Super Bowl advertisements have become as much a spectacle as the game itself. With millions of people watching, companies consider this a golden chance to make a lasting impression. However, in 2025, the stakes are greater than ever, as a 30-second Super Bowl commercial now costs a record $8 million.
In 1967, a Super Bowl ad cost just $37,500—a far cry from what it is today. But as the game’s popularity soared, so did the price tag on advertising. In 2010, a 30-second ad had already hit $3 million. Flash forward to 2025, and it’s more than double that.
The biggest reason? The huge audience. Super Bowl LIX will be seen by over 110 million people. That kind of reach does not exist on television, so it is the most coveted ad real estate of the year. Companies see it as a must-have opportunity to expose their products in a way that gets people talking.
Despite the cost, brands continue to spend big. Super Bowl commercials create cultural moments that last long after the game ends. People don’t just tolerate the ads; they look forward to them. Some of the most memorable ads of all time, like Budweiser’s “Whassup?” and Snickers’ “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry,” became embedded in pop culture.
In addition to TV, these ads accumulate millions of additional views on social media. Most companies debut their ads beforehand to generate a buzz so they can gain attention beyond the game. An effective Super Bowl ad can boost sales and brand awareness and define a company’s image.
For the majority of brands, the answer is yes. A Super Bowl ad isn’t about selling a product—it’s about making a statement. It’s a chance to establish brand prestige and own the conversation.
Studies prove that Super Bowl ads greatly enhance brand awareness. A 2021 report found that brands made $4.60 for every $1 spent on a Super Bowl ad. Even for firms that don’t see immediate sales, the long-term branding potential can be enormous.
Millions are on the line, so companies spend big to make their commercials memorable. The best ads combine humor, emotion, and celebrity draw. Brands routinely employ celebrities to get attention—think Michael Cera’s CeraVe ad or the Breaking Bad reunion for PopCorners. It’s not, though, just about big names. The best ads achieve a balance between entertainment and brand message.
Another important element is nostalgia. Advertisers frequently tap into classic television shows, old movie quotes, or favorite characters to help their advertisements become instantly relatable. Other advertisers use airtime to market a greater good, with their brand’s mission extending beyond selling a product.
Spending millions of dollars on one commercial is a risk. When an ad fails, it’s not only a loss of funds—it hurts a brand’s reputation. A bad or confusing advertisement will have viewers scratching their heads or, even worse, leaving them annoyed.
That’s why firms invest heavily in market research, test screenings, and online promotions in the days and weeks before the big game. A few firms go the unconventional route of involving fans in the creative process, inviting them to vote on ad concepts or interact with pre-game teasers.
Not all Super Bowl commercials are successful. Some companies shell out millions for ads that fall flat. If a commercial is too forgettable, confusing, or doesn’t work, it’s a huge waste of cash.
The biggest mistake is prioritizing the spectacle over the brand. If people remember the joke but not the company that created it, that’s a failure. Super Bowl ad prices will certainly continue to rise. Yet brands are shifting strategy. Instead of relying on TV alone, they blend traditional advertising with digital campaigns, influencer partnerships, and interactive experiences.
