Favorite Odd Spots

Today, we’re going to talk about a trend I rather like in Advertising. It’s something the Japanese have been good at for years, but Americans have just recently started to warm up to it. What is it? Oddvertising, my friends. Skittles practically dominates this niche, and for good reason. I’m a believer in the good ol’ “solid strategy + exceptional execution = good ad” formula, but there’s a lot to be said for an ad that manages to add a little odd into the mix. It makes ads more memorable, more entertaining, and usually, funnier. Oddvertising speaks to the weirdo within all of us. Have a look at a few of my favorite odd spots.

First up, Tide’s “Talking Stain.” It manages to get the point across (stains are distracting) in a very strange, funny way. Doesn’t hurt that the stain is kinda cute too. Wouldn’t mind carrying him around in my pocket.

Next, Doritos “Mouse Trap.” Totally unexpected. Almost scary enough to give you nightmares. Definitely weird enough to make you remember it. Let’s be happy we don’t live in a world where this actually happens.

Now, the marvelous Skittles “Singing Bunny.” Actually, this is one of my favorite spots of all time. It’s one of those commercials where no matter what you were doing or who you were talking to, your eyes were fixed to the TV, your jaw gone slack, when you heard this little bunny singing.

Really, I could post any Skittles ad from the last decade, but here’s one that’s undeniably inventive. Creepy? You bet. But it gets people engaged and it gets them talking. Also, there’s a cat involved. And that can never hurt. Here’s Skittles “Touch: Cat.”

And finally, I gave a brief mention to Japanese ads at the beginning of the post. If you’ve never had the pleasure of stumbling upon one of these beauties, I suggest you spend some time on YouTube.

Granted, I can’t understand what they’re saying. But . . . do I really need to? I agree with the top-rated comment. If I saw that coming down my street, I’d run. Fast.

Look for next week’s post on some of my favorite guerrilla tactics.