1. The Real Story Behind Nike's 'Just Do It'

Nike's 'Just Do It' campaign, launched in 1988, was inspired by the last words of a convicted criminal, Gary Gilmore, before facing a firing squad: "Let's do it." This simple but powerful slogan revolutionized the brand's identity, inspiring millions.

2. Coca-Cola's 'Santa Claus' Image

While many believe Coca-Cola invented the modern image of Santa Claus, the truth is that the company popularized and standardized it through their 1930s holiday advertisements. Santa's red suit and jolly demeanor were solidified in popular culture thanks to artist Haddon Sundblom's illustrations for Coca-Cola.

3. Apple's '1984' Super Bowl Commercial

Directed by Ridley Scott, Apple's '1984' commercial is credited with changing the Super Bowl ad game. It only aired once but had a lasting impact. The ad introduced the Apple Macintosh, depicting it as a symbol of freedom against a dystopian future, echoing George Orwell's novel.

4. Old Spice's 'The Man Your Man Could Smell Like'

Launched in 2010, this Old Spice campaign, featuring Isaiah Mustafa, led to a 200% increase in sales. The humorous and quirky ads were uniquely interactive; fans could tweet questions to the character, who would respond in personal video replies.

5. Got Milk's 'Aaron Burr'

The iconic 'Got Milk?' campaign began with a commercial directed by Michael Bay. Featuring a history buff unable to say 'Aaron Burr' because his mouth is full of peanut butter, this ad debuted in 1993 and became an instant classic.

6. Volkswagen's 'Think Small'

Launched in 1959 by the marketing agency DDB, Volkswagen's 'Think Small' campaign is credited with starting the Creative Revolution in advertising. This minimalist approach stood out against the flashy, colorful ads of the time and effectively transformed Volkswagen's Beetle into a cultural icon.

7. De Beers' 'A Diamond is Forever'

Introduced in 1947, De Beers' slogan 'A Diamond is Forever' was created by a female copywriter, Frances Gerety. It instilled the idea that diamonds are eternal and synonymous with love, significantly boosting diamond sales and cementing their place in engagement traditions.

8. McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It'

Launched in 2003, McDonald's 'I'm Lovin' It' became their longest-running marketing campaign. Fun fact: The campaign's catchy jingle was co-written by pop star Justin Timberlake, who even recorded a full-length song for its launch.

• Became a global hit
• Revitalized McDonald’s brand image
• Spawned various adaptations worldwide

9. Burger King's 'Have it Your Way'

Burger King’s 'Have it Your Way' campaign, launched in 1974, empowered customers to customize their orders. This approach directly contrasted with McDonald’s standardized menus, giving Burger King a unique selling point and sparking a long-standing rivalry between the two fast-food giants.

10. Dove's 'Real Beauty' Campaign

Launched in 2004, Dove's 'Real Beauty' campaign used real women instead of models to challenge beauty stereotypes. This campaign received widespread acclaim and sparked an international conversation about body positivity and self-esteem, setting a new standard for inclusivity in advertising.

50 Fun Facts About Iconic Marketing Campaigns That Will Surprise You

• Nike's 'Just Do It' is straight from a death row inmate’s last words.
• Coca-Cola didn’t create Santa, but they did popularize his image.
• Apple’s '1984' Super Bowl ad played only once but changed advertising forever.
• Old Spice’s quirky ads led to a 200% sales boost.
• Milk sales soared due to a history nerd and peanut butter ad.
• VW’s 'Think Small' ushered in a new era of minimalist advertising.
• De Beers made diamonds forever linked to eternal love.
• McDonald’s catchy jingle was co-written by Justin Timberlake.
• Burger King’s customization campaign set them apart from McDonald's.
• Dove’s 'Real Beauty' redefined beauty standards worldwide.