The Ultimate Guide to Celebrity Endorsements: 15 Success Stories

Celebrity endorsements have long been a powerful advertising strategy, helping brands stand out and connect with consumers. 

In fact, a study from Harvard Business School found that companies using celebrity endorsements see, on average, a 4% increase in sales compared to their competitors^[1]. 

The right celebrity partnership can be a game-changer for brands.

This article dives into some of the most impactful celebrity endorsements, showing how top brands harness the influence of well-known personalities to build buzz and boost sales. 

Whether you’re seeking inspiration or curious about what makes these partnerships effective, read on to explore the remarkable ways celebrities are driving brand success.

Notable Celebrity Endorsement Examples

1. Travis Scott & McDonald’s

In 2020, McDonald’s introduced “The Travis Scott Meal,” a limited-time combo featuring the rapper’s favorite McDonald’s items. 

The campaign included a customized meal and merchandise, with Scott appearing in ads that featured his unique style and brand elements, creating an experience that blended his personality with the fast-food giant.

2. Amy Schumer & Tampax

Amy Schumer starred in a series of Tampax ads that used her signature humor to openly discuss tampon usage and menstrual health. 

The campaign featured Schumer in candid, comedic scenarios, aiming to break down taboos around periods and provide straightforward education in an approachable way.

3. Snoop Dogg & Corona

In 2020, Corona teamed up with rapper Snoop Dogg for their “La Vida Más Fina” campaign, positioning the beer brand as the embodiment of relaxed, stress-free living. Snoop Dogg’s laid-back persona perfectly matched Corona’s beachy, chill vibe. 

His laid-back persona and smooth delivery captured Corona’s message of enjoying life’s finer moments, with memorable lines and scenic visuals enhancing the campaign’s chill aesthetic.

4. Ryan Reynolds & Mint Mobile

Ryan Reynolds brought his signature wit to a series of Mint Mobile ads after purchasing a stake in the company. 

The commercials featured Reynolds in humorous, self-aware scenarios that highlighted Mint’s affordable pricing and transparent approach, using clever scripts and playful humor to communicate the brand’s value in a fresh, engaging way.

5. Shaquille O’Neal & Papa John’s

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal joined forces with Papa John’s in 2020 to create the “Shaq-a-Roni” pizza. This collaboration was a big hit, raising millions for charity while driving significant sales. 

O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality and long-standing connection to the brand made this celebrity endorsement especially effective. As a result, the campaign sold pizzas and reinforced Papa John’s image as a socially responsible company.

6. LeBron James & Nike

LeBron James and Nike have had a long-standing relationship that has produced some of the most iconic sportswear ads ever. 

One notable campaign, “You’re Witnessing Greatness,” focused on James’ remarkable career and talent, framing Nike as the brand that supports champions. 

7. Serena Williams & Gatorade

Serena Williams has appeared in several Gatorade campaigns, with one of the most memorable being the “Like a Mother” ad in 2018.

The ad celebrated Williams’ return to tennis after becoming a mother and used powerful narration to explore themes of strength, resilience, and motherhood.

8. Mark Hamill & Patrick Stewart for Uber Eats

In 2020, Uber Eats featured sci-fi icons Mark Hamill and Patrick Stewart in a playful commercial where the two engage in a humorous debate over the pronunciation of “tomato.” 

The ad creatively used the actors’ legendary rivalry in a lighthearted setting, blending nostalgia and humor to deliver Uber Eats’ message with memorable dialogue and banter.

9. Naomi Osaka & Beats by Dre

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka partnered with Beats by Dre in a powerful ad campaign highlighting her activism and support for social justice causes. The ad aired during a crucial moment in the Black Lives Matter movement, further elevating its emotional impact. 

The ad included striking visuals of Osaka, set to impactful music and imagery, underscoring her role as both an athlete and a voice for change.

10. Eva Longoria & L’Oreal

Actress Eva Longoria has been a spokesperson for L’Oreal for years, and her presence in their ads has always exuded glamor and confidence. 

Her most recent ads, which include how-to videos on beauty routines, show how L’Oreal can offer both luxury and accessibility to consumers. 

11. Jon Lovitz & Playology

Jon Lovitz lent his comedic style to a playful campaign for Playology, a brand specializing in toys for senior dogs. The ads featured Lovitz interacting with charming senior dogs, using humor and warmth to spotlight the brand’s unique focus on older pets.

12. Post Malone & Bud Light

Bud Light featured Post Malone in a series of humorous ads that offered a quirky, behind-the-scenes look at his “inner workings” as he debated whether to buy Bud Light. 

The commercials used a playful, comedic approach, with visual gags and Malone’s signature style adding to the brand’s lighthearted appeal.

