Yahoo Finance The best Super Bowl ads ever
During the 1967 inaugural Super Bowl, the average price for a thirty-second commercial was $42,000 or $298,000 adjusted for inflation. That would be a bargain these days. This year’s going rate is $4.5 million for that same thirty-seconds of airtime.
The DVR revolution of watch-when-you-want programming has companies looking to the Super Bowl as a rare, albeit huge opportunity to connect with a live viewer. NBC executive, Seth Winter thinks the $4.5 million price tag is a bargain. Winter says if you add up all the exposure, online views and brand recognition the value is about $10 million per ad. Last year’s game was watched by a record 111.5 million viewers.
We traced six decades worth of Super Bowl commercials, some more memorable than others and selected our top spot from each decade. All ad costs are adjusted for inflation.
1960s
In 1969, the average ad cost $355,000. Camel’s cigarette ad “I’d walk a mile” was shown during the big game at a time when tobacco companies were still advertising on TV. The last televised cigarette ad ran on January 1, 1971
1970s
In 1975, the average ad cost $471,000. McDonald's (MCD) Big Mac song was a huge hit. How many people can still sing the lyrics? “Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.” In 1975 a Big Mac cost 30 cents. Today that same burger will run you $4.79.
1980s
In 1984, the average ad cost $838,000. Apple’s (AAPL) iconic 1984 ad has been credited with bringing the cinematic experience to Super Bowl commercials. The ad introduced the Macintosh Computer. In 1984 a new Mac went for $2,495 or $5,685 today.
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1990s
In 1995, the average ad cost $1.8 million. Budweiser stole the show. Showcasing three clever frogs croaking the beer maker’s name. “Bud” Weis” “Er”. The frog ad tripled brand awareness among 21-31 year olds - a key beer demo.
2000s
In 2000, the average ad cost $3.2 million. E*TRADE (ETFC) didn’t spend much making their dancing monkey commercial, but who doesn’t love a dancing monkey? The ad was a big hit and widely considered one of the best Super Bowl ads ever.
2010s
This year's Super Bowl ad cost is $4.5 million. Bud Light’s “Up for Whatever” campaign debuted at last year’s game and they’re back this year with a fresh take.
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