These authentic marketing innovations range from progressive Boomer magazines to influencer-hosted travel shows -- exploring everything from traveling on a budget to vacationing with young kids in tow.
Whether targeting Millennials or the socially conscious Generation Z, marketers are constantly rethinking their messaging to appear more honest, raw and authentic. In addition to replacing traditional models with social media influencers or real people -- offering a more realistic version of attainable beauty -- fashion, and makeup brands along with major retailers are realizing that being relatable is key when appealing to modern consumers. A standout, Nordstrom achieves this with its 'You First' campaign. The campaign features local Toronto-based celebrities and drives home a message of customer appreciation.
Additional examples to take note of include Cadbury's bubble wrap brand activation which invites visitors young and old to unwind in a sensory way. Furthermore, MTV's recent Snapchat-based Sex Ed program is accessible to social media users and aims to promote open communication among teens.
54 Authentic Marketing Examples
52
Empowering Cosmetics Campaigns
The Bold is Beautiful Project Empowers Women to Dream Big
51
Male Makeup Brand Ambassadors
Influencer James Charles Will Be Covergirl's Newest Ambassador
50
Snapchat Sex Ed Shows
MTV's First Snapchat Show is a Sex Ed Series Called 'Pants Off'
49
Broccoli Sampling Booths
Tenderstem's #GetTenderTonight Campaign Shares a Taste of Vegetables
48
Comedic Mother's Day Ads
The Agency 'Mother New York' Put a Creative Spin on Mother's Day
47
Female Friendship Events
Diet Coke's Girl's Night Launched the Get the Gang Back Together Campaign
46
Influencer-Modeled Campaigns
Mighty Healthy Released Its 'New Breed' Lookbook for the Fall
45
Profanity-Laced Mother's Ads
Kraft's 'Swear Like a Mother' Ad Uses Humor to Celebrate Mother's Day
44
Progressive Female Representation Campaigns
Dove and Mindshare Joined to Redefine Beauty Standards
43
Sensorial Bubble Wrap Parties
This Multi-Sensory Brand Activation Was Hosted by Cadbury Dairy Milk
42
Emotional Experience Soup Packaging
The Campbell's Soup 'Cans of Positivity' Campaign is Friendly
41
Progressive Boomer Magazines
Refigural Gives Readers a Fearless Perspective on Aging
40
Messy Mother's Day Ads
Brawny Gave Children Snapchat Spectacles for Its New Mother's Day Ad
39
Refugee-Integrating Accelerators
Lola Lik is an Ideas Hub Bringing Locals and Refugees Together
38
Customer-Oriented Retail Campaigns
Nordstrom's 'You First' Ads Put the Emphasis on the Customer
37
Millennial Hotel Series
Marriott International's 'Six Days, Seven Nights' Was Revealed on Snapchat
36
Identity-Celebrating Ads
This Clairol Hair Color Ad Stars Transgender Model Tracey Norman
35
Empowering Body Painting Initiatives
The Human Canvas Project Helps to Combat Negative Body Image
34
Personified Food Pop-Ups
This Human Fast Food Vending Machine Surprises People at a Laundromat
33
Friendship-Forming Bench Stunts
Nescafe's 'Hello Bench' Helps Strangers Break the Ice
32
Feminist Virtual Reality Apps
'The Whole Story Project' Immortalizes Famous Historical Women
31
Graffiti Brand Activations
Street Artists are Painting the Town for a Heineken Party
30
Hispanic Beauty Campaigns
Unilever's #100PorCientoTu Personal Care Marketing Celebrates Expression
29
Poverty-Exposing Holiday Ads
This Salvation Army Campaign Highlights the Importance of Giving
28
Social Media Star Burgers
Umami Burger Has Teamed Up with Cameron Dallas to Create a New Burger
27
360-Degree Coffee Campaigns
Nescafé's 'Good Morning World' Campaign Celebrates Global Connections
