetic Secondhand Campaigns
Depop's Where Taste Recognizes Taste Celebrates Style Doppelgangers
Immersive Horror-Inspired Attractions
Six Flags Channels The Conjuring: Beyond Fear
Early Allergen Exposure Ads
The Square Baby Super Bowl Spot Promotes a Science-Backed Message
Intense Elemental-Inspired Sportswear Spots
Columbia Introduced its 'Engineered for Whatever' Ad
Back-To-School Hygiene Campaigns
Lysol’s Latest Campaign is Titled 'The Story of SOMO'
Conceptual Memory-Themed Fashion
Paranoid FW25 Explores Identity Through Nostalgia and Nature
Awareness-Promoting Medical Initiatives
Newmedical Technology Emphasizes Care and Education
Comedic Body Wash Ads
Moist Humor by Dove Debuted During SNL50: the Anniversary Special
Humorous Chocolate Spots
Toblerone Introduced its ‘Chocolate Like Nobody’s Watching’
Chicken Wing Teasing Campaigns
This Pizza Hut Wings Campaign Pokes Fun at Competitors
Coordinated Convenience-Focused Promotional Campaigns
7-Eleven Runs Promotions for Two Events
Interactive Scented Billboard Ads
LOLA MullenLowe Presents a Scented Lynx/Axe Campaign
Flavor Anthem Ads
Frank's RedHot is Bringing Flavor to the Big Game with Its Eat The GOAT Campaign
Authentic Skincare Campaigns
We are Social France Spotlights Avène’s New Anti-Blemish Cream
Divergent Chewing Gum Campaigns
Trident's TriDifferent Inspired Gen Z to Break Away from Sameness
Satirical Destination Marketing Videos
The Viral Switzerland is Fake is Cheeky and Tech-Driven
Empowering Female Athlete Campaigns
Dove and Sports Illustrated Partnered to Celebrate Athletes
Social-First Body Care Campaigns
Suave Runs the 'Smell Like Your Ex(foliating Body Wash)'
Cut-Out Easter Treat Disguises
Cadbury Created Print Ads That Hide Easter Eggs as Everyday Items
Emotional Mothers Day Ads
Apple's Mother’s Day Campaign Showcases Spatial Video's Emotional Power
Humorous Condiment-Inspired Campaigns
Hellmann’s Introduces the #ENDCONDIMENTHOARDING Campaign
Health Engagement Disparity Campaigns
Function Health and SubwayTakes Partner on a Campaign
Empowering Cosmetic Campaigns
The Revlon Be Unforgettable Campaign Reinterprets a Brand Tagline
Body-Positive Brand Campaigns
Dove's Super Bowl Ad Challenges Toxic Body Talk in Sports
Spontaneity-Inspired Travel Campaigns
Wyndham Debuts 'Where There's a Wyndham, There's a Way'
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Health-Boosted Candies
Baby Bottle Pop's Adulthood Survival Collection Recognizes Popular Callouts
Product-Inspired Halloween Looks
Aldi and EllaDoesFX Created a Look Inspired by Professor Peppy
High-Concept Brand Campaigns
The ‘Legitimate You’ Campaign Proves Every Brand Can Look Pro
Food-Inspired Street Art
Knorr's Dish Pics Campaign Replaces Unwanted, Unsavory Images
Interactive Traveling Marketing Initiatives
Heinz Pllayfully Spotlights the Heinz Ketchup Zero
Emotion-Driven Cider Campaigns
Angry Orchard's Latest Campaign Subverts Anger-Inducing Moments
Empowered Athlete Campaigns
Nike's "Why Do It?" Reintroduces "Just Do It" to a New Generation
Creative Cancer Awareness Campaigns
F Cancer Debuts the 'Pick Up Your Poop' Campaign
90s-Era Snack Product Campaigns
The Pringles One You Pop Campaign Revives the Tagline for Gen Z
Modern Wedding-Inspired Campaigns
Patrick Schwarzenegger Stars in SKIMS' Wedding Shop Campaign
Avocado Oil-Based Product Campaigns
Chosen Foods Debuts the Chosen to Save Food Campaign
Horror-Inspired Sports Campaigns
Nike Presents the Scary Good Campaign with Satire Themes
Accessible Design Campaigns
Canva's Really, Really Good Design Transformed a Sandwich Business
Courageous Style Campaigns
Coach's Revive Your Courage Activates Gen Z
Embedded Safety Networks
‘Ask for Angela’ Builds Retail-Based Support Systems Across Toronto
Critical Spicy Snack Campaigns
The New Flamin’ Hot Campaign Puts Its Spice to the Ultimate Test
Halloween-Themed Qsr Menus
Burger King Reveals a Monster Menu with Vampire Nuggets and Mummy Fries
Robust Childhood Cancer Campaigns
Childhood Cancer Canada Launches 'Let's Face the Unimaginable'
Conscientious Tourism Campaigns
Evaneos Advocates Against Overtourism in a New Campaign
Nostalgic Beauty Campaigns
Dove's #UnseenBeauty Initiative Challenges Y2K Beauty Standards
Provocative Shapewear Ads
Kim Kardashian is the Fairy Butt Mother in a Whimsical Skims Ad
No-Nonsense Grooming Campaigns
The Rock Face Makes Scents Campaign Pokes Fun at Marketing Cliches
Purpose-Driven Brand Storytelling Platforms
Hellonation Has Debuted Its Edvertising Model
Halloween-Themed Advent Calendars
The 13 Nights of Halloween Advent Calendar Builds Excitement
Pregnancy-Safe Beauty Campaigns
Well People Spotlighted Clean Products for Mother's Day & Beyond
Generational Wellness Campaigns
Sports Research Evolved Its Marketing into a Cultural Movement
Gothic Romance Restaurant Campaigns
Eggslut's Egg Yearning Explores an Unexpected Symbol of Desire
Interactive Prank Tools
Scratch & Reveal Sends Custom Surprises and Jump Scares to Friends
Emotionally Engaging Holiday Advertisements
Teleflora Captured Attention with The Power Of Wishes
Halloween Season Candy Campaigns
World Business Chicago is Promoting Chicago-Based Candy
Ad Inspiration Archives
Nobody Reads Ads Showcases Print and Outdoor Ads With Notable Success
Brandless Packaging Campaigns
McDonald’s Tested a Name-Free 'Famous Order' Promotion
Satirical Feminist-Forward Ads
A Spotlight on Underpaid Women Shakes Up Belgium’s Employee Day
Food Allergy Awareness Campaigns
Fare's PSA is Backed by NFL Player Jason McCourty & His Daughter
Daily Scary Stories
'Scare Me' Offers Fresh, Thrilling Stories Daily To Reignite Reading
Household Expense Ads
BBDO Bangkok Launches 'Don’t Lose What AI Can Save' for Samsung
Fictional AI-Powered Condoms
Manforce Condoms' April Fools Day Prank Introduced the Dot AI Condom
Travel Scam Awareness
'No Scam' Helps Recognize and Prevent Common Travel Scams
Visual Discovery Campaigns
Pinterest Autumn-Winter Ads Highlight Castlecore Dreams and Fuzzy Vibes
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform
Mardi Gras-Themed Breast Campaigns
Frida Marked Mardi Gras with the Breast Gallery Campaign