2025 Super Bowl Advertising Trends

The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game - it’s the Oscars of advertising. With millions of fans glued to their screens (and their snack plates), brands are spending big to grab those precious 30 seconds of fame. At $7 million per ad, the stakes are high, but the potential payoff is higher - if they play their cards right.

And hey, while we’re on the subject, let’s not forget the MVP of brand storytelling: branded merchandise. After all, what better way to keep the buzz alive long after the confetti settles? (More on that later.)

Why Super Bowl Ads Are a Big Deal
Last year, over 123 million people tuned in to watch the game. That’s a lot of eyeballs on your brand, and not just from consumers. As Frank Scherma of RadicalMedia explains, it’s also about wowing investors: “Reach the consumer, but also reach the investors.”

Translation? A Super Bowl ad says, “Look at us! We’re big, we’re bold, and we’ve got a sense of humor.”

2025 Trends

Funny or Bust
People are watching the Super Bowl for touchdowns, hot wings, and laughs. Ads that go the comedic route tend to win big. Think back to Mr. Peanut’s “death” or that one-second Miller High Life ad.

Why it works: Humor = memorable.

But don’t stop at funny commercials. Extend the joke into your branded merchandise! A clever tagline on a tote bag or a cheeky design on a koozie keeps the laughs (and your brand) alive post-game.

Mardi Gras Madness
This year’s game is in New Orleans, so expect a “roaring twenties meets Mardi Gras” vibe. Jazz, beads, and all the Big Easy energy you can imagine.

And here’s the kicker: even if you don’t snag a $7M ad spot, you can still make noise. Experiential marketing - like on-the-ground activations - was huge at last year’s Vegas Super Bowl, and 2025 will be no different. Plus, branded merch makes the perfect party favor. Picture fans leaving the stadium with NOLA-inspired goodies featuring your logo.

Celebrities + Influencers = Star Power
No Super Bowl ad is complete without a celebrity cameo, right? (We see you, Cardi B and The Rock.) But now, influencers are joining the mix, bringing extra social media clout.

Here’s the secret sauce: pair a big-name celeb with a relatable influencer, and you’ve got the best of both worlds - mass appeal and niche credibility. Add some limited-edition branded merch featuring your celeb campaign, and boom, instant collector’s items.

Rookies Stealing the Spotlight
Every year, we see new brands throwing their hats into the Super Bowl ring, and 2025 is no exception. From Häagen-Dazs to Ritz, rookie brands are making their play.

The lesson here? For brands that can’t shell out for airtime, memorable merch can be just as impactful. A clever branded giveaway tied to the game (like a snack-themed product for Ritz!) can generate buzz without breaking the bank.

Branded Merch
Here’s the thing - a Super Bowl ad lasts 30 seconds. But branded merch? That’s a walking, talking (okay, maybe not literally) ad that keeps your story alive. A well-designed hoodie, hat, or a mug can serve as a lasting reminder of your campaign.

The Super Bowl isn’t just about football - it’s about creating moments that people talk about long after the game ends. In 2025, brands are leaning into humor, cultural relevance, and creativity - and smart marketers know that branded merchandise can be the cherry on top.

Keep an eye out for the trends that win big. And remember, the best campaigns don’t end with the final whistle - they live on in the hands (and closets) of your fans.

What’s your favorite Super Bowl ad of all time? Let us know in the comment - and don’t forget to bring snacks.

​#SuperBowl #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise #SuperBowlAds

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