Super Bowl XLV has come, been enjoyed, now lives on in memory — and as no doubt a water cooler topic today. A huge draw for many, and an ongoing conversation-starter, centers around the now-infamous Super Bowl commercials. At a 30-second cost of $3,000,000, folks remain fascinated to see what the sponsors roll out as their finest offering, and most lasting message.
Although the ratings won’t be released until later today, it is expected that this year’s Super Bowl is the most-watched in history, surpassing the highest viewership in 1982, according to SportsGrid.com
Social Media played a large part in pre-promoting Super Bowl spots, as well as carrying further buzz after airing. Incorporating Social Media has extended the reach for advertising dollars invested by the sponsors, by building anticipation, creating awareness, establishing a following, and continuing communicating the message long afterward. That’s a lot of buzz!
An example of using Social Media to extend audience reach and to keep the message top-of-the-mind, is You Tube Ad Blitz 2011…
You Tube's Annual Gallery of Super Bowl Commercials
You Tube’s annual Super Bowl Gallery gallery of Super Bowl® commercials offers viewers an opportunity to view, share and vote on their favorite Super Bowl Commercials. Voting is open until February 14. You Tube promises “the winning ad will receive ultimate video glory with YouTube homepage recognition on Feb 19.”
This certainly does keep the buzz going, and incorporates Social Media (You Tube, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) as mediums to extend the reach of commercials, after airing.
In the truest Social Media form, You Tube – AdBlitz’s channel is fun, offers:
- Helpful information – playoff coverage, about Super Bowl site, recipes, etc.
- Visitor participation – viewing, voting, commenting, predictions
- Some advertising – a soft-sell approach — onsite
Of course the Super Bowl ads are the center of attention on the page, but presented as a form of entertainment. In my view, this is an absolutely perfect application for You Tube.
It will be interesting to see how Social Media becomes incorporated as a more integral part of sponsorship packages on a wide scale basis, even beyond the Super Bowl, as the merits of reach and longevity beyond the paid-for 30-seconds of airing, are recognized.
Which is your favorite Super Bowl commercial? Please leave your comments here — and be sure to go vote: You Tube – AdBlitz’s channel