2012 was a year of creativity, innovation, and bold moves in the world of marketing. Brands pushed boundaries, embraced new technologies, and created campaigns that not only captured attention but also left a lasting impression. Here’s a look back at 10 of the most memorable marketing campaigns from 2012 that still resonate today.

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1. Dove – Real Beauty Sketches

Dove continued its «Real Beauty» campaign with a powerful social experiment. Women described themselves to a forensic sketch artist, who then created a second sketch based on a stranger’s description. The stark difference between the two sketches highlighted how women often underestimate their own beauty. The emotional video went viral, sparking conversations about self-esteem and body image.

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2. Old Spice – The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (Follow-Up Campaigns)

After the massive success of their 2010 campaign, Old Spice kept the momentum going in 2012 with interactive and humorous follow-ups. They continued to engage audiences with quirky, over-the-top ads featuring Isaiah Mustafa, solidifying Old Spice as a brand that knew how to blend humor with marketing genius.

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3. Nike – Find Your Greatness

Launched during the 2012 London Olympics, Nike’s «Find Your Greatness» campaign celebrated everyday athletes rather than just professional ones. The ads featured ordinary people pushing their limits, reinforcing the idea that greatness isn’t reserved for the elite. The campaign was inspiring, inclusive, and perfectly timed with the global sports event.

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4. Coca-Cola – Share a Coke

Coca-Cola’s «Share a Coke» campaign replaced its iconic logo with popular names, encouraging people to find bottles with their names or those of loved ones. The campaign, which started in Australia and later went global, drove massive engagement on social media as people shared photos of their personalized Coke bottles.

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5. Volvo – The Epic Split feat. Jean-Claude Van Damme

Volvo Trucks took the internet by storm with this jaw-dropping ad featuring Jean-Claude Van Damme performing a split between two moving trucks. The campaign showcased the precision and stability of Volvo’s dynamic steering system while delivering a visually stunning and unforgettable moment.

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6. Red Bull – Stratos

Red Bull’s Stratos campaign was a daring feat of human achievement and marketing brilliance. Felix Baumgartner’s record-breaking skydive from the edge of space was live-streamed to millions, with Red Bull branding prominently displayed. The event not only captured global attention but also reinforced Red Bull’s association with extreme sports and pushing boundaries.

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7. Apple – Photos Every Day

Apple’s «Photos Every Day» campaign highlighted the camera capabilities of the iPhone 4S. The ad showcased a series of stunning photos and videos taken by everyday users, emphasizing the device’s ability to capture life’s moments beautifully. It was a simple yet effective way to showcase the product’s features.

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8. P&G – Thank You, Mom

Procter & Gamble’s heartwarming «Thank You, Mom» campaign debuted during the 2012 Olympics. The ads celebrated the sacrifices and support of mothers behind athletes, resonating with audiences on an emotional level. It was a masterclass in storytelling and brand alignment with a global event.

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9. Oreo – Daily Twist

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Oreo launched the «Daily Twist» campaign, creating 100 unique ads over 100 days. Each ad featured Oreo cookies designed to reflect current events, pop culture, and holidays. The campaign showcased Oreo’s creativity and ability to stay relevant in real-time.

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10. GoPro – Fireman Saves Kitten

GoPro’s marketing strategy has always been about letting its product shine through user-generated content. In 2012, a video of a fireman saving a kitten using a GoPro camera went viral. The emotional and heroic footage demonstrated the camera’s durability and versatility, further cementing GoPro as a must-have for adventure enthusiasts.

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Why These Campaigns Still Matter

The campaigns of 2012 remind us that great marketing is about more than just selling a product—it’s about creating an emotional connection, telling a story, and engaging audiences in meaningful ways. These campaigns set the bar high and continue to inspire marketers today.

Which of these campaigns do you remember most? Let us know in the comments!

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What’s your favorite marketing campaign of all time? Share your thoughts below!