Brand Storytelling – 30 Impressive Examples to Inspire You

Did you know that 92% of consumers want brands to make ads that feel like a story? 

Brand storytelling is what elevates good brands to great brands.

As humans, we crave stories that make us feel something, giving labels tremendous opportunities to make genuine personal connections with consumers.

This strategy is the art of combining data, narrative, and creativity to produce a strong identity that connects you to your customers.

Continue reading to discover 30+ effective strategies to craft narratives that turn customers into loyal fans.

1. Apple: “1984” Super Bowl Ad 

Apple and its co-founder, Steve Jobs, understood early on that good storytelling was essential for good marketing.

Take its famous 1984 Super Bowl commercial for example. The ad was for the rollout of the Macintosh computer, only briefly mentioned within the last 10 seconds of the ad.

The rest of the ad plays out like the conclusion of an epic film. 

The purpose of the ad wasn’t to state “Go buy Macintosh computers”; it was to tell the story of a hero rising up and saving the world.

Apple sold what its brand represented as opposed to its actual product. And it worked. 

2. Google: “Loretta” Super Bowl Ad

One of the best ways Google utilized brand storytelling was in its 2020 Super Bowl commercial. You get what’s happening right away; an elderly man is using Google products to help him remember his late wife, Loretta.

Nowhere in the ad does it say “use Google Assistant” or “browse on Google”.

Instead, Google tugs at heartstrings and evokes emotion as you watch this couple’s little moments come to life with Google’s help.

 It’s a tear-jerking, but highly effective, story. 

3. Spotify: Spotify Wrapped 

Spotify capitalizes on data storytelling through their annual marketing campaign called “Spotify Wrapped”, which allows users to look back at their last year on the platform.

In addition to seeing how often they listened to music, users also get insights into what their top streamed artists are, which songs they listened to most, and more. 

Combining nostalgia and hyper-personalization sends the message that Spotify truly cares about its users and celebrates their interests. 

4. The Islands of Copperfield Bay

The Islands of Copperfield Bay ‘s website masterfully capture attention with a captivating brand story on their website.

Instead of dry descriptions, they paint a picture:

imagine turquoise waters lapping at untouched shores, the gentle sway of palm trees, and the peace of your private island paradise.

This evocative message, paired with a stunning visual, sparks emotions and inspires a clear call to action – book your dream escape to Copperfield Bay.

5. Dannijo

The “About Us” page for lifestyle brand Dannijo is full of powerful brand storytelling.

It delves into the founders’ childhood, where their love for jewelry blossomed.

We’re transported back to a time when the Danijo sisters played dress-up with their mom’s vintage treasures, sparking their own creative spirit.

This heartwarming anecdote personalizes the company, making it feel less like a corporation and more like a journey fueled by passion.

6. Disneyland Paris: Little Duck Commercial 

Disneyland Paris’ 2018 Little Duck commercial is a storytelling masterpiece.

It follows a curious duckling on a heartwarming journey, ultimately leading him to meet his idol Donald Duck!

This emotional connection captures the essence of Disneyland Paris: a place where childhood dreams come true.

The tagline “Where magic gets real” resonates perfectly with the ad’s message.

7. Airbnb: Bélo 

Airbnb’s rollout campaign for its new logo honed in on evoking emotion and creating a sense of community.

The ad focuses on how humans want to share, connect, and find somewhere to belong.

Who can’t relate to that? 

The company excellently tied its brand into that narrative by saying they believed people can belong anywhere, and their new logo, Bélo, represented that. 

8. Ikea

Through various efforts and initiatives, Ikea tells the story of not just a furnishing brand.

They portray themselves as a brand that truly cares about its customers and the world they live in—even if they’re a much bigger company now.

A line in their “About Us” page sums it up well: “We may have come a long way since our humble beginnings, but our vision remains the same: to create a better everyday life for the many people.” 

Ikea also tells its brand story by creating and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives, a cause many people across the globe are passionate about. 

9. Land Rover: “The Land of Land Rovers” Ad

Land Rover’s “The Land of Land Rovers” ad speaks volumes without a word.

It showcases their vehicles conquering treacherous landscapes, a powerful testament to their capability.

This visual storytelling strategy resonates deeply– you witness Land Rovers traversing unforgiving terrain, proving their reliability through action, not empty promises.

10. SoulCycle

SoulCycle’s “Our Story” page does a great job of telling its brand story.

It features key storytelling elements and concludes with a powerful line: “Take your journey.

Change your body. Find your Soul.”

That line flips the script on the perception of working out; it’s meant to inspire people to work out for not just their body, but for their mind and soul as well. 

