Marketers know that fear is a powerful motivator, and these scarevertising ad campaigns drive that point home. From frightening ads that ensure you never forget to wear a condom to evil theme parks meant to scare your children into behaving well, there's plenty of fear-inducing innovation to go around.
It's amazing to see just how diverse the tactic of scarevertising can be. Check out the slideshow below to see for yourself.
Implications - But before you check out the slideshow for these 15 Scarevertising campaigns, consider the last time an ad used fear on you and you'll know how effective the method can be.
15 Scarevertising Campaigns
From Freaky Condom Campaigns to Banned Teen Pregnancy PSAs:
Marissa Brassfield — Jun 14, 2009 — Naughty
15
Biomimicmarketing in Shockvertisement
French AIDS Campaign
14
Political Scarevertising
Actual Sarah Palin Quotes Frighten You Into Voting
13
Semen Scarevertising
Doc Morris Ads Use Hitler & Bin Laden Sperm to Sell Condoms
12
Banned Scarevertising
Shocking NHS Video for Teen Pregnancy Banned from YouTube
11
Evil Theme Parks for Marketing
Tiger Balm Gardens (Haw Par Villa) in Singapore
10
Brutal Advertising
Fear Net Twisted & Scary Ads
9
Mannequin Scarevertising
Fantastic Ads to Promote Sales by Harvey Nichols
8
Unfortunate Scarevertising
Condomi Condoms Frighten Potential Buyers
7
Black Magic Scarevertising
Hair Vitalizer Voodoo Doll
6
Superhuman Scarevertising
Freightliner Trucks Instill Fear in Superman and the Incredible Hulk
5
Career Scarevertising
Jobsintown.de Barber's Cape
4
Science-Fiction Scarevertising
Sci-Fi Channel Campaign Mimics Vintage Movie Posters
3
Transsexual & Theft Scarevertising
‘Alfer GPS Sale' and Installation' Ads
2
Terror Free Oil
Clever Marketing with Fear? or American Tragedy?
1
Frightening Eco Films
'Age of Stupid' Looks at Potential Global Warming Disaster
Related Ideas
Nostalgic Winter Intimates Campaigns
SKIMS' Holiday Campaign Was Inspired by Vintage Magazines
Fabulous Fashion Ad Campaigns
The Balmain Spring 2024 Ad Campaign Features Gisele Bündchen
Playful Pet Accident Campaigns
IKEA Unveils the Don't Worry, You Can Afford It Campaign
Aggressive Athlete Ads
Nike Launches the Winning Isn’t for Everyone Campaign
Sneaker-Stealing Campaigns
Rob It To Get It by Distance Challenged Customers to Outrun a Sprinter
Anti-Consumption Natural Ads
The 'Girls Just Wanna Grow Plants' Ad Aims to Reducing Consumption
AI-Lead Car Ads
Ford Launched an AI Campaign Dubbed 'Be Surreal, Be Ford'
Clear In-Game Billboard Advertisements
SCS Software's Truck Simulator Uses Real-Life Advertising
Ingenious De-Influencing Ads
Cuyana's De-Influencing April Fool's Campaign Highlights Greenwashing
Halloween-Inspired Pretzel Campaigns
Snyder’s of Hanover Debuts the 'Pretzelface' Campaign
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
Film-Inspired Condiment Ads
GUT New York Forms the Heinz Smiles Campaign to Celebrate Joker 2
Hug-Inspired Olympics Campaigns
Coca-Cola's Summer Olympics Campaign was Inspired by True Events
Thematic Super-Villain-Inspired Makeup Campaigns
NYX Launches the 'Who Stole Halloween?' Campaign
Ketchup Dispenser Billboards
'Smack for Heinz' Helps Fans Complete Meals with a Favorite Condiment
Athlete-Backed Shoe Campaigns
Nike Released Awaken Your Madness with International Soccer Players
Distorted Burger Campaigns
Burger King's A.I.LLOWEEN Features Unsettling People Eating Burgers
Witty Toy-Brand Horror Posters
LEGO Presents a Range of Playful Horror Posters for the Season
Mental-Health Awareness QSR Packaging
McDonald's Alters Its Happy Meal Boxes for Mental Health
