Ads featuring over-the-top/funny themes.

In our first set of ads today, we showcase over-the-top/funny ads.?

A story evokes a laugh if there is a mismatch of expectations - and the actions go against what the audience is expecting.

The next set of ads feature the good ol’ fail-state theme.?

Why do fail-state ads work? Because they are so obvious(and somewhat exaggerated for comic effect). The onscreen player makes evidently poor choices, and thus ends up failing. Whereas the viewer knows they would make better choices in the same circumstances, so the ad works. It is key to tread a fine line with fail-state ads though; they shouldn’t be too easy or too difficult. Think Goldilocks and baby bear’s porridge.?

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NON-GAMING/SUBSCRIPTION APPS

How the ‘perfect’ man is being 100% productive.

Brian is the ‘perfect’ man with not just a gleaming smile and gorgeous eyes - but amazing comprehension - why? He uses a text-to-speech app to read and comprehend faster.

Can you showcase your app as contributing to superpowers?

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A golf ball chills in the sand, while the golfer presumably hunts for it, after hitting it in the wrong direction. The premise is that a golfball wouldn’t be left alone like this for hours, if the app was used.?

So: what could happen if someone didn’t use your app? Try switching the perspective to one of an inanimate object to make the result more humorous.

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If you work hard at your job—regardless of what it may be—your money should work for you too. This ad uses the example of a princess cosplayer or entertainer to make the point that every job is in fact work. It can look easy from the outside, but that belies the hard work that goes into it.?

So: can you create an analogy between an app feature and a real-life scenario? In this case, the app makes the user’s money work hard, and in real life, the user works hard.?

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This ad first shows a fail-state through poor player choices, and then shows how a few smart moves(including an upgrade) lead to victory. A classic fail-state ad to elicit a strong desire for the viewer to master the game.?

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Ouch! Those bee stings would make anyone flinch. This ad shows a floating human head in a predicament, and the answer is almost frustratingly evident.?

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This ad combines both the fail-state concept of the first ad, and the frustratingly obvious answer of the second one - while showcasing the gameplay itself.

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That’s a wrap for this edition's ad inspiration. We’ll be back with more next week!?