Marketing Magic at the 2025 Super Bowl: Mountain Dew Seal, Instacart, and Iconic Mascotsicle

Marketing Magic at the 2025 Super Bowl: Mountain Dew Seal, Instacart, and Iconic Mascots

The 2025 Super Bowl was packed with unforgettable ads, but some of the most standout moments came from the creative ways brands like Mountain Dew and Instacart made a splash. From hilarious celebrity cameos to beloved mascots coming to life, these ads turned into major conversation starters, showing how a mix of humor, nostalgia, and wild creativity can leave a lasting impression.

Mountain Dew – Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" with a Twist

Mountain Dew's Super Bowl ad took a humorous and unexpected turn by featuring the legendary singer Seal in a way we’ve never seen before. Mountain Dew has Seal singing his hit song Kiss from a Rose… as an actual seal! The visual of Seal singing his iconic love song as a literal sea creature, with all the absurdity that came with it, made for a hilarious and unforgettable moment!

Tactic Breakdown:

1. Humor & Absurdity: Mountain Dew’s ad worked because it was both unexpected and absurd. The combination of Seal’s deep, emotional song with the ridiculous concept of him as an actual seal made it a visual and comedic delight.
2. Celebrity Power: The ad cleverly used Seal’s voice and his well-known status to create something both familiar and strange, ensuring it stood out in a sea of Super Bowl ads.
3. Viral Potential: The strange and funny premise made the ad prime content for social media, ensuring that people would share it and talk about it long after the game was over.

Instacart – Iconic Mascots Join Forces for the Ultimate Delivery

Instacart’s 2025 Super Bowl ad was an absolute adventure, featuring a hilarious race through the streets as some of the most iconic brand mascots came to life. The ad showed characters like the Heinz Wiener Dogs, the Green Giant, and the Kool-Aid Man teaming up to deliver a much-needed grocery order. The action was fast-paced and fun, with the Energizer Bunny, Mr. Clean, and even the Pillsbury Doughboy rushing to the scene, all joining forces in an effort to deliver the perfect Instacart order.

Tactic Breakdown:

1. Nostalgia & Familiarity: Instacart used the power of nostalgia by featuring classic brand mascots that viewers have known and loved for years. These characters added a sense of fun and recognition that made the ad instantly relatable.
2. Humor & Action: The ad was like a mini action movie, with a playful chase to deliver groceries. The combination of humor and a familiar storyline made it entertaining while clearly showcasing Instacart’s convenience.
3. Effective Storytelling: The ad’s clear narrative—the mascots racing to complete a grocery order—highlighted Instacart’s ability to solve a real-life problem, making it both entertaining and functional.

The Power of Mascots and Iconic Partnerships

Both Mountain Dew and Instacart proved that when it comes to Super Bowl advertising, thinking outside the box (or the stadium) can really pay off. Mountain Dew used unexpected humor and celebrities in a way that surprised and delighted viewers, while Instacart took a more whimsical, collaborative approach by gathering beloved mascots for a shared mission. These ads reminded us that the key to a successful Super Bowl ad isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about entertaining and connecting with your audience in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

Why These Tactics Work

1. Humor & Surprise: Both ads leaned heavily into humor and surprise elements, using quirky, unexpected moments to keep viewers engaged and entertained.
2. Nostalgia & Recognition: By tapping into well-known characters and themes, these brands ensured that their message resonated with viewers who already had a positive association with these icons.
3. Building Connections: With humor, the ads built a connection between the audience and the brand. It wasn’t just about a grocery service or soda; it was about how the brand made life more fun, easy, or enjoyable.

The 2025 Super Bowl ads from Mountain Dew and Instacart were prime examples of how creativity and humor can make a lasting impact. Whether it was Seal’s hilarious transformation or the wild mascot adventure that brought grocery brands to life, these commercials captured the fun, excitement, and connection that make Super Bowl ads so memorable. In the end, these brands proved that, when done right, marketing during the big game is not just about selling a product—it's about creating moments that fans will talk about long after the final whistle blows.