The Triumph of NFL's 'Somebody' as America's Favorite Super Bowl Ad 2025
The Super Bowl LIX illuminated its status as the paramount evening for sports and advertising alike, with brands vying for the attention of an estimated record-breaking audience. In this competitive environment, the HarrisX Ad Index has revealed that the NFL's powerful advertisement titled 'Somebody' has emerged as America's premier commercial for this year's Super Bowl. This initiative underscores the NFL's partnership with youth organizations globally and resonated deeply with viewers, earning an impressive score of 87.8 out of 100 from the HarrisX Ad Index.
This score stands significantly higher than the typical Super Bowl advertisement, which averaged at 68.8, showcasing the ad’s effectiveness and broad appeal across various demographic sectors. Close on its heels, boasting a commendable score of 86.7, was LAY's touching ad, 'The Little Farmer,' centered around a young potato farmer's heartwarming narrative. It signifies a growing trend in advertising, where genuine human stories captivate audiences far better than mere celebrity appearances. At third place was the poignant 'No Reason to Hate' ad from the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, scoring 85.1. Other notable mentions include Budweiser's nostalgic 'First Delivery' and He Gets Us' motivational ad 'What is Greatness?', scoring 84.5 and 84.4 respectively.
The analysis conducted by HarrisX involved a comprehensive evaluation of over 8,000 American respondents, who rated up to five randomly selected advertisements across several significant advertising metrics. This thorough examination included evaluating aspects such as memorability, clarity, and the efficacy of the call-to-action presented in each ad. With all 72 selected advertisements measured against these benchmarks, the final ratings provide valuable insights into what resonates with today’s audiences.
Directly commenting on the results, HarrisX CEO Dritan Nesho noted that the Super Bowl represents more than mere entertainment; it is a confluence of sports, culture, and creativity. Despite some prevailing socio-political tensions within the country, this year’s most appreciated advertisements managed to convey messages of collaboration, unity, and community, which seem to resonate even amid divisive topics.
Notably, the 'Somebody' ad performed spectacularly among parents, a demographic vital for advertisers, achieving remarkable scores of 97 for fathers and 95 for mothers. At the same time, 'The Little Farmer' was recognized for its appeal among women (89.2), while men showed a preference for Budweiser's commercial (87.7). In a separate category, Pfizer's ad featuring a young boxer overcoming cancer resonated exceptionally well with affluent viewers, highlighting that authentic storytelling continues to be the backbone of successful advertising.
As seen in the HarrisX study, six out of the top eight ads cleverly centered their themes on corporate and social responsibility. This reflects a notable shift in how brands choose to communicate important messages, fostering a sense of community rather than division. This trend is further echoed in other top-performing spots that focused on real-life heroes and relatable stories, steering clear of celebrity-driven narratives that often struggle to engage.
Interestingly, lighthearted approaches and humor also reigned supreme this year, proving beneficial for ads focused on serious topics. Novartis's ad 'Your Attention, Please' blended humor with an important health reminder about breast cancer screenings and was received positively. This year’s Super Bowl advertising landscape consequently sets a new standard: authenticity and relatable narratives triumph over star power.
As we look ahead, brands embracing this authentic storytelling and relatable content are likely to see enduring success in today’s diverse advertising landscape. Whether through humor or shared community values, connections are what resonate best with audiences. And as outlined in the HarrisX Ad Index, the stage is set for this creative narrative to influence future advertising strategies significantly.