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
Sporty Fashion Spring Campaigns
adidas Originals Introduces the 1000 Back Campaign
Hug-Activated Marketing Machines
UNIQLO France and The Pull Launch the Hug to Unlock Ad
Employee Fragrance Campaigns
Lidl's Fragrance Campaign Features Local Talent with Celebrity Names
Athletic Apparel Interactive Billboards
Gymshark Unveils the Shoplift Campaign Ahead of Sale
Humorous Payment Campaigns
Paypal's Latest Campaign Features Actor Will Ferrell
Lazy Cereal Campaigns
SURREAL Cereal Cheekily Pokes Fun at New Year's Resolutions
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
QSR Menu Billboard Campaigns
Burger King Shows Real Burger Sizes with Real Size Campaigns
Moderate Drinking Campaigns
The Magic of Moderate Drinking Encourages Responsible Consumption
Comic Strip Milk Bottles
Seki Milk Created Artful Bottle Designs to Encourage Dairy Consumption
Curious Whiskey Campaigns
Four Roses' Don't Mention It Campaign Targets Younger Whiskey Drinkers
Therapeutic Nature-Inspired Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Autumn/winter 2024 Campaign
AI-Powered Travel Campaigns
Samsonite's Bring It 2024 Campaign Exudes Timeless Style & Durability
Convention-Challenging AC Campaigns
Samsung's WindFree Ad Stars a Savvy Grandma-Fluencer
Heated QSR Anniversary Campaigns
Burger King Brazil Celebrates Milestone with a New Campaign
Refreshed Colorful Candy Brands
Elmwood Reinvents the New Skittles Branding Update
Global Handbag Campaigns
Coach's New 'Unlock Your Courage' Campaign Promotes Personal Expression
Provocative AR Campaigns
NotCo's 'Not So Happy Animals' Presents Food Logos in a New Light
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
Provocative Spread Pop-Ups
The Marmite Dark Room Entices Gen Z to Experience an Iconic Spread
Young Travellers-Targeting Campaigns
Progressive Insurance Has Introduced a New Campaign
Craveable Soda Packaging
Sprite is Reviving Its Obey Your Thirst Campaign for a New Generation
Eerie Film-Based Deodorant Campaigns
Secret Deodorant Debuts a Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Commercial
Sensorial Horror-Inspired Hard Ciders
Angry Orchard Introduced its Hide & Shriek Prank Pack
Whimsical Candle Christmas Campaigns
The Yankee Candle 'Make it More Magical' Campaign is Festive
Architecture-Inspired QSR Ads
This New McDonald’s Campaign Encourages Eating at Home
Marketer-Targeted Cereal Ads
Surreal's Out-of-Home Campaign Speaks to Marketers, Not Consumers
Motherhood Cereal Boxes
Special K's Special for a Reason Debuted a Limited-Edition Box
Cross-Category Refreshment Campaigns
Sprite and Pringles Hot Have Teamed Up for a New Campaign
Juice-Branded Summer Campaigns
Revl Fruits' 'Grow Up Never' Campaign Lets a Fan be a Waterpark VP
Futuristic Shapewear Ads
Skims' First-Ever TV Ad, Skims Lab, Stars Kim Kardashian in Every Role
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Spooky AR Yogurt Packaging
Chobani Unveiled Interactive Special Edition Halloween Packaging
Inclusive Fragrance Campaigns
The 'Where Will They Take You' Campaign Highlights Influencers
Scented Fast Food Billboards
McDonald's Set Up a French Fry-Scented Billboard
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
Shoppable CPG Ads
Instacart-Powered Shoppable Video Ads are Coming to YouTube
Cancer Awareness CPG Packaging
This Unilever Pink Packaging Marks Breast Cancer Awareness
Heritage Brand Boot Ads
Blundstone Launches Global Campaign Celebrating Personal Boot Stories
Anthropomorphic Store Campaigns
IKEA's Short Social Films Promote Its Click-and-Collect Service