13. Michael Jordan & Nike Air Jordan

A list of successful celebrity endorsements would only be complete with mentioning Michael Jordan and Nike’s Air Jordan. The partnership, which began in the 1980s, revolutionized sports endorsements and paved the way for future collaborations. 

Air Jordans remain a cultural icon, and the campaign’s longevity is a testament to the power of celebrity advertisements. 

14. Beyoncé & Pepsi

Beyoncé’s high-profile partnership with Pepsi in 2013 included a Super Bowl halftime show sponsorship and a series of glamorous commercials. 

The ads featured Beyoncé in dynamic, visually striking settings, aligning Pepsi with her bold, energetic persona and reinforcing the brand’s connection to pop culture.

15. George Clooney & Nespresso

George Clooney’s long-standing relationship with Nespresso has been critical to the brand’s success. Clooney’s suave, sophisticated persona perfectly aligns with Nespresso’s high-end image, making their ads luxurious and aspirational. 

This partnership has helped Nespresso stand out in the crowded coffee market, appealing to consumers who value premium products.

16. Kim Kardashian & Skechers

Kim Kardashian’s endorsement of Skechers helped reposition the brand from functional footwear to trendy athleisure. Her 2011 Super Bowl ad showcased Skechers’ Shape-ups, boosting the brand’s visibility and appealing to fitness-conscious consumers. 

Why Advertisements with Celebrities Work

Instant Recognition

Celebrities are instantly recognizable, and their presence in an advertisement naturally draws attention. People are more likely to pause and engage with an ad featuring a familiar face, whether it’s an actor, musician, or sports star they admire. 

This recognition can be compelling when consumers aren’t already familiar with the brand itself—seeing a celebrity they like gives them a reason to stop and take notice.

This instant recognition taps into a fundamental aspect of human psychology: the tendency to pay attention to things we already know and like. Brands leverage this by associating their products with well-known figures, creating a shortcut to capturing consumer interest. 

It’s a smart way to cut through the noise of advertising overload and ensure the message gets seen.

Trust and Credibility

When a trusted celebrity endorses a product, it immediately brings credibility to the brand. People often view celebrities as role models, and when these figures promote a product, fans assume it’s because they genuinely like and believe in it. 

This perceived authenticity can make consumers more comfortable purchasing the product, feeling they are getting something of value.

Moreover, associating with a well-known figure can help newer or lesser-known brands gain credibility more quickly. Instead of building trust over time, the endorsement speeds up the process, giving consumers a reason to believe the brand is worth their attention. 

The combination of fame and trust can have a powerful impact on consumer behavior, driving higher conversion rates.

Emotional Connection

Celebrities frequently develop deep emotional connections with their fans, built over years of being in the public eye. Whether through movies, music, or sports, fans bond with these figures beyond admiration. 

When a celebrity appears in an ad, they bring those emotional connections with them, making the ad more noticeable and memorable.

This emotional impact can benefit brands that evoke feelings like excitement, happiness, or nostalgia. 

For example, a beloved actor from a classic movie might remind viewers of their childhood, creating a positive emotional response associated with the advertised brand. Emotional resonance is key in driving consumer decisions; celebrities are skilled at making it.

Social Media Amplification

Social media has transformed the world of celebrity endorsements, enabling ads to reach broader audiences than ever before. Celebrities with large followings on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok can rapidly amplify a brand’s message by sharing it directly with their fans. 

Unlike traditional TV or print ads, these posts are often shared, liked, and commented on, increasing the reach organically without additional cost to the brand.

This amplification also makes the ad feel more personal and interactive. Fans are more inclined to engage with content posted directly by a celebrity they follow, whether it’s commenting on the post or sharing it with their network. 

The viral nature of social media means that a single endorsement can reach millions, generating buzz and boosting brand awareness in a way that traditional ads can’t.

The Lasting Impact of Celebrity Partnerships

Although celebrity advertisements can generate immediate visibility and sales, their long-term influence can be equally important in shaping a brand’s legacy. 

When brands choose the right partnerships, they’re not just capturing attention—they’re creating cultural moments that embed the brand in public memory.

To create a lasting impact, brands should look beyond short-term gains and consider how a celebrity partnership can help shape their story over time. This enduring effect can be particularly powerful as consumers often associate a brand with its most memorable ambassadors. 

Thoughtfully chosen celebrity endorsements can thus become a pillar of brand identity, driving relevance across generations and leaving a lasting mark that extends well beyond the lifespan of a single campaign.

Reference: 

1. https://investorplace.com/2022/01/sdc-stock-makes-a-speculative-case-with-celebrity-endorsements/