Billboards That Slap: The Boldest Weirdest Most Brilliant Ads of 2024
Billboards may be one of the oldest forms of advertising, but in 2024 they’re proving that with a dash of creativity, they can still demand attention. This year has seen brands push boundaries, with eye-catching visuals and innovative storytelling in public spaces.
From McDonald’s tapping into our shared love of a good delivery, to EasyJet strapping a real pilot to a billboard, these campaigns remind us that standing out is all about doing something bold, simple, and sometimes wonderfully weird.
McDonald’s – 'McDelivery Anticipation'
One of the most striking billboard campaigns of 2024 so far is McDonald’s McDelivery Anticipation. Simple yet effective, the ad captures a moment everyone can relate to—eagerly awaiting your food delivery. The visual shows people peeking out of windows, full of excitement and impatience. This ad nails it by evoking emotions we all feel but rarely see in advertising: hunger and anticipation. The campaign, created by Leo Burnett, pairs real human connection with crisp, high-quality visuals, making it impossible to ignore.
EasyJet – 'Meet the Captain'
Recruitment campaigns are usually straightforward, but EasyJet took it up a notch with their billboard for female pilot recruitment. By placing a real-life pilot on the billboard with a megaphone, interacting with passers-by, EasyJet turned the ad into a conversation. This campaign wasn’t just about showcasing a message—it got people involved, stirred curiosity, and brought real engagement to an outdoor space, proving that interactivity doesn’t just live online.
Dove – ‘#TheFaceof10’
Dove’s 10v10 campaign shines a light on the impact of adult beauty standards on young girls. The ad contrasts the innocence of childhood activities with complex skincare routines typically meant for older consumers. Using striking images of 10-year-olds juxtaposed against mature beauty rituals, this campaign is both thought-provoking and visually captivating. It brilliantly raises awareness around beauty standards while embedding Dove’s purpose-driven messaging about self-esteem and body positivity.
LadBible x Stamp Out Spiking – 'End Spiking Now'
Sometimes, a billboard isn’t just about selling; it’s about sending a message. LadBible’s partnership with Stamp Out Spiking delivered a harrowing, impactful campaign about the dangers of drink spiking. With the tagline “I could hear and feel, but I couldn’t see or speak,” this campaign cuts deep, using brutal statistics and survivor stories to call for legal changes. This is an ad that doesn’t just stand out, it forces people to stop and think.
The Ordinary – ‘Science, Not Celebrities’
The Ordinary’s 2024 billboard campaign breaks away from celebrity endorsements and focuses entirely on what they do best: science. With a minimalist, stripped-back design, the campaign places ingredients and clinical results front and centre. It’s a clever move that aligns with their brand ethos of transparency and no-nonsense skincare. By showcasing the science behind their products instead of using celebrity faces, The Ordinary is building trust and speaking directly to their audience’s desire for effective, scientifically backed beauty solutions.
Swift Cheshire – ‘Size Matters, Get Growth for Your Business’
We came up with this concept at the start of August, looking to raise awareness for our business in the local area. Our speedy team were able to get the billboards from concept to live in just over a month, with the help of Alight Media. Our three billboards are now live in the Crewe area.
Our Head of Social Media, Matt King, commented on the project: “It was a bit of a surreal moment for me and the wider team. Seeing something that has come from our imagination, through the design process and up in public on a large size is quite a cool moment.”
The billboards show off our bold and out of the box thinking perfectly. We are always looking to inject fun into our campaigns, and this is just one of the many ways we plan to. Our billboards represent the team and our vision well. Hopefully this is shown and picked up in our local area.
