Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Unbranded
Ad
Brands are choosing to limit the obvious branding in their commercials.
2.7
Trend score
Trend
What is the Unbranded Ad trend?
Unbranded Ad: Companies are limiting the branding in their commercials to offer more authentic ads that come across as less sales-focused. This new form of video marketing gives consumers the opportunity to engage with the material being presented, in a way that offers some of the same sensory features that more immersive forms of marketing allow – combining experiential techniques with a traditional platform. This functions as a "best of both worlds" scenario in which consumers are more likely to appreciate what is being presented, while brands are able to benefit from both the large reach of commercials, and the enjoyment that experiential marketing offers consumers.
Trend themes
Themes within the Unbranded Ad trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Authentic Advertisements
Companies are offering more authentic ads that come across as less sales-focused to give consumers the opportunity to engage with the material being presented.
02
Non-Branded Content
Brands are choosing to limit the obvious branding in their commercials, using vibrant red and yellow palettes instead, and even excluding the name or logo altogether.
03
ASMR Marketing
Brands are creating ASMR videos to promote their products, catering to the large community on YouTube that is dedicated to this type of content.
Industry implications
What the Unbranded Ad trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Advertising Industry
Business professionals in the advertising industry can consider offering more authentic ads and non-branded content to appeal to consumers.
For
Candy Industry
Business professionals in the candy industry can consider creating unique campaigns, like Mars Inc's Bite Size Horror, to promote their products in a memorable way.
For
Entertainment Industry
Business professionals in the entertainment industry can consider creating unbranded content to promote their products in a subtle and insider-knowledge-required way to delight fans.
Workshop question
How can your brand recreate traditional campaigns in a way that is more experiential, and less sales-focused?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Unbranded Ad
Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 21%, freshness 8%.
Popularity51%
Activity21%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Unbranded Ad trend
5 featured examples from Aug 12, 2016 to Oct 25, 2017CategoryMarketing
Unbranded Series Billboard Ads
A Hawkins Power and Light Billboard is Promoting 'Stranger Things'
Use unbranded billboard ads to reach more people, create brand awareness, and drive traffic.
CategoryLifestyle
Candy Brand Halloween Campaigns
Mars Inc. Created a Series of Frightening Commercials
The advertising and marketing industry can explore new ways to create engaging and captivating commercials by incorporating elements from the horror genre.
CategoryMarketing
Non-Branded Fast Food Ads
These Mindy Kaling Commercials for McDonald's Never Feature Its Name
Fast food chains can explore innovative ways to market their products without explicitly mentioning their brands.
CategoryPop Culture
Relaxing Back-to-School Commercials
This 25-Minute 'Oddly IKEA' Ad is a Sponsored ASMR Video
Providing a unique and personalized sensory experience to customers through ASMR and relaxation marketing techniques, enhancing the shopping experience and brand loyalty.
CategoryMarketing
Unbranded Beer Commercials
The 'Golden Challenge' Ad Features Long Jump Record Holder Bob Beamon
