If we look back into Top 10 commercials of this winter season, it’s not surprising to find Super Bowl ads taking the top positions. According to Aaron Cho’s Super Bowl: Battle of the Ads post and research, the Super Bowl commercials not only attract millions of views from both American and international audience but also create a very unusual behaviour in people by making them willingly seek advertisements. What makes Super Bowl ads so special and popular?

One of the ads presented during SuperBowl was Budweiser’s “Puppy Love” commercial, an instant viral hit that reached 35 million views just in a few days. It gives a heartwarming and sweet tale of friendship between Labrador puppy and one of the Clydesdale horses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQB7QRyF4p4

What surprises me the most in this video is the total absence of the actual product – beer in the commercial. However nothing is ever done without a thought in marketing, especially with Budweiser’s track record of making successful advertisements. Budweiser knew that the loyal customers would instantly recognize its brand from the moment they saw Clydesdale horses, Budweiser’s historical symbol. As for the other customers, providing this memorable and touching story between two animals would encourage them to buy Budweiser products in the future.

Speaking of animals. Budweiser was able to distinguish itself from the competitors by showing to its customers that selling beer is not about making profit, but about building relationships. Relationships between pals that watch Super Bowl together and enjoy a bottle of beer in the process and mainly about the long-term relationship of Budweiser with its customers. #BestBuds tag at the end of the video clearly conveys the message of friendship and loyalty and Budweiser’s intent on remaining best buddies with its buyers, who were so conveniently portrayed as dogs, the symbols of loyalty and devotion.

Yes, I have no words Budweiser. That was a very well-thought-out commercial if not slightly too cheesy for my taste. But oh well, who am I to complain? Let’s admit it, they deserve their success.