20+ Unusual Advertising Made By The Biggest Companies
Advertising is a form of marketing whose main purpose is to grab people’s attention and turn them into customers.
However, beyond traditional advertising, some ads are so controversial in purpose that they are attention-grabbing and fascinating.
Viral Strange has collected 28 of the most extraordinary ads made by big companies, many of which you know.
1. How to easily get those swipe-ups
This clever Instagram ad placed a realistic digital “hair” across the center of the screen to trick users into swiping up.
It’s a cheeky, if slightly frustrating, example of how brands use our natural instincts to boost their engagement metrics.
2. When the Grim Reaper is on your marketing team.
Positioned right next to a life insurance or health service sign, this Grim Reaper figure is a masterclass in dark humor and environmental storytelling.
It uses the physical surroundings to deliver a message about mortality that is impossible to ignore.
3. Naked waitresses flirt with you
Using a bold and provocative headline to grab attention, this sign quickly subverts expectations once you read the fine print.
It’s a classic “bait and switch” marketing tactic designed to stop passersby in their tracks with a bit of humor.
4. Build the future
This visually stunning ad features children literally “building” their future careers—like an astronaut—out of Lego bricks from the inside out.
It beautifully illustrates the brand’s core message that play is the foundation for a child’s greatest ambitions.
5. It’s finger-lickin’ good
This artistic and slightly surreal image turns human fingers into actual pieces of fried chicken.
It’s a literal and bold interpretation of their famous slogan, focusing on the sensory and “addictive” nature of the food.
6. Flame-grilled since 1954
Burger King famously used actual photos of their restaurants on fire to prove that they really do use open flames.
It’s a daring, high-stakes approach to “authentic” branding that turns a potential PR disaster into a badge of honor.
7. We are made of ROCK
Using a series of textures and patterns that resemble biological cells made of musical equipment, this ad reinforces the magazine’s identity.
It suggests that for true fans, rock music isn’t just a hobby; it’s actually part of their DNA.
8. Before your back attacks you
This creative ad depicts a human spine transformed into a literal cobra poised to strike.
It’s a visceral, highly effective way to visualize the sudden and painful nature of back injuries and the need for immediate relief.
9. Genius
By shaping the iconic Penguin logo out of classic literary symbols or clever silhouettes, this ad celebrates the intellectual power of reading.
It’s a minimalist tribute to the “genius” found within the pages of a great book.
10. Feeding your cat’s instincts
This ad features a domestic cat in a high-speed chase through the wild, mimicking the behavior of a lion or leopard.
It’s a powerful visual metaphor for how Whiskas helps satisfy the primal, predatory nature hidden inside every house cat.
11. Turn on your adventure
Using a simple car key modified to look like a mountain range or a rugged landscape, this ad speaks to the wanderlust in every driver.
It perfectly captures the idea that every journey begins with the simple turn of a key.
12. IXO, related to the Industrial and Agriculture industry
This ad showcases the power of the compact IXO tool by placing it in an oversized, heavy-duty industrial setting.
It emphasizes that despite its small size, the tool possesses the strength and precision required for serious professional work.
13. Imagination
A simple stack of bricks casts a complex shadow of a dinosaur or a spaceship, perfectly capturing the magic of a child’s mind.
It reminds us that with Lego, what you see is only the beginning of what you can imagine.
14. Whatever life breaks up, Bic Bond fixes.
This ad shows a heart or a delicate object being seamlessly mended by Bic’s powerful adhesive.
It positions the product as the ultimate solution for life’s little accidents, highlighting its strength and reliability.
15. Now in a new bottle with 7 layers to protect the flavor of the water in your fridge.
By showing a bottle of water surrounded by the intense smells of a refrigerator, like onions and fish, this ad highlights its superior filtering.
It’s a smart way to market something as simple as water by focusing on the “purity” of the taste.
16. One story. Two points.
This ad features a double-ended Sharpie where each tip tells a different side of a famous historical event or story.
It’s a brilliant way to showcase the product’s versatility while engaging the viewer’s curiosity.
17. Scribe pencil brings drawings into reality
A drawing of a bridge or a building appears to lift right off the paper and become a 3D object in this creative ad.
It celebrates the power of the artist’s tool to turn a simple idea into a tangible, physical reality.
18. Get the sight of a cat
By giving a human the glowing, sharp eyes of a feline, this ad emphasizes the clarity and precision of the lenses they provide.
It promises the viewer a level of vision that is almost superhuman in its sharpness.
19. Everything you need to be invisible
This ad for camouflage gear is so effective that the product itself is nearly impossible to spot against the background.
It’s a humorous and literal way to demonstrate the quality of the gear for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
20. We all play a part. When we all slow down, so will our road toll.
21. Detecting even the tiniest spots
22. Only 88 decibels
23. Mother’s Day Ad on point
24. Creative
25. A bit weird, but on point!
26. HELP FEED THE HUNGRY!
27. Catchy
28. Perfect ad placement
Which one did you like most? Do you think sometimes you have to go in the opposite direction to reach your purpose? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
