Streaming service Tubi pulled a hilarious prank on viewers during the 2023 Super Bowl with a fake commercial that left many scratching their heads.
The ad, which aired during the first quarter of the game, began with a serious tone as a voiceover announced that the following commercial was going to be “the most groundbreaking advertisement in Super Bowl history.”
As the camera panned over a serene landscape, viewers were told that “the future of advertising has arrived.” But just as anticipation built to a fever pitch, the ad took a sharp left turn and cut to a seemingly unrelated clip of a squirrel waterskiing.
Confused viewers took to social media to share their bewilderment, with many wondering if they had missed the point of the ad or if it was some sort of bizarre art project. But Tubi quickly revealed that the ad was all in good fun, and that the streaming service was simply poking fun at the hype and expectation surrounding Super Bowl ads.
“We wanted to have a little fun and surprise viewers with something unexpected,” said Tubi CEO Farhad Massoudi in a statement. “We knew people would be talking about the ads during the game, and we wanted to do something that would stand out and make people laugh.” And laugh they did, with many viewers praising Tubi for the hilarious and unexpected prank. The squirrel waterskiing clip quickly went viral, with fans creating memes and sharing it across social media.
While Tubi’s prank may not have been the most traditional Super Bowl ad, it certainly achieved its goal of getting people talking. And in a world where attention spans are increasingly short and competition for viewers’ attention is fierce, Tubi’s creative approach to advertising is a refreshing change of pace.
As for what’s next for Tubi, the streaming service has promised more surprises and innovative marketing tactics in the future. And if this year’s Super Bowl prank is any indication, viewers are in for a wild ride. Tubi, which is owned by Fox Corporation, offers a vast library of TV shows and movies that can be streamed for free with ads. The service has seen explosive growth in recent years, with over 50 million monthly active users as of 2023.
Overall, Tubi’s prank Super Bowl ad was a hilarious and effective way to grab viewers’ attention and stand out in a crowded advertising landscape. With more surprises to come, it’s clear that Tubi is not afraid to take risks and think outside the box when it comes to marketing its streaming service.
