The 1990s were a golden era for television advertising, with campaigns that not only sold products but also became cultural touchstones. From catchy jingles to memorable characters, these adverts have left an indelible mark on our collective memory. Dive into some of the most iconic 90s UK TV adverts, complete with their original clips, and relive the nostalgia.
Tango – "Orange Man" (1992)
Tango’s “Orange Man” advert became infamous for its quirky and bold approach. The commercial featured an orange-painted man who appeared to slap a Tango drinker, symbolizing the tangy hit of the beverage. Despite its controversy, it significantly boosted Tango’s sales and remains a standout example of daring advertising.
Levi's – "Flat Eric" (1999)
Levi’s introduced “Flat Eric,” a yellow puppet, in their 1999 advert campaign. The quirky character quickly became a pop culture icon, boosting Levi’s sales and leading to Flat Eric’s own musical release.
British Airways – "Face" (1994)
British Airways’ “Face” advert showcased a montage of faces from around the world, emphasizing the airline’s global reach and commitment to bringing people together. The advert’s powerful imagery and emotive soundtrack resonated with audiences worldwide.
Rice Krispies – "Snap, Crackle, and Pop" (1996)
The 1996 Rice Krispies advert brought the beloved characters Snap, Crackle, and Pop to life in a fun and engaging way. Featuring a catchy jingle that became instantly recognisable, the advert reinforced the brand’s playful identity. The animation highlighted the cereal’s signature sound when mixed with milk, making breakfast time feel magical for children. This campaign cemented Rice Krispies as a staple in households and remains one of the most nostalgic cereal adverts of the decade.
The Influence of 90s Advertising on British Pop Culture
The 1990s were a defining era for British advertising, with commercials that didn’t just promote products but became cultural icons. These adverts captured the energy of the decade, reflecting and shaping the trends, music, and attitudes of the time. From catchy slogans to unforgettable characters, 90s advertising played a crucial role in influencing British pop culture.
Britpop and Advertising
The rise of Britpop, with legendary bands like Oasis and Blur, brought a surge of national pride and working-class representation. Advertisers tapped into this movement, using British humor and regional accents to make their campaigns more relatable. A prime example is Boddingtons Bitter, which flipped the script on luxury advertising by injecting it with dry Mancunian wit, making it one of the most memorable beer campaigns of the decade.
Technological Advances and Changing Advertising Trends
The 90s saw the beginning of a digital revolution. While television and print were still dominant, brands began to experiment with online advertising as the internet gained popularity. The introduction of mobile phones also opened new doors for marketing, setting the foundation for the digital advertising boom that would define the early 2000s.