Twenty Striking Marketing Initiatives that Left Creative Professionals Green with Envy in the Year 2023
In the ad biz, a dash of jealousy is perfectly fine. Catching a peek at phenomenal campaigns from rival agencies can ignite a creative spark, making even the coolest cat mutter, "Darn, why didn't I think of that?"
This year, The Jealous List is back, unearthing some of the most jaw-dropping marketing tricks of 2023. We gathered feedback from creatives hailing from buzzing agencies, nimble indies, massive networks—you name it! So, buckle up, and see if any of these campaigns are bound to make you feel a twinge of envy.
Unsurprisingly, the blockbuster marketing bomb called the Barbie movie took the cake. But that's not all; our interviewees came up with some off-the-beaten-path campaigns, so let's dive in and see if they've got your creative juices flowing.
Trace back to previous editions of The Jealous List: 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018**
Barbie | Mattel and assorted brands, worldwide agencies and in-house
While the marketing monolith of the Barbie movie—which breathed life into an iconic character — was a notable hit, the ad industry wasn't hiding its green eyes at some other campaigns. Keep your eyes peeled for these standouts that might have slipped under the wide audience's radar:
- McDonald's & KFC Campaigns: These fast-food giants are touted as geniuses in 2023 marketing. They've crafted some out-of-the-box advertising strategies, setting trends in the industry with storytelling tactics that pull audiences in[2].
- Nutter Butter, "You Good?" Campaign: Although the date isn't set in stone, this campaign was lauded in the Webby Awards for its ingenious spin on advertising, suggesting it likely resonated with creatives around that time[3].
- The Hype Behind Viral Campaigns: Buzz-worthy marketing strategies continue to ignite creativity in the advertisement world. Excellent examples include the "ALS Ice Bucket Challenge" and "Oreo's Dunk in the Dark"[4]. These campaigns, though not born in 2023, continue to impact marketing strategies, serving as a model for enthralling engagement.
- Jealousy often surfaces among advertising professionals when they witness exceptional campaigns like McDonald's and KFC's innovative strategies, which have revolutionized the industry with groundbreaking storytelling techniques.
- In 2023, the Nutter Butter "You Good?" campaign captured the attention of creatives in the advertising world, earning recognition at the Webby Awards for its ingenious take on advertising.
- The continuous impact of viral campaigns, such as the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and Oreo's Dunk in the Dark, fuels a surge of interest and inspiration in the entertainment and movies-and-tv industry.
- Time and again, the Jealous List uncovers remarkable campaigns, doing justice to the packed entertainment lineup expected in 2023, such as the Barbie movie that has already sparked a juggernaut of buzz, keeping marketers on their toes for the remaining year.
