Pepsi ads and commercials that made a significant impact

No matter what we think, the advertising industry has been increasing in the last decades. Big brands have always known how to position themselves in the market, and PepsiCo Inc is one of them. Their marketing strategy has brought a lot of creative energy, and their Pepsi ads’ ideas are well made.

PepsiCo Inc is a beverages and snacks company that has a worldwide reach. It started back in 1898 in a pharmacy. Today it is a giant that probably nobody would have expected it to turn into. It activates in more than 200 countries, and one of their popular beverages is Pepsi.

This is the reason why it is one of the adversaries of the well-known Coca-Cola. We decided to have a look at the Pepsi ads that did over the years. So, here is a list with some that consider being well made.

Pepsi ads and commercials

Okurrr | Pepsi

This advertisement starts in a retro set. A waitress asks the customer if “Is Pepsi okay?” and then we get some funny accents around that line. Everyone inside the restaurant tries to imitate the “other” call that we can hear. Even the pigeons outside start to mimic this strange sound.

Classic Michael Jackson Pepsi Commercial

The famous Pepsi advertisement done with Michael Jackson is one that performed well. This video also brings Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air dancing together with MJ and the rest of the Jackson 5. Doing the shoot was not as fun because a lot of work was needed. Michael got his hair on fire, and the singer had third-degree burns.

Pepsi TV Commercial, ‘Standup’ Featuring John Leguizamo

We all know the comedian John Leguizamo. In this Pepsi marketing move, we can see him going to the stage. Questions can be heard about how excellent his skills are. When he heard that, he stops and opens a Pepsi can. Walks on the scene and gives an outstanding performance!

Pepsi: Cindy Crawford, 1992

This is one of the classic Pepsi ads that has a nice story. Ten thousand young boys and girls get the attention of Cindy Crawford when she is in a rural town for a can of Pepsi. Creating a great add like this for sure took a lot of effort and energy.

Pepsi TV Commercial, ‘The Touchdown Slide: Part 2’ Song by DJ Casper

When a man opens, Pepsi can things start to get funky! He transforms into a cartoon version and gets in a world where cartoons and real-life NFL football collide with each other. Pepsi features different teams like San Francisco, Los Angeles Chargers that are together celebrating on the field.

Pepsi With Food

Pepsi ads’ ideas like this one deserve popularity. In Saudi Arabia, people are very found in their culture. The concept of Pepsi with food is to try to mix Saudi Arabian Music with Saud Arabian local food to get a popular fast way. This, for sure, can fit the digital media channels as it looks so great.

Britney Spears, 2001

When you get starts in your marketing campaigns, you should expect a lot of buzzes. The 2001 Pepsi ads that feature Britney Spears are well-made. The golden age of Pepsi can be considered in the early 2000s.

Pepsi TV Commercial, ‘Summergram: Pool All Day’

As people grab their Pepsi bottles at the poolside, we can see how the label contains the words “Pool Day All Day.” It comes together with an image of an inflatable unicorn that peels off. It’s a funny Pepsi advertisement, that is great.

Memory Exchange

One of the Pepsi Ads that brought a lot of attention to it is this one. It is inspired by the Champions League, one of the biggest interclub soccer championships in the world. Pepsi brought football tickets collectors and asked them to exchange the most valued ones for the Champions League finals ticket. Some said yes and some no.

Pepsi TV Commercial, ‘The Last Can Standing’ Ft. Lionel Messi

Pepsi ads are known for bringing a lot of public persons in their story. As you might already know, this one features Lionel Messi. In a remote gas station without anything to see for miles, Lionel Messi, together with Mohamed Salad do a duel for their last can of Pepsi.

It’s a friendly game where each one shows their athletic capabilities and elite talent. They both try to perform a trick shot that can’t be matched. The two phenoms continue to go head-to-head after the difficulty of their shots gets big. What happens is that the gas station attendant opens the last can of Pepsi in front of them.

Luckily a Pepsi delivery truck arrives, and they take a big break.

Cindy Crawford, 1991

Even though the Cindy Crawford commercial is quite old, it still is an excellent example of what great Pepsi ads can achieve.

Pepsi TV Commercial, ‘We Belong Together’ Song by Pat Benatar

This woman cracks open a Pepsi at a barbecue and instantly gets the attention of the cheeseburger on the table. The woman enjoys both the Pepsi can and the cheeseburger in a state of bliss together with the Pay Benatar’s “We Belong” song.

Pepsi: Crystal Pepsi Returns, 2015

Pepsi ads show that brands can sometimes also make a lot of fun of themselves. One of their recent ads is a surprise to many. In this add, the action shows the discovering of a dark floor in the Pepsi building. It shows work being done around the famous flop, Pepsi Crystal.

Let’s Get Together

Smartphones take us away sometimes from our family or friends. So, the Pepsi marketing team came up with an excellent idea around this subject. It’s related to the Ramadan. They created a multi-screen mobile ad that turned the usual individual phone experience into a social experience.

What the Pepsi ads show is the story of 4 friends that leave their phones to enjoy the real world. The ad ends with an inspiring reality-check. This makes viewers realize they are not together.

David Bowie and Tina Turner, 1987

This one-minute Pepsi advertising strategy features some big names. Bowie plays the role of a scientist while Tina Turner gets printed in a 3D shape. After that, they dance around the Pepsi signs and have a lot of fun.

Pepsi Zero Sugar TV Commercial, ‘Pizza: We Belong Together’ Song by Pat Benatar

When the Pepsi Zero Sugar gets cracked open at a pizza parlor, it receives the eye of a hot pizza. They look at each other, and the Pepsi drinker figures out what is going on. He stops the separation by enjoying the can and the pie together.

Beyonce Pepsi Commercial – Grown Woman (2013)

Another idea that Pepsi ads use a lot is superstars. Beyonce can be seen in this advertisement, and we like how she handles it.

Pepsi: Gladiator, 2004

Female gladiators that are singing a Queen song might sound reasonable. This is one of the best Pepsi ads that we have seen, and for sure, it’s going to be remembered by many of you.

FAQ about Pepsi ads

How come Pepsi ads feature many celebrities?

Well, the thing is, Pepsi loves using celebrities in their ads to create a strong association between their brand and popular culture. By connecting with famous faces, they can reach a wider audience and enhance their image. Celebs also help in creating buzz around new campaigns, making it easier for people to remember the ads and the product.

What was the controversial Kendall Jenner ad all about?

You see, the Kendall Jenner ad stirred quite the controversy because it was accused of trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement. In the ad, Kendall joins a protest and hands a Pepsi to a police officer, which seems to solve the conflict. Many people thought the ad was tone-deaf and in poor taste, and Pepsi ultimately pulled it and apologized.

Why do Pepsi ads often have a feel-good vibe?

I’ll tell you why. Pepsi is all about spreading positive vibes and celebrating life. They aim to create ads that leave viewers feeling happy and uplifted, so that when people think of Pepsi, they associate it with good times. It’s a clever marketing strategy that plays on people’s emotions and helps build brand loyalty.

What was the “Pepsi Generation” campaign?

Ah, the “Pepsi Generation” campaign! Launched back in the 1960s, this iconic ad campaign targeted younger people by positioning Pepsi as the drink of choice for the new, youthful generation. It aimed to create a sense of belonging among consumers, making them feel like they were part of something bigger and, of course, super cool.

Are there any famous slogans from Pepsi ads?

Oh, for sure! Pepsi has had some pretty memorable slogans over the years. “Pepsi-Cola hits the spot,” “The Choice of a New Generation,” and “Live For Now” are just a few that come to mind. These slogans help to create a strong brand identity and stick in people’s minds, making them more likely to choose Pepsi over other options.

How does Pepsi use humor in their ads?

You know, Pepsi likes to keep things light and fun, so they often use humor in their ads. By making people laugh, they create a positive association with their brand and make their ads more memorable. Some of their funniest ads include the Pepsi vs. Coke delivery truck showdown and the 1995 Pepsi Super Bowl ad with a boy who gets sucked into a Pepsi bottle.

What’s the deal with the Pepsi Challenge?

Ah, the Pepsi Challenge! This was a marketing campaign where people were asked to do a blind taste test comparing Pepsi and Coca-Cola. The goal was to prove that people preferred the taste of Pepsi over its main competitor, Coke. The Pepsi Challenge was a clever way to create buzz and build brand loyalty, and it’s been used in various forms since the 1970s.

How has Pepsi’s advertising evolved over time?

Well, Pepsi’s advertising has definitely evolved over the years. In the beginning, their ads focused on promoting the taste and quality of their product. Later on, they started to target younger audiences and used more vibrant visuals, catchy music, and famous faces. These days, Pepsi ads are all about capturing the spirit of the moment and connecting with people on an emotional level.

Why do some people prefer Pepsi ads over Coca-Cola’s?

Great question! Some people prefer Pepsi ads because they’re often more lighthearted, fun, and focused on pop culture. While Coca-Cola ads tend to evoke nostalgia and tradition, Pepsi ads aim to be more innovative and in tune with the times. It’s really just a matter of personal preference and what resonates with you as a viewer.

Have there been any Pepsi ad failures?

Sure, no brand is perfect! Aside from the Kendall Jenner ad fiasco, there have been a few other Pepsi ad missteps over the years. For example, in 1992, Pepsi ran a “Number Fever” promotion in the Philippines that led to riots and lawsuits when they mistakenly printed too many winning bottle caps. Another example is the 2011 Super Bowl ad featuring a can redesign that wasn’t well-received by the public. Despite these hiccups, Pepsi has continued to learn from their mistakes and evolve their marketing strategies.

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Bogdan Sandu

Bogdan Sandu, a seasoned designer with 15 years of diverse experience, has been designing websites since 2008.

Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.

His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.