“Chairs are made so people can sit down and take a break. ” – Facebook’s first ad.

With more than 500 million monthly users worldwide, Facebook is without a doubt one of the largest websites ever. [1] Since the launch in February 2009, there have been over 1.13 trillion likes, 140.3 billion friend connections and 219 billion photos uploaded. Last Thursday, Facebook announced its one billion user milestone. To mark this special occasion, Facebook released its first ever, agency-created advertisement. [2]

Incorporating heart-warming images,  Facebook recognizes and honours the simple, overlooked objects in our everyday lives that make us come together. Through this marketing campaign, Facebook prepositions itself as a part of the tradition of things that connect one another. The sentimentality reflects Facebook is so much more than just a website, the human touch highlights our fundamental desire to feel belonged and connected.

The video has a gentle undertone of Facebook’s desire for people to connect with others who are separated from us by geography. This marketing strategy profoundly appealed to me as a third culture kid. Growing up in five countries across three continents, I use Facebook as a communication platform that keeps me connected to friends overseas. Via shared photos, videos and chat, my friends and I are able to learn more about each other’s most updated whereabouts, interests, and stories.

In spite of my sentimental attachment to the ad, Facebook’s commercial has received many criticisms for its “generic, silly” analogy. [3]

What do you think about Facebook’s new ad campaign? See for yourself!
The Things That Connect Us

References:
[1] http://www.businessinsider.com/blackboard/facebook
[2] http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/16/view/24047/facebook-runs-its-first-ad-as-it-reaches-1-billion-people.html
[3]http://gizmodo.com/5948904/facebooks-first-ad-is-facebooks-worst-ad?post=53224654

Image Reference:
http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Scitech/facebook%20is%20a%20chair.jpg