# Unbranded Ad Brands are choosing to limit the obvious branding in their commercials. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 19, 2017 | Category: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/marketing-strategy) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/unbranded-ad ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.7/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 12, 2016 to Oct 25, 2017 - Published: Oct 19, 2017 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Unbranded Ad trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the Unbranded Ad trend means for industry ### For 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 for Unbranded Ad Trend score 2.7 out of 10, from popularity 51%, activity 21%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 51% - Activity: 21% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Unbranded Ad trend 5 featured examples from Aug 12, 2016 to Oct 25, 2017. - [Unbranded Series Billboard Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hawkins-power-and-light): A Hawkins Power and Light Billboard is Promoting 'Stranger Things' (Category: Marketing) Implication: Use unbranded billboard ads to reach more people, create brand awareness, and drive traffic. - [Candy Brand Halloween Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bite-size-horror): Mars Inc. Created a Series of Frightening Commercials (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The advertising and marketing industry can explore new ways to create engaging and captivating commercials by incorporating elements from the horror genre. - [Non-Branded Fast Food Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindy-kaling-commercial): These Mindy Kaling Commercials for McDonald's Never Feature Its Name (Category: Marketing) Implication: Fast food chains can explore innovative ways to market their products without explicitly mentioning their brands. - [Relaxing Back-to-School Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oddly-ikea): This 25-Minute 'Oddly IKEA' Ad is a Sponsored ASMR Video (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Providing a unique and personalized sensory experience to customers through ASMR and relaxation marketing techniques, enhancing the shopping experience and brand loyalty. - [Unbranded Beer Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golden-challenge): The 'Golden Challenge' Ad Features Long Jump Record Holder Bob Beamon (Category: Marketing) ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Marketing - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Nostalgic Beauty Mascots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bliss-girl-series) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) All articles: [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing)