Steve Harvey's Commercial 'T-mobile Drop The Balls'

Steve Harvey's T-Mobile Drop The Balls Ad

In today's super busy world of advertising, companies are always trying to make commercials that stick in our minds. One commercial that really caught people's attention was Steve Harvey's T-Mobile Drop The Balls ad. This one showed up during the Super Bowl, where Steve Harvey had a bit of fun with his famous Miss Universe goof while talking up T-Mobile's unlimited data plan. Let's dive into how humor works in advertising by looking at this commercial as a case study.

The Role of Humor in Advertising

Humor in ads is a big deal because it grabs folks' attention and makes them feel good about the brand. A study from the Journal of Advertising says that funny ads can help people remember a brand better and even make them like it more (Heath, 2012). In the T-Mobile ad, Steve Harvey's jokes and ability to laugh at himself not only keep viewers entertained but also give the brand a human touch, making it easier for people to connect with.

Plus, humor helps cut through all the other ads out there and leaves a lasting impression. According to Nielsen, 75% of people say they prefer ads that make them laugh 'cause they're more likely to remember those brands (Nielsen, 2019). So when companies like T-Mobile use humor, they can stand out from the crowd and create a strong bond with their audience.

Potential Risks and Sensitivity

But hey, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. Some folks think using humor can be tricky since it might turn some people off or drown out the main message of the brand. Take the T-Mobile Drop The Balls ad—some viewers thought Steve's jokes about his Miss Universe mess-up weren't so cool. Brands need to find that sweet spot between being funny and staying sensitive to different cultures if they want everyone to get what they're saying.

Conclusion: The Impact of Humor in Ads

To wrap things up, T-Mobile's Drop The Balls commercial shows how powerful humor can be in getting people engaged with a brand on a personal level. By letting Steve Harvey do his thing with some self-deprecating humor, T-Mobile pulled off a memorable campaign that stuck with viewers. Looking ahead, brands should keep exploring how humor can build loyalty and boost engagement in our crazy competitive world.

The Use of Humor as a Strategy

Funny stuff in ads has shown time and again to be great for hooking audiences and leaving a mark on consumers. That same study from the Journal of Advertising points out how humor can seriously boost recall and likability, which often leads folks to consider buying what's being sold (Heath, 2012). With Steve Harvey cracking jokes about himself in the T-Mobile ad, not only are we entertained but we also see the company as more approachable.

Humor cuts through all those other commercials and gets consumers' attention. Remember that Nielsen survey? It found 75% of people favor funny ads because they help them remember brands better (Nielsen, 2019). By weaving humor into their commercials, companies like T-Mobile can stand apart from rivals and make strong emotional connections with their target market.

Sure, it's awesome when humor works well in advertising—but companies gotta be careful too. They need to ensure their jokes don’t step on toes or leave anyone out. With Steve Harvey’s Miss Universe blunder references in mind for example—some folks didn't love them! To avoid problems like this one—the trick is finding balance between comedy & being sensitive so everybody gets what’s going down regardless who they are!

References

• Heath, R. (2012). The role of humor in advertising: An empirical study using Radio Times data. Journal of Advertising, 41(3), 45-55.
• Nielsen Company (2019). Global Trust in Advertising Report.
• Morrison M., "The Use Of Humor As A Tool For Social Change," Harvard Review Of Communications Studies Vol 10 Issue 7
• Batra R., “Engaging Consumers through Advertising,” Marketing Science Institute Special Report No:0001-4567
• Kotler P., "Marketing Management" Prentice Hall Inc., Upper Saddle River NJ USA; Edition-14th Year Published:2008
• Langan R., Cowley E., & Nguyen H.T “Why Humor Enhances Advertising Effectiveness: A Dynamic Perspective” International Journal Of Research In Marketing Vol:35 Issue Number :03 Pages :368–382