Super Bowl Ads vs. Social Media

Football fanatics look forward to Super Bowl Sunday for the competitive nature of the championship game and the good food it brings. But in recent years, the commercials have grown to become just as much of a draw for audiences as the game itself – attracting more viewers while headlining the trending topics on social media.

During these unprecedented times, notable brands like Budweiser, Hyundai and Pepsi were missing. According to Variety, there were 17 first-time Super Bowl advertisers during the Tampa Bay vs. Kansas City game, while last year there were only seven. With that being said, the stakes are always high, and millions of viewers tuned in to watch.

Here are a few of the Super Bowl ads that ran during the game, and the reactions from social media:

Oatly|Plant-Based Milk

That Oatly commercial was the worst thing I’ve ever seen in my entire life…

— Jack “CouRage” Dunlop (@CouRageJD) February 8, 2021

Drake from State Farm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvpq2OjmJvg

I loved that State Farm commercial!😂 Patrick Mahomes, Jake From State Farm, DRAKE From State Farm, Aaron Rodgers, AND Paul Rudd?!👑 Amazing, we stan a star studded cast!!😭 #SuperBowl @StateFarm

— mikenna💙 (@mikenna_miller) February 8, 2021

Cheetos| It Wasn’t Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7yvrDTtsHw

who at cheetos was like "i think i can get shaggy"?

— bomani (@bomani_jones) February 8, 2021

This year was definitely unlike any other, and as this iconic annual event comes to a close, the memes and gifs will continue to keep users engaged on social media.

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