Emerging Technologies

Why Martin Agency's CEO Is Calling Out Coinbase Over Its QR Code Super Bowl Ad

Kristen Cavallo says the crypto exchange's CEO is erasing the contribution of agencies, including hers

In a Twitter thread, Coinbase's CEO said 'no ad agency could have made this ad,' seeming to snub multiple shops.Via Coinbase and @cavallokristen on Twitter
david.griner jameson.fleming
By David Griner & Jameson Fleming

Don't miss ADWEEK House at Cannes, June 16-19. Join us as we celebrate our 45th anniversary and explore the industry's now and next. RSVP.

No Super Bowl ad generated more conversation and consternation this year than Coinbase’s minimalist spot showing a QR code drifting about the screen for almost a full minute.

Shortly after the ad aired, a spokesperson for Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, credited the spot to Accenture Interactive. However, in a Twitter thread posted late in the evening of Sunday, Feb. 20, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong described the Super Bowl ad development as an in-house process. “No agency would have done this ad,” he tweeted as part of the thread.

The

AW+

WORK SMARTER - LEARN, GROW AND BE INSPIRED.

Subscribe today!

To Read the Full Story Become an Adweek+ Subscriber

View Subscription Options

Already a member? Sign in

david.griner

David Griner

David Griner is Adweek's international editor and host of the Adweek podcast, "Yeah, That's Probably an Ad."

jameson.fleming

Jameson Fleming

Jameson Fleming is Adweek's executive editor.

Recommended articles