11. GoodLife Fitness: “Canadian Strong” Ad

GoodLife Fitness “Canadian Strong” ad celebrates diversity and inclusivity through powerful storytelling.

The catchy song and montage of everyday Canadians working out together create a sense of community and belonging.

This extends beyond the commercial, aiming to build a real-life fitness family at GoodLife, where everyone feels welcome and motivated to achieve their goals.

12. Usersnap

Usersnap combines data-driven storytelling to establish trust and provide real value for their customers. J

ust take a look at the Usersnap blog.

It’s filled with helpful information that customers and noncustomers can utilize.

Providing that knowledge and data gives them credibility while also building trust and brand awareness. 

13. Coca-Cola & Santa Claus 

90 years ago, Coca-Cola helped bring the image of Santa Claus to life for their Christmas advertisements.

Call it luck, or genius marketing ahead of its time, but it was a stellar brand storytelling move.

To align yourself with the character who embodies Christmas and, therefore, joy, magic, and happiness, is powerful. 

14. Nike: “Just Do It” slogan 

Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan transcends mere words, becoming a potent storytelling tool.

It’s a rallying cry, a whisper of encouragement, a universal language for anyone pushing their limits.

This powerful message ignites a fire within – it’s not just about starting, it’s about achieving your personal best, no matter the challenge. 

15. Whirlpool: Care Counts Laundry Program 

Whirlpool’s Care Counts Laundry Program combines data-driven storytelling with emotion for a powerful initiative that elevates the brand.

The goal is to provide kids with the opportunity to do laundry, and after you see the data on the program’s landing page, you understand why the initiative means so much.

16. Maltesers: “Look at the Light Side” Series

Maltesers’ “Look at the Light Side” series, featuring “New Boyfriend,” isn’t just funny, it’s groundbreaking storytelling.

Inspired by real-life experiences, these ads dismantle stereotypes surrounding disability.

By using humor to connect with viewers, Maltesers sparks empathy and fosters a more inclusive world, one lighthearted laugh at a time.

17. Qazi Cosmetic Clinic

Authenticity is key in brand storytelling, and one brand that has a great authentic message on its “About Us” page is Qazi Cosmetic Clinic.

It reads, “At Qazi Cosmetic Clinic we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one, and treating everyone under our care the way we would want to be treated ourselves.”

Reading that, you can’t help but feel that the clinic truly cares about patients’ wellbeing. 

18. Minnetonka 

Evoking emotion and building trust and credibility are key storytelling pillars to capitalize on, and Minnetonka does that on its “About Us” page.

The page opens with a strong introduction and visually tells consumers their story.

You see its history unfold, and you can’t help but marvel at the brand’s longevity and feel proud. 

19. Old Spice: Smell Like a Man

Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like ” campaign revitalized the brand with a hilarious twist on storytelling.

This viral ad series didn’t just sell deodorant, it offered a tongue-in-cheek vision of ultimate masculinity (complete with sailing adventures and horseback riding) all linked to using Old Spice.

It was a clever way to connect the product with aspirational qualities, making it the secret weapon for any man who wanted to be his most “manly” self. 

20. Chobani

Chobani masters the art of customer-centric storytelling. Their “Love This Life” campaign showcases real people’s experiences, fostering an emotional connection with viewers.

By highlighting how Chobani seamlessly integrates into their daily routines, the brand positions itself as a genuine companion, not just a yogurt choice.

This approach resonates deeply– it’s not about shouting about the product, it’s about showing how Chobani empowers them to live a life they love.

21. Softr

One of Softr website’s most captivating lines is “As simple as building Lego.” This isn’t just a playful metaphor —“ it’s a powerful storytelling tool.

It instantly clicks with users, evoking childhood memories of intuitive creation. Just like Lego bricks snapping together, Softr empowers anyone to build beautiful, functional applications– no coding experience required.

This clear and relatable message cuts through technical jargon, instantly highlighting Softr’s user-friendliness, a critical value for tech brands.

22. Burt’s Bees: Thriving Together 2020 Report 

Burt’s Bees’ 2020 Impact Report, “Thriving Together,” is a masterclass in data-driven storytelling.

It seamlessly blends inspirational narratives with a commitment to social responsibility.

By showcasing their achievements (like 99.6% natural ingredients) alongside ambitious 2025 goals, they build trust and transparency.

This report allows consumers to connect with Burt’s Bees’ values – sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community – demonstrating that the brand walks the walk, not just talks the talk.

23. Zillow

Zillow is known for its effective marketing campaigns, but the brand knows the power brand storytelling has at all levels of content marketing.

