2013 was a year of creativity, innovation, and boldness in the world of marketing. Brands pushed boundaries, embraced new technologies, and told stories that resonated deeply with audiences. From heartwarming narratives to viral sensations, these campaigns left an indelible mark on the industry. Here are 10 of the most memorable marketing campaigns of 2013 that we still talk about today.

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1. Dove: Real Beauty Sketches

Dove continued its «Real Beauty» campaign with a powerful experiment. Women described themselves to a forensic sketch artist, who then created a second sketch based on a stranger’s description of the same woman. The stark contrast between the two sketches highlighted how women often perceive themselves more critically than others do. The emotional video went viral, sparking conversations about self-esteem and beauty standards.

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2. Volvo Trucks: Epic Split feat. Jean-Claude Van Damme

Volvo Trucks took the internet by storm with this visually stunning ad. Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme performed his iconic split between two moving trucks, showcasing the precision and stability of Volvo’s dynamic steering system. The ad was a masterclass in blending entertainment with product demonstration, earning millions of views and widespread acclaim.

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3. Oreo: Dunk in the Dark

During the 2013 Super Bowl, a power outage halted the game for 34 minutes. Oreo seized the moment with a timely tweet: «You can still dunk in the dark.» The clever, real-time marketing move demonstrated the power of agility and social media, earning Oreo widespread praise and setting a new standard for reactive marketing.

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4. Always: #LikeAGirl

Always launched its «#LikeAGirl» campaign to challenge stereotypes and empower young girls. The ad asked people to perform tasks «like a girl,» revealing how the phrase is often used as an insult. The campaign encouraged viewers to redefine what it means to do something «like a girl,» promoting confidence and self-worth. It struck a chord globally and became a rallying cry for gender equality.

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5. Apple: Misunderstood (Holiday Ad)

Apple’s holiday ad told the story of a teenage boy seemingly disengaged from his family during Christmas. In the end, it’s revealed he was secretly creating a heartfelt video montage of their holiday moments using his iPhone. The ad showcased the emotional power of storytelling and the capabilities of Apple’s products, leaving viewers with a warm, festive feeling.

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6. Tesla: The Hyperloop Announcement

Elon Musk unveiled Tesla’s Hyperloop concept in 2013, a futuristic transportation system designed to revolutionize travel. While not a traditional marketing campaign, the announcement generated massive buzz and positioned Tesla as a leader in innovation. The Hyperloop became a symbol of forward-thinking technology and captured the imagination of the public.

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7. P&G: Thank You, Mom (Raise an Olympian)

P&G’s «Thank You, Mom» campaign celebrated the unsung heroes behind Olympic athletes: their mothers. The emotional ads highlighted the sacrifices and support mothers provide, resonating with audiences worldwide. The campaign not only strengthened P&G’s brand image but also became a staple of Olympic marketing.

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8. Old Spice: The Man Your Man Could Smell Like (Continued)

Old Spice kept the momentum of its iconic campaign alive with new iterations in 2013. The brand continued to use humor and absurdity to engage audiences, proving that its unique approach to advertising had staying power. The campaign reinforced Old Spice’s position as a leader in quirky, memorable marketing.

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9. Burberry: Kisses

Burberry embraced technology with its «Kisses» campaign, allowing users to send personalized digital kisses via Google Chrome. The campaign combined fashion, technology, and emotion, creating a unique and interactive experience. It showcased Burberry’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, appealing to a younger, tech-savvy audience.

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10. Chipotle: The Scarecrow

Chipotle’s animated short film, «The Scarecrow,» highlighted the importance of sustainable farming and ethical food practices. Accompanied by a haunting cover of «Pure Imagination,» the ad promoted Chipotle’s commitment to «Food with Integrity.» The campaign was both visually stunning and thought-provoking, earning widespread acclaim and reinforcing Chipotle’s brand values.

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Conclusion

The marketing campaigns of 2013 remind us of the power of creativity, emotion, and timing. These campaigns didn’t just sell products—they told stories, sparked conversations, and left a lasting impact on culture. As we look back, they serve as inspiration for brands aiming to connect with audiences in meaningful and unforgettable ways.

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