By: Sydney Baird

For a while now, the big game has been as much about the commercials as it has been about the game itself. What started as a way to promote their products to an audience has now changed. 

The Evolution of the Super Bowl 

The first commercial aired in the super bowl in 1967 that was when commercials were simple and straightforward with brands like Coca-Cola where they would introduce their products to a wider audience. In the 1980’s and 90’s, the Super Bowl commercials started being talked about even after the game. One of the first ads that started the talk was in 1984 when Apple debuted its commercial about the Macintosh computer. 

Social Media Impact 

Social media has added a new dimension to Super Bowl advertising. With the use of Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok people would go on there and share their thoughts. Social media became a big key element with the Super Bowl. “Going viral” became a big goal that many companies and marketers tried to achieve. Hoping that their commercial would be shared across many platforms. That would result in a two-way conversation, where fans and consumers become active participants in the promotion, further amplifying the commercial’s reach and impact.

2025: Super Bowl 

This year’s Super Bowl commercials continued to push boundaries. Brands have upped the ante with cutting-edge technology like virtual reality and augmented reality as well as storytelling techniques. Some ads have even had interactive elements allowing the viewers to engage directly with the product or brand through their phones. Others use the emotional side of commercials. With ads used to tell a sad story about perseverance, community, or hope. There’s been a noticeable shift towards purpose driven marketing with brands highlighting social causes and environmental sustainability. “The Nike commercial “So Win” was my favorite commercial from this Super Bowl,” says Shelby Genes. “It’s my favorite because it talks about women in sports, and it shows the impact that women have had in sports recently and in the world and how they are changing it,” says Genes. The “So Win” is saying that women have faced challenges in women’s sports, so nobody expects us to succeed or win so that’s why it’s called “So Win.” Genes also says “my favorite female athlete is in it so that’s another reason I like it.”

The New Era of Super Bowl Commercials 

As we look to the future of Super Bowl commercials, there’s one thing that stands out. The big game has evolved into a big marketing showdown where creativity, technology, and consumer engagement are at the forefront. What began as a way to sell products has grown into a multi-million-dollar contest for cultural relevance. The ads have become as much a part of the Super Bowl tradition as the halftime show and the game itself.

For marketers, it’s not just about winning the game anymore, it’s about winning the hearts and minds of viewers. And in a world where attention is the most valuable commodity, the stakes have never been higher.

Photo by: https://vocal.media/unbalanced/super-bowl-2025-and-why-everyone-is-mad