10 60s Ad Campaigns That Changed Marketing

The 1960s were a booming time for creativity in advertising. From catchy songs that became part of everyday culture to ads that made bold political statements, here’s a closer look at some of the most influential ad campaigns from that era.

Coca Cola’s “That Refreshing New Feeling!”

Coca-Cola’s ad showed a picture-perfect American family enjoying Coke at various fun spots. You would see bright smiles at bowling alleys, people dancing, and everyone sipping on Coca-Cola at local malt shops. This wasn’t just advertising a fizzy drink; it was selling an ideal lifestyle—one of happiness and family fun—all thanks to that iconic red can.

This ad became the backdrop for some of the best times in America. It was about people enjoying simple pleasures, and Coca-Cola placed itself right at the center of that joy. The jingle was not just a song; it was an invitation for everyone to join in and create their own fun moments with a Coke in hand.

Oscar Mayer’s “I Wish I Was An Oscar Mayer Weiner”

The Oscar Mayer hot dog commercial was simple but irresistible. A group of cute kids parades around, singing about their wish to be an Oscar Mayer wiener. This ad stuck because it was playful and memorable. All across the nation, children and adults alike were singing about being a hot dog, which means the ad did its job phenomenally.

It was smart too because the ad connected Oscar Mayer to fun and youth. The idea of wanting to become the product showed just how special Oscar Mayer hot dogs were supposed to be. It took something ordinary and made it extraordinary by weaving it into a catchy tune you couldn’t escape.

Kentucky Fried Chicken’s “Lie Detector Test”

KFC’s commercial took a humorous approach to advertising. The Colonel, a friendly old man with a secret, was connected to a lie detector and surrounded by curious housewives. As he confidently refused to reveal his secret chicken recipe, the machine confirmed his honesty. This clever intrigue made people curious and eager to taste the chicken that was worth keeping secret.

The ad was funny and light-hearted, and the Colonel’s character was relatable and personable. By focusing on the secret recipe, KFC told everyone that their chicken was special. It invited people to be part of a special secret club every time they ate KFC.

Winston Cigarettes’ “The Flintstones”

Winston’s cigarette ad stood out because it featured the beloved “Flintstones” characters. Back then, it was pretty common to see smoking on TV, but seeing cartoon characters do it was extra catchy. Fred and Barney would light up a Winston cigarette during their break, showing that even the characters from the popular Stone Age family enjoyed a good smoke.

Although shocking by today’s standards, at that time, the ad worked well. It linked the idea of relaxation and pleasure to smoking, with “The Flintstones” endorsement giving it a humorous and cool edge.

Pepsi Cola’s “Taste That Beats The Others Cold!”

Pepsi’s ad showed young, good-looking people having the time of their lives at the beach, all while drinking Pepsi. It became the go-to snapshot of how the ’60s beach scene looked—cool, fun, and always with a Pepsi in hand. The ad sold more than just a soda; it sold sunny beach days and fun with friends.

This also helped to brand Pepsi as the choice of a new generation. It was full of youthfulness and energy, and Pepsi was right there, claiming it’s the best cold drink you could have. The message was clear: Pepsi isn’t just a drink; it’s a key ingredient to the fun.

Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Daisy” / “Peace Little Girl” Political Ad

The “Daisy” ad for Lyndon B. Johnson’s campaign was groundbreaking because it played on the nation’s fears without saying much. A little girl counts petals on a daisy, and then it switches to a missile launch countdown, ending with a massive explosion. This evoked strong emotions and suggested that Johnson’s opponent could lead to nuclear war. It was a powerful way to push people toward Johnson’s promise of peace.

This ad was not about the issues but about creating a strong emotional response. It was controversial but effective. By playing on fears and showing a commitment to safety, Johnson’s ad helped him secure the presidential win.

Remco’s “Baby Laugh-A-Lot”

The “Baby Laugh-A-Lot” ad was memorable for its doll that giggled uncontrollably. The high-pitched laughter was meant to be adorable, but could also be taken as unsettling. Despite this, the ad grabbed your attention and stuck in your memory, which is precisely what it aimed to do.

The doll’s laughter was infectious in a way, compelling kids to want one of their own. An ad like this tapped into the joy of children and laughter, making it a perfect – if slightly eerie – toy commercial.

Meadow Gold’s “Go Lightly”

Meadow Gold’s milk ad was different because it showed models gracefully walking in tropical locations, making it seem like Hawaiian milk was a luxury. Rather than just selling milk, the ad sold an experience—an experience of beauty, health, and exotic locations.

Featuring attractive models and stunning scenery, the ad tapped into desires for the finer things in life. Milk wasn’t just part of a healthy breakfast; it was part of a stylish lifestyle.

Salem Cigarettes’ “The Wonderful World Of Freshness”

The Salem cigarettes ad painted smoking as an enjoyable activity to share with your partner. It linked cigarettes to outdoor adventures and moments of togetherness, making the habit seem attractive and natural.

This ad wasn’t just selling cigarettes; it was selling an experience—one where every puff was as fresh as the mountain air. Salem positioned itself as the choice for couples who wanted to enjoy life’s fresh moments together.

Dr. Pepper’s “The Dr. Pepper Difference”

Dr. Pepper’s ad stood out with a catchy saxophone melody while showing more fun times at the beach, playing sports, and just being cool. The commercial worked to drive home the message that Dr. Pepper wasn’t just another soda—it was different and better.

The ad’s mix of good music, attractive people, and the great taste of Dr. Pepper made for an effective campaign. It suggested that choosing Dr. Pepper meant choosing a unique soda for fun-loving, active people.