Budweiser's latest Super Bowl ad, "American Icons," has left many questioning its sincerity. The 60-second spot features an unlikely friendship between a bald eagle and a Clydesdale horse, two quintessential American icons. What seems like a heartwarming tale of unity may be little more than a shallow attempt to tap into the nation's nostalgia.
The ad begins with a foal emerging from a barn, followed by a baby bird caught in the rain, prompting the horse to shield it from the elements. As they grow together, the bird rides on the horse's back, with moments of laughter and companionship that will tug at viewers' heartstrings. However, when the eagle finally takes flight, soaring above as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" reaches its crescendo, some might see this as more of a nod to the American flag than genuine friendship.
Budweiser is likely counting on this emotional response, tapping into our collective nostalgia for a bygone era. After all, an analysis of 500 Super Bowl ads from the University of Virginia found that animals and nostalgic elements are key to a winning ad campaign. Meanwhile, Forbes predicts that "American Icons" will be one of this year's most popular spots.
The decision to focus on an iconic American friendship after a previous Bud Light promotion sparked outrage among right-wing groups may have been made with calculated marketing strategy in mind. The controversy surrounding the beer brand's association with trans personality Dylan Mulvaney, leading some conservative figures to lash out and take action against it, seems to be a turning point for the company. Budweiser has since returned to its equine theme, releasing an ad featuring Clydesdales visiting iconic American landmarks.
One could view "American Icons" as brilliant marketing: it appeals to those nostalgic for America's idealized past while also being palatable to others disenchanted with the nation's current state. By taking a lighthearted approach that sidesteps controversy, Budweiser may have found a way to bring people together – or at least enjoy a beer together.
The ad begins with a foal emerging from a barn, followed by a baby bird caught in the rain, prompting the horse to shield it from the elements. As they grow together, the bird rides on the horse's back, with moments of laughter and companionship that will tug at viewers' heartstrings. However, when the eagle finally takes flight, soaring above as Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird" reaches its crescendo, some might see this as more of a nod to the American flag than genuine friendship.
Budweiser is likely counting on this emotional response, tapping into our collective nostalgia for a bygone era. After all, an analysis of 500 Super Bowl ads from the University of Virginia found that animals and nostalgic elements are key to a winning ad campaign. Meanwhile, Forbes predicts that "American Icons" will be one of this year's most popular spots.
The decision to focus on an iconic American friendship after a previous Bud Light promotion sparked outrage among right-wing groups may have been made with calculated marketing strategy in mind. The controversy surrounding the beer brand's association with trans personality Dylan Mulvaney, leading some conservative figures to lash out and take action against it, seems to be a turning point for the company. Budweiser has since returned to its equine theme, releasing an ad featuring Clydesdales visiting iconic American landmarks.
One could view "American Icons" as brilliant marketing: it appeals to those nostalgic for America's idealized past while also being palatable to others disenchanted with the nation's current state. By taking a lighthearted approach that sidesteps controversy, Budweiser may have found a way to bring people together – or at least enjoy a beer together.
. The idea of an eagle and Clydesdale becoming BFFs is actually pretty cute. It's like Budweiser knew how to tap into our collective nostalgia for the good ol' US of A. Now, if they can make me laugh or feel something deeper than just "awww" that would be awesome. Still, I'm not buying all the hype around it being some deep commentary on American unity... maybe it's just a great ad, who knows? 
... i gotta say, budweiser's latest ad is kinda cool 
but like, what's the real deal? is it just usin' nostalgia as an excuse to sell more beers? 
it's like budweiser's tryin' to make us all feel like we're part of somethin' bigger than ourselves, you know? 
maybe they're onto somethin' here... or maybe i'm just gettin' swept up in the hype 
either way, let's just enjoy the ad and a cold one, 'kay? 
. It's like they took all the feels from a Nicholas Sparks novel and mashed them into 60 seconds of pure awesomeness 
. And honestly, who doesn't love Clydesdales? They're like the ultimate underdog heroes 
. The way it taps into nostalgia without being too on-the-nose is pure marketing gold 
. I'm actually kinda rooting for Budweiser this time around 
.
. It's like they said: animals and nostalgic elements are key to a winning ad campaign! And let's be real, sometimes you just gotta have a beer with your friends, no matter what. 
budweiser is just tryna tap into our nostalgia and make us feel good. it's not like they're trying to be preachy or anything 
the friendship between the eagle and horse is kinda sweet, and who doesn't love lynyrd skynyrd? 
might not be everyone's cup of tea but hey, that's the point 
but at the same time, it's actually pretty clever. Like, yeah, maybe they are just tap-tap tapping into our nostalgia for a bygone era 
but who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned underdog story (or in this case, an unlikely friendship between a bird and a horse 
The idea of an unlikely friendship between a bald eagle and a Clydesdale horse does feel kind of sweet, even if it's not necessarily "real" in the sense that it's meant to be. And who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned American underdog story? 
. The ad is like a warm hug on a cold winter day 
. Some ppl might say it's shallow but I think that's just part of its charm 
. And omg can we talk about the music? 
"Free Bird" is the ultimate American classic 
. That being said, if they're gonna play it safe and appeal to both nostalgic folks and those disenchanted with the current state, I suppose that's a strategy worth exploring 
.
I think Budweiser's trying to say something, but I'm not entirely sure what... they might be trying to tap into our feelings about America's past and present. Maybe this ad will actually bring people together, who knows? Either way, it's definitely making waves!
. I mean, don't get me wrong, the ad's not terrible or anything, but it feels kinda forced, you know? Like they're trying too hard to make us go "awww" 
! But then again, is it just a bunch of nostalgic BS? I mean, I get that Budweiser wants to tap into people's emotions and whatnot, but does it feel genuine? 
We know how much Budweiser wants to be liked, but can't it try to be liked for actually doing something good for once? 
! I mean, who doesn't love the idea of a bald eagle and Clydesdale horse becomin' BFFs? It's like, the ultimate symbol of American friendship and unity. And yeah, maybe it's a bit cheesy, but that's what makes it so lovable 
.