Take its blog title for example. The title “Zillow Porchlight” combined with the tagline “always on to guide you home” is a great play on words that evokes emotion.

You immediately know that the information on this blog is meant to help you find a new home. 

24. Hinge: “The Dating App Designed to Be Deleted™” 

Hinge’s tagline “The dating app designed to be deleted™” is authentic and evokes emotion.

Hinge flipped the script on the dating app narrative by telling the story of a dating app that wants to be deleted after its users find love.

It’s clever, effective, and shows that Hinge puts its users first. 

25. IBM

Even tech giants like IBM understand the power of authentic storytelling.

In their website copy for IBM Garage, they weave a relatable narrative, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of turning ideas into reality.

It acknowledges the challenges – late nights, unexpected hurdles – but ultimately emphasizes the thrill of seeing a vision come to life.

This honest and inspiring approach resonates with viewers, showcasing IBM Garage as a partner who understands the journey, not just the destination.

26. Course Hero

Course Hero’s “About Us” page isn’t just informative, it’s a captivating mini-narrative.

It masterfully employs the hero’s journey – a relatable structure of facing obstacles and achieving resolution.

Viewers are drawn into the story, subtly understanding how Course Hero empowers them to overcome academic challenges and emerge victorious. 

27. Krochet Kids

Through powerful storytelling, it showcases the raw passion and unwavering heart that fuels their mission.

Witnessing their journey fosters an immediate emotional connection with the brand, allowing viewers to feel invested in their success. 

28. Huggies

Huggies “No Baby Unhugged” campaign goes beyond selling diapers.

It uses data to highlight the power of skin-to-skin contact for babies, then steps in to help hospitals provide cuddles for newborns in need.

This emotional storytelling shows Huggies cares not just about parents’ choices, but the well-being of every baby.

29. Play-Doh: Cans of Kindness 

Play-Doh’s “Cans of Kindness” campaign uses the power of imagination to spark a heartwarming movement.

This initiative goes beyond selling a product – it’s a call to celebrate educators who ignite creativity and inspire young minds.

By encouraging social media nominations with #CansofKindness, Play-Doh fosters a sense of community and appreciation for the teachers who shape children’s lives

30. Refinery29

Refinery29’s uses its meta description as an opportunity to do some brand storytelling.

Using powerful words and phrases like “catalyst” and “claim their power” inspires and motivates you before you even visit the website.

Key Elements of Brand Storytelling 

The elements of a brand help shape your business narrative and effectively project your brand identity—think of them as the pillars of your brand message.

Conveying authenticity 

Being authentic in your brand storytelling is essential for your messaging. Statistics show that 86% of consumers say authenticity plays an important role in deciding which brands they engage with.

Your customers want to know your brand is real, understands their needs, and truly means the messaging it puts out. 

Keep these tips in mind when thinking about your brand’s authenticity: 

• What are your brand’s core values? 
• What tone/voice do you want your brand to have? 
• Who is your target audience? Knowing who you’re talking to is essential for crafting meaningful messages. 

Showing Value 

A key part of this strategy is demonstrating your brand’s value in an authentic way.

Showing your value helps you stand out in a sea of brands competing for consumers’ attention. 

When thinking of how to show your brand’s value, ask the following questions: 

• How do you save customers time or money? 
• How do you enhance customers’ lives? 
• What makes you different from other brands in your industry? 
• When customers engage with your brand, what’s in it for them? 

Telling consumers how you make their lives better, without coming off as disingenuous or arrogant, will help catch—and keep—their attention.

It shows you understand a problem they’re facing and can provide a solution for it. 

Evoking Emotion 

As previously mentioned, you’re constantly competing with other brands for consumers’ attention.

Sources say it’s estimated that, on average, someone in the United States sees between 4,000 and 10,000 ads per day.

As online advertising grows and more content distribution methods and platforms emerge, that number will grow, too. 

An effective way to cut through the clutter is to evoke emotion with your brand storytelling.

It’s no longer enough to tell your audience what you do; you also have to make a meaningful, human connection. 

Tips for evoking emotion in your brand storytelling: 

• Use words that pack emotional punches. 
• Really tell a story. Who’s the hero, what’s their conflict, and what’s the resolution? 
• Similar to the tip above, use your brand creator’s story for influence. What inspired them to create the brand, and how did they get to where they are now? 
• Do research on your target audience. What specific issues are they facing? What are they concerned about? You can use this information in appeal to their emotions. 

The more you evoke emotions, the more likely consumers will see you as more than just a brand. They’ll see you as a viable connection to have in their community. 