26
Pub-Promoting Publicity Stunts
This No-Effort Ad by Dave Blackhirst Targets Millennial Audiences
25
Empowering Paper Towel Packaging
These Limited-Edition Brawny Paper Towels Have a New Lumberjack
24
Branded Food Documentaries
'Unbroken Ground' Highlights Patagonia's New Food Business
23
Mature Drinking Ads
This Budweiser Super Bowl Commercial Features Helen Mirren
22
Celebrity-Endorsed Donut Promotions
Krispy Kreme's Shaq-or-Treat Promotion Celebrates Halloween
21
Thanksgiving Friendship Kits
IKEA and Uber Helped People Celebrate Thanksgiving with Friends
20
Diversity-Promoting Beauty Ads
The 'All Worth It' L’Oréal Paris Campaign Promotes Inclusivity
19
Storytelling Diaper Ads
This Ad is Designed to Appeal to Moms Buying Eco-Friendly Baby Products
18
Literacy-Promoting Shopping Events
This International Literacy Day Event Supports a Good Cause
17
Artistic Teen Campaigns
Autumn de Forest Stars in this Empowering Nordstrom Kids Commercial
16
Commuter-Focused Coffee Giveaways
Löfbergs Brought People Together by Combining Their Interactions
15
Mature Makeup Muses
Urban Decay's Newest 'Monthly Muse' is the Iconic Baddie Winkle
14
Donation-Encouraging Cab Campaigns
This Initiative Advertises the Need for Organ Transplants
13
Comparative Sofa Ads
This Pottery Barn Commercial Dissects a Couch to Show Off Its Features
12
Modest Luxury E-Retailers
The Modist Aims to Empower a Diverse Consumer Demographic
11
Cultural First Job Ads
The McDonald's 'First Customer' Fast Food Commercial is Hispanic-Focused
10
Sporty Feminine Hygiene Ads
This Always Ad Shows Young Girls That Nothing Can Hold Them Back
9
Shoe Employee Documentary Series
This Reebok Ad is Part of a Promotional Short Documentary Series
8
Olympian-Endorsed Yogurts
This Charitable Yogurt is Endorsed by Alistair and Jonny Brownlee
7
Rapper-Endorsed Hostel Campaigns
50 Cent Shows Millennials the Draws of Booking a Hostel
6
Empowering Muslim Campaigns
Hijup.com Shows How Women Wearing Hijabs are Fighting Controversy
5
Motherhood-Celebrating Apparel Ads
Gap's 'Mama Said' Ad Stars a Lesbian Couple and Their Children
4
Superhero Streaming Ads
This Netflix Ad Enlists Vine Star 'BatDad' to Promote the Site
3
Family Travel Tutorials
This Video Provides Parents with Tips on Traveling Abroad with Kids
2
Feminist Youth Conferences
Seattle's FemCon Endorses Female Empowerment Among Young Attendees
1
Women's March Campaigns
The '#WhyIMarch' Campaign Shows Women Speaking Up
Related Ideas
Nostalgic Winter Intimates Campaigns
SKIMS' Holiday Campaign Was Inspired by Vintage Magazines
Storytelling-Forward Footwear Campaigns
Vans Unveils the Old Meets Knu Campaign
Aggressive Athlete Ads
Nike Launches the Winning Isn’t for Everyone Campaign
AI-Lead Car Ads
Ford Launched an AI Campaign Dubbed 'Be Surreal, Be Ford'
Generative AI Candy Campaigns
The Starburst 'Different Every Time' Campaign is Interactive
Ingenious De-Influencing Ads
Cuyana's De-Influencing April Fool's Campaign Highlights Greenwashing
GenAI Flip Phone Campaigns
Motorola's Styled with Moto Features AI-Generated Virtual Models
Exclusive Brand Ambassador Programs
Better for All Seeks to Promote More Eco-Friendly Practices
Problem-Solving Youth Skincare
Epic Skincare Shares Purposeful Products for Gen Alpha & Gen Z
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
Expansive Pride Month Initiatives
The Latest Primark Pride Collection and Campaign are Inclusive
Uplifting Social Media Campaigns
Optimism Your Feed Helps Social Media Users Retrain the Algorithm
Hug-Inspired Olympics Campaigns
Coca-Cola's Summer Olympics Campaign was Inspired by True Events
Viral Social Shopping Apps
