2024 Marketing Wrap: 6 Creative Wins That Stopped Us in Our Tracks
As the curtain closes on 2024, we’re looking back at the campaigns that didn’t just show up—they showed off.
From jaw-dropping billboards to purpose-driven campaigns, this year proved that creativity, when done right, sparks conversations, turns heads, and leaves us asking, “How’d they think of that?”
Here are six global moments of marketing genius that inspired us—and might just inspire your next big idea.
1. When Creativity Stopped Traffic
Sometimes, you’ve got to go big or go home.
In 2024, Nike’s jaw-dropping 3D billboard series took outdoor advertising to a whole new level, making people do a double-take. With dynamic, larger-than-life visuals that appeared to leap off the screen, the campaign proved that when creativity goes big, it stops traffic.
Coca-Cola’s ‘Real Magic’ outdoor ads with anamorphic illusions also captured attention, transforming everyday billboards into mind-bending experiences that blurred the lines between reality and imagination.
Why it worked: High-impact visuals + interactive, mind-blowing concepts = unforgettable outdoor advertising.
Have you seen an outdoor ad that stopped you in your tracks?
2. Branding That Moved the Needle
A fresh face isn’t just about a logo—it’s about energy, purpose, and evolution.
This year, Jaguar stole the spotlight with a bold rebrand that shook up its storied image. Leaving behind its classic “leaping jaguar” emblem and rich British heritage cues, the brand took a daring leap into the future. The sleek, minimalist aesthetic and electric-forward vision signaled a full pivot to high-tech luxury and sustainability.
But here’s the kicker: this rebrand wasn’t just about modernizing—it was about challenging public perception. Jaguar knew they risked alienating loyalists with such a dramatic departure. Yet, by leaning into change and crafting a bold, futuristic identity, they showed how rebrands can spark conversations, challenge expectations, and redefine a legacy.
Takeaway: Rebrands done right feel both familiar and new. Jaguar’s evolution proved that balancing authenticity with bold innovation is what truly moves the needle.
Which 2024 rebrand made you look twice?
3. AI That Felt Human
Take the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses campaign, for example. Combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design, Meta redefined how we interact with AI in everyday life. The glasses offered seamless ways to capture, share, and connect, while the campaign’s playful, social-media-first approach brought the product to life. Influencers and users alike showed off their creativity, highlighting how tech can enhance personal storytelling.
And it wasn’t just about gadgets—brands like Spotify used AI to deliver hyper-personalized playlists, while Coca-Cola’s “Create Real Magic” campaign invited fans to co-create digital art with AI tools, blending creativity with cutting-edge tech in ways that felt delightfully human.
Why it worked: AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge to engagement and emotional connection.
Is AI a revolutionary tool or just another marketing trend?
4. Events That Stole the Spotlight
Some events don’t just happen—they own the moment.
In 2024, Fenty Beauty set a new standard for experiential marketing with its playful, drive-thru pop-up experiences. These global activations were equal parts product showcase and cultural moment, delivering a unique blend of creativity and accessibility. True to the brand’s ethos of engaging generously and playfully with its community, Fenty offered fans more than just beauty products—it gave them an experience to remember.
The pop-ups blurred the lines between retail and entertainment, creating Instagrammable, TikTokable moments that turned everyday fans into brand ambassadors. The events weren’t just about showcasing new launches; they were designed to immerse fans in the vibrant, inclusive world of Fenty Beauty, making them feel like part of something bigger.
Why it worked: Pop-ups and immersive activations resonate because they’re interactive, shareable, and unforgettable. They transform consumers into participants, elevating brand loyalty in the most engaging way possible.
Which 2024 event would you have crashed if you could?
5. The Power of Purpose
Creativity with purpose hits differently.
LG’s Endangered Species Series wasn’t just beautiful—it was a bold call to action. By showcasing lifelike endangered animals on giant screens in Times Square, LG reminded us that brands have the power to spark change.
Whether it’s fighting the climate crisis or raising awareness for animal extinction, 2024 campaigns reminded us that purpose is powerful.
Takeaway: When creativity serves a cause, the message resonates far beyond the campaign.
What cause will you champion in 2025?
6. Holiday Campaigns That Delivered the Feels
2024 holiday campaigns brought their A-game, delivering creativity, heart, and boldness. Two stood out as masterclasses in holiday storytelling and engagement:
First, Disney’s heartwarming Boy and the Octopus captured the spirit of giving and connection. Through breathtaking animation and a touching narrative, this campaign reminded audiences of the power of love and friendship to bridge even the most unexpected divides. The spot wasn’t just visually stunning; it carried a universal message that resonated across all generations, proving why Disney remains the gold standard for emotional storytelling.
On the flip side, Nike flipped the script on holiday cheer with Only the Nastiest Get the Nicest, a campaign that combined Kobe Bryant’s fierce legacy with bold, edgy visuals. This campaign celebrated the idea that relentless dedication deserves the ultimate reward, perfectly aligning with Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ ethos. By targeting athletes and dreamers alike, Nike delivered a fresh, powerful twist on what it means to earn your gifts during the season of giving.
Why it worked: Both campaigns connected on an emotional level while staying true to their brands. Disney leaned into heartfelt storytelling, while Nike went bold and unapologetic, capturing the essence of hustle and grit during the holidays.
As we toast to 2024, here’s to the campaigns that moved us, inspired us, and reminded us why creativity truly matters. Which holiday ad left you in awe this year?
Wrapping Up Our 2024 Marketing Highlights
From breathtaking billboards and rebrands that took risks to immersive events and purpose-driven campaigns, this 2024 marketing wrap proves one thing: creativity, when done right, doesn’t just sell—it inspires, connects, and leaves a lasting impact.
As we look ahead to 2025, the question remains: what bold ideas will shape the next wave of marketing genius? Whether you’re planning to stop traffic with your next big idea, build a brand that moves the needle, or craft campaigns with purpose, we’d love to help you make it happen.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Reach out—let’s make magic together.
