2017 is likely considered the watershed moment for brands to take stands in their Super Bowl advertising. The most prominent example was 84 Lumber, a brand that made a bold statement about immigration, seemingly out of nowhere. Airbnb and Coca-Cola promoted diversity and unity, Audi went after the gender pay gap and Kia had a climate message. In the game itself, halftime show star Lady Gaga subverted the performance with a political statement.
Consumers Are Fine With Politics in Super Bowl Ads—But Mass Appeal Matters
Data shows that common-ground issues should play well
