10 Creative Marketing Campaigns of Olympic Games 2024

The 10 Most Creative Ads of the Paris 2024 Olympics: A Celebration of Innovation and Inspiration

The Paris 2024 Olympics have not only showcased the pinnacle of athletic achievement but have also served as a canvas for some of the most creative and impactful advertising campaigns. Brands from various industries have seized the opportunity to align themselves with the Olympic spirit, producing ads that resonate deeply with audiences. Below are ten of the best creative ads that have stood out during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

1. Sephora – “Beauty and Sport”

Sephora masterfully blends the worlds of beauty and sports in its “Beauty and Sport” campaign. Following the Olympic Torch Relay, Sephora opened pop-up stores along the route in major French cities like Paris, Bordeaux, and Nice. These stores offered games, prizes, and makeovers to Olympic winners, reinforcing the idea that beauty is an essential part of the victory celebration. This campaign beautifully merges Sephora’s brand identity with the excitement of the Olympics, offering a unique and engaging experience for fans.

2. NBC Sports – “Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso Dream”

NBC Sports tapped into Gen Z’s love for quirky humor with its “Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso Dream” ad. The ad features Sabrina Carpenter having a playful conversation with a bird while enjoying coffee in Paris. The lighthearted and whimsical tone of the ad, combined with Carpenter’s charm, captures the essence of the Parisian Olympic experience in a fun and relatable way. It’s a perfect blend of youthful energy and Olympic excitement.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKJwmx7amBI

3. Omega – “Official Timekeeper”

Omega’s “Official Timekeeper” ad is a visual masterpiece. The luxury watch brand transforms Paris into a giant sports playground, where athletes perform their feats against the backdrop of the city’s iconic landmarks. The surreal, dreamlike quality of the ad, combined with the presence of both Olympians and Paralympians, underscores Omega’s role as the official timekeeper of the games. The ad’s stunning visuals and motivational soundtrack create a memorable and inspiring viewing experience.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Th7lxTBg96c

4. Aldi – “Has Kevin met his match?”

Aldi brought back its beloved mascot, Kevin the Carrot, for the Paris Olympics, reimagining him as “Kévin La Carotte.” This charming ad transports Kevin into the heart of Paris, where he takes part in the Olympic spirit. The ad’s sweet and simple narrative, accompanied by French-inspired accordion music, offers a delightful and whimsical take on the games, capturing the joy and excitement of the event.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMEfw8JZHXg

5. Nike – “Am I A Bad Person?”

Nike’s “Am I A Bad Person?” ad is a powerful exploration of the intense emotions and resilience that define the Olympic journey. Narrated by the legendary Willem Dafoe, the ad features a star-studded lineup of athletes, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kylian Mbappé, and Serena Williams. The ad’s compelling narrative and star power make it one of the most impactful and motivational commercials of the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting the strength and determination of the world’s greatest athletes.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwLergHG81c

6. Coca-Cola – “It’s Magic When the World Comes Together”

Coca-Cola’s ad for the Paris 2024 Olympics celebrates the unifying power of the games. Inspired by a memorable moment from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the ad recreates the scene of athletes embracing after a record-breaking race, but on a global scale. The poignant use of Michael Kiwanuka’s “Rule the World” as the soundtrack amplifies the emotional impact, making it a powerful tribute to the spirit of togetherness that the Olympics represent.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1nkSBWryKc

7. Airbnb – “Host the World”

Airbnb’s “Host the World” campaign is both timely and relevant, offering travel grants and housing credits to Olympic athletes. This campaign encourages people in France to sign up as Airbnb hosts, capitalizing on the influx of visitors during the games. By supporting athletes and promoting its community-driven model, Airbnb successfully aligns itself with the Olympic spirit while also driving its business goals.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arBcqEC4QdA&t=2s

8. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese - "Italian Gymnast"

Bridgestone’s “Team Bridgestone” campaign showcases the brand’s commitment to supporting athletes, with a team of 40 Olympic and 20 Paralympic athletes representing the brand. The campaign goes beyond sponsorship by innovatively using tire materials to produce sporting equipment. Bridgestone’s thoughtful approach to integrating its products into the Olympic narrative makes this campaign both creative and impactful.

9. LVHM – “The Rooftops”

LVHM, the luxury brand conglomerate, took a unique approach with its “The Rooftops” campaign, which features French athletes preparing for the games on the rooftops of Paris. This visually stunning ad combines the allure of luxury with the grit of athletic preparation. In addition to sponsoring athletes, LVHM partnered with charities to promote youth sports, adding a philanthropic dimension to the campaign.

Campaign Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwRlhkj8I1s

10. Mercedes-Benz – “Simone Biles”

Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled a powerful ad campaign featuring Simone Biles, the celebrated gymnast, leveraging a viral image from the Paris 2024 Olympics. The ad showcases Biles as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and precision—qualities that align closely with the brand's values. This campaign highlights how Mercedes-Benz continues to position itself at the intersection of luxury and performance, drawing parallels between Biles' athletic prowess and the engineering of their vehicles. The use of such an iconic figure from the Olympics not only captures attention but also reinforces the brand's commitment to excellence in all fields.

These ten ads not only capture the excitement of the Paris 2024 Olympics but also demonstrate the creativity and innovation of the brands behind them. Each campaign, in its own way, reflects the spirit of the Olympics, making a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Which one is your favorite?

Let us know in the comments.

Sources:

• Thryv
• Kitcast Blog