Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Cinematic
Ad
Commercials take on new and distinct cinematic formats.
3.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Cinematic Ad trend?
Cinematic Ad: Brands are getting more creative with their campaigns, taking inspiration from film and television in order to better capture consumer attention. These include commercials that have cinematic storytelling elements in them, or virtual "reality shows" that promote branded products.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Cinematic Ad trend
For most Millennial and Gen Z consumers, quality content is extremely important for them to be drawn to a certain brand. These demographics are accustomed to self-creating and viewing peer content, and so they expect that brands are able to more authentically take content to the next level in a way that matches the ingenuity they see among peers every day. A renewed focus on the creative preferences of these generations ensures their interest in a brand.
Trend themes
Themes within the Cinematic Ad trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Cinematic Storytelling Commercials
Brands are taking inspiration from film and television and incorporating cinematic storytelling elements into their commercials to capture consumer attention, especially among Millennial and Gen Z consumers who value authentic and high-quality content.
02
Brutally Honest Social Issue Ads
Ads that deal with complicated and sensitive social issues in a compelling and brutally honest manner have the potential to capture consumer attention by using strong narratives, powerful visuals and music, and an overall cinematic quality.
03
Short-Form Reality Shows
Short-form reality shows, such as e.l.f. Cosmetics' TikTok reality show, are gaining popularity among younger audiences and can be used by brands to engage with consumers and leverage the influence of popular social media influencers and creators.
Industry implications
What the Cinematic Ad trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Advertising
The advertising industry can leverage cinematic storytelling techniques and powerful narratives to create compelling brand campaigns that resonate with younger audiences, especially Millennial and Gen Z consumers who prioritize high-quality content.
For
Entertainment
The entertainment industry can partner with brands to create innovative cross-genre content that integrates with their product offerings, such as AT&T's diverse range of television and movie offerings in their cinematic commercials.
For
Beauty
The beauty industry can use short-form reality shows, like e.l.f. Cosmetics' TikTok reality show, to engage with younger audiences and leverage the influence of popular social media influencers and creators to promote their products.
Workshop question
How could your brand conceptualize more creative and cinematic campaigns?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Cinematic Ad
Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 64%, activity 39%, freshness 9%.
Popularity64%
Activity39%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Cinematic Ad trend
4 featured examples from Nov 27, 2018 to Aug 15, 2020CategoryFashion
Short-Form Reality Shows
e.l.f. Cosmetics is Introducing the First-Ever TikTok Reality Show
Disruptive Innovation Opportunity: Cosmetics brands can explore the use of social media platforms like TikTok to create innovative marketing campaigns and reach a wider audience.
CategoryAutos
Automotive-Branded Web Series Launches
Hyundai Launched a New Series Named 'The Un-Adventurers'
Automotive companies can create branded content to showcase their vehicles and encourage consumers to consider their products.
CategoryMarketing
Genre-Mashing Basketball Commercials
At&t's 'Shot' Ad Shifts from Sports to a Thrilling Sci-Fi
Agencies can incorporate cross-genre elements and storytelling into advertisements to create memorable and shareable content that resonates with audiences.
CategoryMarketing
Chilling Boyhood Ads
This White Ribbon Campaign Deals with the Implications of Toxic Masculinity
Opportunity for advertising agencies to collaborate with organizations and create impactful campaigns that address social issues like toxic masculinity.