The Claim App Helps Gen Z and Brands Authentically Discover One Another
Athlete-Backed Shoe Campaigns
Nike Released Awaken Your Madness with International Soccer Players
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
Non-AI Beauty Campaigns
The Code by Dove Fights Beauty Standards Manufactured by AI
Brand Heritage-Appreciation Campaigns
Timberlands Racy 'ICONIC' Campaign Honours Its Legacy
Purposeful Consumer-Focused Campaigns
IKEA's Sleepfluencers Campaign is a Clever Way to Give Back
Age-Appropriate Skincare Campaigns
Dove's #TheFaceof10 Addresses Unsafe Gen Alpha Skincare
CGI-Created Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Find Your Courage Campaign Stars Virtual Human imma
Sporty Fashion Spring Campaigns
adidas Originals Introduces the 1000 Back Campaign
Employee Fragrance Campaigns
Lidl's Fragrance Campaign Features Local Talent with Celebrity Names
Star-Studded Tech Campaigns
Jewellery Pros and Music Talent Promote the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Personalized In-Flight Ads
United Airlines Kinective Media Offers Curated Travel
Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Autumn/winter 2024 Campaign
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Authenticity-Emphasizing Beer Campaigns
Firestone Walker Brewing Company Launches This is 805 Beer
Refreshed Colorful Candy Brands
Elmwood Reinvents the New Skittles Branding Update
Global Handbag Campaigns
Coach's New 'Unlock Your Courage' Campaign Promotes Personal Expression
Retail Overconsumption Campaigns
Coachtopia's 'The Wasted Parts' Explores Overconsumption Culture
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Unretouched Photography Books
Dove Reimagine Beauty Celebrates Authentic Representation
Young Travellers-Targeting Campaigns
Progressive Insurance Has Introduced a New Campaign
Iconic Character-Inspired Campaigns
Etsy's Christmas Ad Celebrates Personalized Gifting
Offbeat Fashion Campaigns
ASOS 'Inspired By' Delivers Non-Traditional Inspiration to Style-Seekers
Multichannel Retail Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' 'Happy Lolidays' Campaign is Engaging
AR Shopping Malls
American Express' Door to Shop Small Highlights 10 Small Businesses
Marketer-Targeted Cereal Ads
Surreal's Out-of-Home Campaign Speaks to Marketers, Not Consumers
Next-Generation Fashion Campaigns
REVOLVE Partners with Jeon Somi for a Gen Z Campaign
Nature-Reconnecting Outdoor Campaigns
Mammut Encouraged People to Reconnect with Nature
Authentication Awareness Pop-Ups
The RealReal Pop-Up Showcases Handbags at Dupe Store Installation
Empowering Clean Beauty Campaigns
Babe Original Celebrates Individuality with 'Originally You'
Active Lifestyle-Supporting Campaigns
Kellogg's® Vector® Launches the Become Your Player Campaign
Stylish Footwear Campaigns
Under Armour Targets Gen Z in its New 'Flex As You Go' Campaign
Gen Alpha Fitness Influencers
ASICS' Little Reminders Inspires Adults to Make Movement Joyful
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Inclusive Fragrance Campaigns
The 'Where Will They Take You' Campaign Highlights Influencers
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Hands-Free Driving Campaigns
Ford UK's Social Campaign Shares Merch for the "Passenger Princess"
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Better-for-You Snack Rebrands
Eat Real's New Rebranding Highlights Nutritious Ingredients
Generation-Blending Skateboarding Campaigns
Vans' Always Out There Campaigns Nods to Y2K Styles
Attraction-Building Fragrance Ads
Fit Check by AXE Speaks to Gen Z Men and Women Alike
Gen Alpha Bodycare Brands
Australian Gen Alpha Brand 'Allkinds' Made its United States Debut
