The Podcast and YouTube Ads That Stuck with Us
As we wrap up the year, we wanted to highlight some of the most memorable podcast and YouTube ads we came across. Whether it was a host’s delivery, humor, or the perfect alignment between product and audience, these ads stood out for a reason. Our team weighed in with their favorites—ads they couldn’t help but love (and, in some cases, buy from!).
Our Team's Year-End Roundup
Angela Stiveson's Road Trip Ritual
Ad Platform: Apple Podcasts
Podcast: The Broski Report with Brittany Broski
Brands: Stitch Fix, and Blissy
My daughter and I listen to The Broski Report during our 5-hour drives to her college at Cal Poly. It’s our road trip ritual, and Brittany Broski’s humor bridges the generational gap between us. She’s witty, relatable, and self-deprecating in the best way—you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend who’s confident and completely unbothered about what anyone thinks.
That vibe carries over into her ads, particularly when she does Stitch Fix and Blissy. She’s such a great fit for Stitch Fix because she looks like a real woman, not some runway model, which makes the brand feel accessible and appealing to listeners like me. With Blissy, she shares how the silk pillowcases have elevated her nightly routine, tying it into her own humorous style of storytelling. She makes both ads feel natural, personal, and totally relatable.
What’s even better is how naturally the ads are inserted between her hilarious commentary. We’re already crying-laughing at her takes on pop culture, so by the time the ad rolls, we’re in such a good mood that we actually want to listen—and buy what she recommends.
Here’s the Stitch Fix ad from the Dragons are Real episode. It’s perfect timing because my daughter and I were obsessed with House of the Dragon at the time.
Adam McNeil's Fav Creator Hits The Audience Where It Counts
Ad Platform: YouTube
Creator/Channel: Settled
Brand: Displate
I’d seen Displate ads popping up across so much content I watched, but it wasn’t until I saw it featured by a creator I’m a huge fan of that I finally caved. Settled’s endorsement sold me. He’s known for his passion for the games we play, and Displate’s metal posters offer tons of creator-made designs that align perfectly with that gaming audience. Funny enough, I ended up finding an amazing collection of movie posters I loved—and now I have seven of them on my walls.
This ad worked because it hit the audience right where it counts. Displate’s product is a match for gamers and collectors, and Settled’s delivery gave it credibility. Plus, the discount code made it easy to hit purchase.
Scott Ogden's Perfect Example of Humor Done Right
Ad Platform: YouTube
Ad Placement: Super Bowl via Actor: Michael Cera
Brand: CeraVe
The Cerave ad during the Super Bowl caught my attention for one reason: its pure absurdity. They leaned into humor in a big way, using a clever play on words and a celebrity whose name sounds similar to the brand—Édgar Ramírez.
This ad was ridiculous, funny, and memorable. Ads that work well during the Super Bowl need to capture massive audiences while still feeling fresh, and this one nailed it. It had people talking, and it was a perfect example of humor done right!
Bridget Isacs's Fav Caem From Net Positive with John Crist
Ad Platform: Spotify
Podcast: Net Positive with John Crist
Brand: Blueland
One of my favorite ads this year came from Net Positive with John Crist. What made it stand out was how seamlessly it kept the comedic tone of the show while giving a genuine, personal endorsement for Blueland.
John didn’t try too hard; he simply told it like it is, but in a way that naturally matches his brand of humor. He shared how Blueland’s products had become part of his routine, which added authenticity to the pitch. It didn’t feel like an interruption—it felt like an extension of the show. That authenticity is what makes ads like this one work, especially for podcasts where the relationship between the host and the audience is so strong.
Takeaways for Great Ads
From our team’s favorites, we noticed a few recurring themes that make an ad memorable and effective:
- Authenticity: Ads that align naturally with the host’s style feel genuine and resonate with the audience.
- Humor: Whether it’s absurd (like CeraVe) or self-deprecating (like Brittany Broski), humor keeps listeners engaged.
- Connection: Ads that reflect the audience’s interests—like gaming-themed posters on Settled—create an easy bridge between product and consumer.
- Tone Consistency: Hosts who seamlessly integrate their ad reads into the show’s overall tone (like John Crist) make ads feel less intrusive and more entertaining.
As we wrap up the year, these standout ads remind us why podcast and YouTube advertising is so powerful It’s about alignment, authenticity, and delivery that feels natural for the audience.Whether through humor, relatability, or a trusted recommendation, these examples show the power of hosts and creators in making ads resonate.
Here’s to another year of standout campaigns—and to finding inspiration in the ads that make us laugh, think, and maybe even hit “Add to Cart.”
ADOPTER Media
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