Unholy Skincare Campaigns
e.l.f. SKIN's Divine Skintervention Saves All Skin Types
Scannable Snack Charity Campaigns
This Pringles Movember Campaign Updates the Brand's Mascot
70s-Style Cat Snack Ads
Temptations' Creamy Purrrr-ée Treats Star in a Nostalgic Holiday Ad
Comfort-Focused Footwear Ads
The ALDO Spring 2024 Campaign Highlights Its Pillow Walk Technology
Domestic Awareness Campaigns
IKEA Australia Presents the This is Not a Home Campaign
Color Infusion Paint Campaigns
vitaminwater's Paint Your Rent Brightens Lives & Living Spaces
Immersive Hybrid Billboards
Meta's Halloween Thrillboards Tease Immersive Meta Quest 3 Experiences
Gen Z Breakfast Campaigns
'Start the Day the Totino’s Way' Targets Teens Who Skip Morning Meals
Adorable Holiday Campaigns
Burberry's Holiday Campaign Spotlights Dogs and Ducklings
Cheerful Healthy Snack Campaigns
Garden Veggie Snacks' YUMbelievably Delicious is Innovative
Cringe-Worthy Photo Campaigns
Sour Patch Kids is Challenging Fans to Choose "Cringe or Candy"
Kindness-Encouraging Soda Campaigns
The Coca-Cola 'The World Needs More Santas' Ad is Festive
Humorous Natural Deodorant Campaigns
The Every Man Jack 'Still Smell Good' Campaign is Catchy
Nostalgic Fragrance Campaigns
Impulse & Frankie Bridge Faithfully Recreated Iconic 90s Looks
Spooky Seasonal Libation Campaigns
The Heineken Meet the Chillers Campaign is Character-Driven
Ethical Tea Branding
Typhoo Fear Free Tea Promotes its Mission to End Sexual Violence
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Spooky Slider Packaging
White Castle Unleashed Limited-Edition Halloween Retail Packaging
AI Horror Film Festivals
A.I.RHEADS SCAREFEST Shares Short Films Made with Artificial Intelligence
Chicken-Centered Campaigns
KFC Released a Campaign Called 'Believe in Chicken'
Human Connection-Centric Campaigns
Etsy's New Ad Campaign Wants to Keep Commerce Human
Quirky Plant-Based Food Ads
Gosh! Food's Falafel Advertisement is Surprising
Scream Queen Skincare Campaigns
philosophy and Sarah Michelle Gellar Partnered for a Retinol Ad
Co-Branded Custom Ads
Lexus and Universal Pictures Partner for the 'Experience OZmazing' Spot
Faceless Mother Campaigns
Peanut's Invisible Mothers Visualizes the Solitude Women Experience
Peeling Cheese Packaging Billboards
This Babybel Billboard is Inspired by the Product's Packaging
QSR X-Ray Campaigns
KFC Spain Presents a Chicken X-Ray Campaign to Combat a Stigma
Candid Celebration Campaigns
Edible's "There's an edible for That" Celebrates Even Awkward Moments
Travel-inspired Brand Campaigns
Michelin Launches the On the Road and Beyond! Campaign
Social-First Car Campaigns
Škoda's Reddit Car Share Amplified the Voices of Passionate Fans
Artistic Multi-Beverage Ads
The Coca-Cola Family is Spotlighted in this Unique Ad
Inspiring Daily Bodycare
method's Unleash Your Inner Shower Celebrates Personal Transformations
Responsible Alcohol Consumption Campaigns
Absolut's Call It a Night Campaign Promotes Safety
Influencer Snack Bar Campaigns
Nature Valley Launches a Social-Oriented Digital Marketing Campaign
Wellness Drink Mix Promotions
This Horlicks On-Pack Promotion Supports New Year Wellness
Living Condition Awareness Dollhouses
IKEA's UNWELCOME HOME Doll House Brings Awareness
Mid-20th-Century Holiday Campaigns
Saks Fifth Avenue Unveiled its 'Gifts of Delight' Campaign
Anniversary-Celebrating Storytelling Ads
The Walt Disney Company Mark Marvel's 85th Anniversary
Candy-Inspired School-Centric Campaigns
Smarties® Debuts the Playful Smarties® U Campaign
Beauty Corporate Diversity Ads