Creative-Backed Footwear Campaigns
G.H. Bass Introduces Its Stepping Out Campaign
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Visual Beer Brand Identities
Grolsch Has Unveiled a New Visual Brand Identity in Canada
Fall-Ready Denim Campaigns
Pacsun Launched Its Interactive Better in Baggy Denim Campaign
Movement-Inspired Fashion Campaigns
The Bottega Veneta's Going Places Features Going Places
Ambassador-Focused Footwear Campaigns
Vans Launches a New Campaign for its OTW Line
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Eco-Minded Millennial Ads
Coors Seltzer's 'Call to Inaction' Campaign Aims to Save Water
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
Heritage Brand Boot Ads
Blundstone Launches Global Campaign Celebrating Personal Boot Stories
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
Textured Hair Advertising Campaigns
From One Queen to Another is Mielle's First Ever Campaign
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Cheerful Healthy Snack Campaigns
Garden Veggie Snacks' YUMbelievably Delicious is Innovative
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Teen Skincare Hubs
Indu 101 Educates, Empowers and Inspires Young Beauty Consumers
Adventurous Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Louis Vuitton's Core Values Campaign Features Tennis Legends
Collaborative Digital Coffee Campaigns
illy Launches its Digital Content Series 'Coffee Break'
Honest Female Athlete Campaigns
'Get Explicit' by Hillberg & Berk Empowers Women in Sports
Skincare Tailgate Tours
The Bubble Skincare Tailgate Tour Brings Premium Formulas to Gen Z
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
Ageism-Targeting Language Campaigns
Modern Age Has Launched the Aging Index
Human Connection-Centric Campaigns
Etsy's New Ad Campaign Wants to Keep Commerce Human
Reformulated Skincare Rebrands
Bath & Body Works Underwent a Large-scale Shift to Cleaner Products
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Tom Ford Allows Consumers to Seamlessly Shop Its Spring 2024 RTW
Peeling Cheese Packaging Billboards
This Babybel Billboard is Inspired by the Product's Packaging
Minimal Affordable Sub-Labels
Target Presents its Own No-Frills Brand with Minimal Design
Travel-inspired Brand Campaigns
Michelin Launches the On the Road and Beyond! Campaign
Consumer-Centric Luxury Car Campaigns
Genesis Motors Canada Recently Unveiled 'Centred Around You'
Social-First Car Campaigns
Škoda's Reddit Car Share Amplified the Voices of Passionate Fans
Social Soda Mixer Campaigns
Level Up With 7UP Inspires Gen Z and Millennial Consumers
Artistic Multi-Beverage Ads
The Coca-Cola Family is Spotlighted in this Unique Ad
Youth-Focused Social Campaigns
Claire’s Introduces a New Gen Z-Alpha Platform Called 'The Collab'
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Imaginative Shopping Platforms
Walmart Realm Shares Influencer-Curated Shopping Environments
Influencer Snack Bar Campaigns
Nature Valley Launches a Social-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaign
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Anniversary-Celebrating Storytelling Ads
The Walt Disney Company Mark Marvel's 85th Anniversary
AI-Crafted Banking Ads
The U.S. Bank Debuts 'The Power of Us' Campaign
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Next-Generation Mall Campaigns
Simon's Meet Me @themall Targets Gen Z Shoppers
Multi-Generation Footwear Campaigns
Red Wing Heritage's Will Your Wings Stitches Wills Into Boots
Recycled Ad Campaigns
Mars is Reusing Fan-Favorite Ads to Bring Attention to Climate Change
Empowering Car Ads
CarMax's New Ad Campaign Takes a Witty Approach
