By: Emily Brower
The holidays are among us, and that means a new batch of ad campaigns are making their way onto our screens and into our hearts.
As viewers, one of the most important parts of any advertisement is the way it makes us feel. From happy and hopeful to sorrowful and despondent, a good advertisement can make all the difference in the way you view a company.
Here are just a few ads that we think did a particularly good job of getting their messages across and some that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Hits
Amazon Prime Video EU
An Unlikely Friendship | Prime Video | Christmas Ad 2021
This Christmas, Amazon Prime Video teaches us that friendship knows no bounds with their “An Unlikely Friendship” advertisement.
While this is the first solo Christmas ad specific to Amazon Prime Video EU, as opposed to the overall Amazon brand, the general industry formula remains the same as some of Amazon’s other video advertisements. The use of a minimalist backing track and heartwarming story line reels you in and keeps you hooked.
McDonalds
Imaginary Iggy | Christmas | McDonald’s UK
This McDonalds ad follows the story of a girl and her imaginary friend Iggy. The combination of childhood nostalgia and somber cover of “Time After Time” tugs at your heartstrings as you wait for the story to come full circle.
McDonald’s aims to bring us back to our innocent roots and instills the feeling of timeless childhood joy during the holiday season. McDonald’s choice of subject matter connects with people’s emotions and gives you a memorable happy ending.
Aldi
Aldi Christmas Launch Advert 2021
In true Christmas fashion, Aldi takes us on A Christmas Carol-inspired journey that reminds us of the importance of caring and giving through the lens of animated fruits and vegetables.
The tagline, “For you to be happy, you need to be kind,” is both a call to action and a general life lesson on the impact of goodwill.
Misses
Cartier
Cartier: A Celebration of Love
Cartier is known for their luxurious high-end jewelry, but this ad misses the mark when it comes to highlighting the brand and what they stand for. It lacks the authentic empathy needed to connect with people’s emotion, and there isn’t enough emphasis on exactly what Cartier is attempting to promote.
While a number of famous faces are featured, including Willow Smith, Lilly Collins, and Troye Sivan, the “Celebration of Love” theme is only really distinguishable by the “Love Is All” cover that accompanies the video.
Macy’s
Macy’s Presents: Tiptoe and the Flying Machine
This Macy’s holiday ad pays homage to the 1964 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer stop motion animated television special. While the message of believing in yourself is timeless and inspiring, the references to flying and the closing scene in an airport make this ad seem more fitting for an airline than it does Macy’s.
Have your own opinions about this year’s holiday ads? Let us know on Facebook and Instagram.