Inspiring Consumers

In addition to evoking emotion, your storytelling strategies should aim to inspire consumers to do something.

Sure, you hope they’re inspired to engage with your brand, but think of the bigger picture when crafting inspirational messaging. 

Will your storytelling inspire consumers to: 

• Make a meaningful change in their lives? 
• Be more involved in their community? 
• Do good in the world? 
• Elevate their personal brand? 
• Embrace who they are? 

It’s easy for brands to be brand-centric in their storytelling; you want people to engage with your products or services, after all.

However, creating messages that inspire and uplift your target audience will make your brand more relatable and, therefore, show that you care about more than just your bottom line. 

Having Consistent Messaging 

Consumers are smart, and they can quickly identify a brand that’s cherry-picking their values and stories based on trends.

That’s something no company wants to get caught in. Instead, identify what your brand’s core values are and work your brand storytelling around them. Keep the messaging consistent, too.

Know what you want to say, and keep saying it. 

Storytelling Trends for 2024

Research shows most people buy with their emotions.

The more you connect with consumers through stories, the better your chances are of making a meaningful emotional bond that not only delights—but intrigues—them.

Take these trends into consideration when creating your own strategy for success. 

Data-Driven Storytelling 

Data-driven storytelling is when you combine data insights with storytelling to create messages that connect your brand with your audience.

This data is visually presented in charts, graphics, graphs, comprehensive lists, maps, and other visual aids to clearly and accurately tell a story that’s embedded within data. 

The perks of data-driven storytelling include: 

• Giving your audience more insights and context about something, therefore creating trust
• Establishing authority and credibility within your industry 
• Greater visual storytelling, which can attract more attention from consumers 
• Creating content that works on multiple channels 

Podcast Associates 

The podcast industry is booming!

As of 2024, there are an estimated 504.9 million podcast listeners worldwide, which is a significant increase from previous years.

This highlights a key opportunity.

The audio renaissance is still in full swing, making it possible for brands to connect with their audience via audio brand storytelling.

• Creating a podcast for your brand; this gives your audience the chance to meet the actual humans behind your brand
• Pitching brand leaders as guests on podcasts 
• Running emotion-driven advertisements for your brand in podcasts 

Word choice and verbal storytelling are key for good audio brand storytelling.

Since you don’t have visuals, you have to be descriptive and authentic to paint a clear picture in consumers’ minds.

Choose your words carefully and set them up strategically to increase brand awareness while making an emotional connection. 

Visual Storytelling 

We live in a digital world where people want some form of visual storytelling, whether it’s video, photography, graphics, or infographics.

Having great visuals not only enhances your brand but creates a piece of content that perfectly captures the essence of your brand, making it easy to share across channels and spread brand awareness. 

Case Study: Overland Summers

Here is our case study with Overland Summers, where we craft brand storytelling to ignite the spirit of adventure and friendship.

Through vibrant website development, SEO optimization, and engaging Facebook ad campaigns, we bring their narrative to life, amplifying their online presence and attracting young adventurers.

FAQs

How do you measure brand storytelling?

Brand storytelling can be measured through various metrics such as brand awareness, consumer engagement, sentiment analysis, and conversion rates. Analyzing audience response to storytelling content, tracking social media interactions, and monitoring website traffic can provide insights into the effectiveness of brand narratives.

Is brand storytelling a marketing strategy?

Yes, brand storytelling is indeed a marketing strategy. It involves crafting narratives that convey the essence of a brand, its values, and its offerings in a compelling and relatable manner. By connecting emotionally with consumers, brand storytelling aims to build brand affinity, trust, and loyalty, ultimately driving business growth.

What are the four pillars of brand storytelling?

The four pillars of brand storytelling are authenticity, value demonstration, emotional resonance, and consistency. Authenticity ensures that the brand narrative is genuine and true to its identity. Value demonstration involves showcasing how the brand enhances consumers’ lives. Emotional resonance aims to evoke feelings and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Consistency ensures that the brand narrative remains coherent and aligned across all touchpoints.

Do you have more questions?

If you have more questions about brand storytelling or any other marketing-related topics, feel free to reach out to Mediaboom.

How Mediaboom can help with your brand storytelling

In conclusion, brand storytelling plays a crucial role in modern marketing, fostering deeper connections with consumers. 

Through authenticity, value demonstration, and emotional resonance, brands transcend transactions, becoming integral to their audience’s lives. 

As trends evolve, leveraging data-driven insights, audio branding, and captivating visuals shapes narrative landscapes. 

By mastering storytelling, brands inspire loyalty and lasting impact. Ready to enhance your brand’s narrative?

Contact Mediaboom today to transform your approach.