# TV Spots That Touch the Soul Inspirational Commercials of 2008 By Lindsey Erin Heim | Published 2008-10-23 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2008s-inspirational-commercials References: [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBiOwL_IdPo) Commercials are everywhere and can be highly effective in advertising and selling products, if done correctly. Every once in awhile, though, a commercial comes along which really inspires and captivates its viewers. From [Apple](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apples-mothers-day)’s “Be Different” message to the eBay commercial which proudly pronounces “People ARE Good,” these quick clips can be stunningly deep and powerful. Check some of the most motivating on [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synchrony-bank) by searching “eBay-People are Good,” “Reclaim Your Life,” “Close to You - by [Lancome](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypnose-drama-mascara),” and “Be Different - Apple.” In Lancome’s “Close to You” advertisement, a grandmother tells the story of her first true love to her grandchild. It’s like a mini-drama movie, involving love, controversy, death, war, hope and lasting memories. You have to read fast to get this commercial’s message, and it seems a bit of a push to sell perfume, but it’s touching anyway. The commercial above depicts a little girl whose brother has cancer. Since he’s lost his hair, she takes the liberty of trying to give him some of her own when he comes home from a doctor’s visit. It’s extremely touching. Take some time to see good media messages. They’re rare today, but can really send a lasting message. Who knows, they might even bring a tear to your eyes. We need that every once in awhile. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 55% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/commercials) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Inspirational Commercials:** Opportunity to create commercials that inspire and captivate viewers, leaving a lasting message. - **Emotional Advertising:** Opportunity to use emotional storytelling in ads to create deep connections with consumers. - **Authentic Branding:** Opportunity for brands to authentically showcase their values and beliefs through impactful advertisements. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Advertising:** Opportunity for advertising agencies to create groundbreaking commercials that touch the soul. - **Perfume:** Opportunity for the perfume industry to explore emotional storytelling in their advertisements, creating a deeper connection with consumers. - **Cancer Awareness:** Opportunity for organizations in the cancer awareness industry to create powerful and touching campaigns to raise awareness and support. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Authentic Mother's Day Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amazon-boxes.md) - [Emotional Holiday Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-lewis-2025.md) - [Feel-Good Ad Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/make-life-brighter.md) - [Viral Non-AI Christmas Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/le-mal-aime.md) - [Emotional Mothers Day Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apples-mothers-day.md) - [Heartfelt Beverage Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-real-boost.md) - [Artistic Multi-Beverage Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-family.md) - [Heartfelt Bank Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/synchrony-bank.md) - [Creative Music-Based Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/music-deserves-bose.md)