E.l.f. Beauty's So Many Dicks Ad Urges for More Corporate Diversity
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
Seasonal Halloween Marketing Promotions
Welch's Fruit Snacks Unveils its MVP Goals for Halloween
Bizarre Soda Campaigns
Dr Pepper's Try More Weird Disrupts Life's Boredoms with Weirdness
Reality-Bending Car Ads
CarGurus Ad Features Melting Lego and Gourmet Chef Toddlers
Playful QSR Campaigns
Cossette Forms the New McDonald's Campaign to Closest Restaurant
Inclusive Voting Campaigns
The Body Shop Worked with Apathy is Boring to Improve Voter Turnout
Skincare Investment Campaigns
Kiehl's Skin-Vestment Pairs Skincare Solutions and Financial Jargon
Hard-To-Read Health Campaigns
A Specsavers Campaign Encourages Movie-Goers to Check their Sight
Hyper-Local Gym Ads
GymBox's Made for London Life Ads Juxtapose City Living and Gym-Going
Influencer-Starring Car Commercials
Toyota's New Short Film Seeks to Resonate with Gen Z Customers
Illness-Centric Public Education Campaigns
HHS is Launching the 'Risk Less. Do More' Campaign
Pizza Craving Campaigns
Domino's Pizza and WorkInProgress Launch the Emergency Pizza Campaign
Gut-Friendly Kombucha Campaigns
Health-Ade's Thrill Your Gut Highlights the Benefits of Kombucha
Empowering Mental Health Football Ads
adidas Debuts Short Film 'You Got This'
Influencer Management Tools
Ogilvy Offers a Safety and Risk Management Tool for Marketing Brands
Rewritten Christmas Song Ads
Burger King UK's Hijacking Christmas Will Guide You to the Drive Thru
Cheeky Financial Stress-Alleviating Campaigns
HOPWTR Has Debuted a Creative Promotional Campaign
Food-Inspired Costume Contests
Kraft Natural Cheese Centers Its Grated Parmesan for Halloween
Cheeky Candy Campaigns
This Kinder Bueno Campaign Targets Millennial and Gen Z Consumers
Frighteningly Festive Candy Products
These New Bazooka Candy Brands Halloween Products are Tasty
Allergy-Friendly Retailer Campaigns
FARE and CVS Pharmacy Partnered for the Teal Pumpkin Project
Athlete-Backed Mental Health Campaigns
The Love, Your Mind Campaign Aims to Support Mental Health
Expansive Rebranding Initiatives
MysteryVibe Goes Beyond Sexual Health and into New Markets
Stylistic Footwear Campaigns
Bata Launched its 'Make Your Way' Campaign with a Focus on Comfort
Empowering Soccer-Inspired Campaigns
Gatorade Has Partnered with Renowned Soccer Icons
Mango-Scented Newspaper Ads
Swiggy Instamart Launched a Scented Campaign in the Times of India
Advertising Demand-Side Platforms
Yahoo Launched Yahoo Creative to Help Advertisers
Expansive Vegan Candy Campaigns
This Swizzels Campaign Encourages Retailers to Stock Up
Car Safety-Promoting PSAs
The Ad Council and NHTSA Have Launched a New Never Happens Campaign
Comedic Groundhog Day Campaigns
Lay's Flavor for Days Campaign Taps into Groundhog Day
Comforting QSR Menu Promotions
Popeyes Sunday Scaries Menu Supports Students and Professionals
Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters
Wunderman Thompson Morocco Creates the Life-Saving Outdoors
Classic Ad Campaign Revivals
Seagram's 7 Crown is Reviving Old Ads for Its New Campaign
Subtle Marketing Pop-Ups
FOMO Nudge Encourages Users to Buy with Subtle Pop-Ups
Love-Centric Public Service Announcements
Ad Council & R/GA Debut the Love Has No Labels Campaign
Grocery Store Ad Spots
Morrisons, the UK Supermarket Chain, Celebrates Its Low Pricing in This Ad
Haunting Tech Safety PSAs
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection Releases 'The Horse'
Boomer-Focused Voter Advertisements
Perth Creatives Launch the New Groom-a-Boomer Voting Campaign