Third-Party Artisanal Marketplaces
Michaels Launches the MarkerPlace Alternative Marketplace
Customer Gifting Suites
Grey Bandit's Gifting Suite Gave Customers the Influencer Treatment
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Authentic Fashion House Campaigns
Gucci's Spring/Summer 2024 Collection Celebrates Real Women
Omnichannel Retail Initiatives
J. Jill is Aiming to Provide Women More Positive Retail Experiences
Gen Z Basketball Campaigns
Rivalry Unites with Basketball Forever for a Gen Z-Focused NBA Campaign
Global Storytelling Initatives
Vans Announces its Narrative-Centric Always Pushing Campaign
Skincare Investment Campaigns
Kiehl's Skin-Vestment Pairs Skincare Solutions and Financial Jargon
Marketing Social Advocacy Tools
Nut Tree Helps Smaller Brands Boost Their Presence
Influencer-Starring Car Commercials
Toyota's New Short Film Seeks to Resonate with Gen Z Customers
Star-Led Luxury Fashion Campaigns
PRADA's Re-Nylon Collection Welcomes Renowned Actors
Revamped Freshness Platforms
Mars Announces a New Brand Identity for Its Gums and Mints Brands
Athlete-Centric Bingo Campaigns
The 'Share Your Bingo Moment' Campaign Spotlights Olympic Legends
Back-to-Campus Concert Series
UO LIVE On Campus Features Gen Z-Favorite Artists & Creators
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Dynamic Auto Marketing Campaigns
Hyundai Promotes Its Electrical Vehicle Line-up
Skateboarding-Inspired Ads
Vans Launched the ‘Always Pushing’ Ad Highlighting Skating Culture
Personality-Packed Snack Filters
Jack Link's Created Bold "Flavor Filters" for Gen Z Job Seekers
Localized Destination Campaigns
Rosewood Hotels & Resort Debuts 'Discovered at Rosewood'
Celebrity-Backed Fragrance Ads
Axe Targets Generation Z with its New Star-Studded Campaign
Cheeky Candy Campaigns
This Kinder Bueno Campaign Targets Millennial and Gen Z Consumers
Interactive AR Galleries
Chips Ahoy's Happy By Design Campaign Spotlights Multicultural Artists
Athlete-Inspired AI Brand Campaigns
AngelAi Taps a Groups of Athletes to Promote Its Ethos
Promotional Influencer Videos
Activision Recruits Multiple Creators to Appeal to Gen Z Consumers
Joy-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
Ulta Beauty Launches the Joy Project, a Ground-Breaking Study
Revamped Juice Overhauls
Ocean Spray Announces a Brand Overhaul with Modern Influences
Revitalized Pasta Packaging Designs
MarketPlace Branding Has Revitalized the Ronzoni Pasta Brand
Local Retail-Championing Initiatives
The 'Reps are Local Too' Initiative is a Nationwide Movement
Mango-Scented Newspaper Ads
Swiggy Instamart Launched a Scented Campaign in the Times of India
Chef-Supported Dairy Campaigns
Anchor Food Professionals Debuts the Taste of Tradition Campaign
Youth-Focused Skincare Campaigns
Przm Launches a New Consumer-Centric Campaign for Proactiv
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Fandom-Exploring Sports Partnerships
NFL and Mitchell & Ness Collaborate to Spotlight Fan Stories
Streetstyle Flavor Campaigns
Old El Paso's Turn It Up Entices Gen Z to Try Its Street Vibes Range
Classic Ad Campaign Revivals
Seagram's 7 Crown is Reviving Old Ads for Its New Campaign
Healthcare Marketing Deals
Haleon Taps Collectively to Enhance its Influencer Marketing Strategies
Cocktail-Inspired Togetherness Activations
Smirnoff's Global Connectivity Initiative Launched
Traveler Marketing Platforms
Koflluence Introduces the Rare Travel Platform for Travel Influencers
Grocery Store Ad Spots
Morrisons, the UK Supermarket Chain, Celebrates Its Low Pricing in This Ad
Empowering Trader-Focused Campaigns
Vantage Markets Debuts New Phase of Reborn a Trader