ADVERTISEMENT

There’s good advertising that makes you convinced you can’t live without the product or service. Then, there's excellent advertising that proves it’s a form of art, just like these mind-bending and clever billboard ads.

And then, you've got hilariously bad advertising. When you see one, you know it. Whether it’s product placing that has gone wrong, a slogan that sounds way off, or an overall design that gives people second and third thoughts, these are the ad fails worthy of the prize.

So let’s buckle up for a fun ride which is basically a masterclass on how not to “create and produce an ad,” as compiled in this list by Bored Panda. Take notes, kids, it’s about to get heavy.

#1

This Ad For Graduation Photography

This Ad For Graduation Photography

box_cardinal_peanut Report

RELATED:
    #2

    I Pass This Billboard Everyday And Everyday I Think He’s A Vampire

    I Pass This Billboard Everyday And Everyday I Think He’s A Vampire

    fitygrands Report

    There are so many ways an advertising campaign, a billboard, a print ad, and a commercial can go wrong. But one of the greatest faux pas is “false advertising.” The term refers to ads that use misleading, dishonest, and plain “false” assumptions in their content in order to promote or market products and services.

    One should remember to respect the consumers who, as a result of the ad, may feel lied to and fooled. Such negative ads rapidly create a very bad image of a brand, and it can lead to various biases about it.

    As a result, sales immediately suffer and it takes ages to gain back consumers’ trust in the brand. Thus, false advertising is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make while advertising your product and it never, ever pays off.

    #3

    This Ad Placement

    This Ad Placement

    vadge Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #4

    I Used To Be Able To See The Towel On Her Head

    I Used To Be Able To See The Towel On Her Head

    mikaelstein Report

    Another form of unethical advertising is ads that employ misrepresentation of a product or a service in a way that use a subliminal message to fit the brand's hidden agenda. These kinds of ads often use deception and manipulation to make consumers want their product or service and believe they can't live without it.

    For example, Reebok launched an infamous “Cheat On Your Girlfriend, Not Your Workout” ad campaign back to 2012 and received immediate backlash. Initially, the ad was intended to motivate consumers, but in turn, it spread the wrong message and encouraged infidelity.

    #5

    This Guy Must Be Feeling Pretty Great On This Ad

    This Guy Must Be Feeling Pretty Great On This Ad

    ErickJail Report

    #6

    I Think She Should Go To The Hospital Instead Of Booking A Flight

    I Think She Should Go To The Hospital Instead Of Booking A Flight

    MariaDmnd Report

    The sportswear brand acknowledged the ad was offensive and pulled it, as many consumers were boycotting the brand. They wrote an open letter that stated: “This form of advertising shows a dishonest and disrespectful attitude towards women and your company should be ashamed to have even placed this ad in various places thinking it would be perceived in any other way.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Moreover, the Federal Trade Commission deemed the campaign false advertising in its unsubstantiated claims about exercise benefits, and Reebok was made to pay a $25 million fine.

    #7

    Math Is Hard. Don't Let It Get You Down

    Math Is Hard. Don't Let It Get You Down

    weinythewhite Report

    #8

    Well, Now That The Floors Are Clean

    Well, Now That The Floors Are Clean

    TenacityMan Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    A Bag Of Apples With A Character On It That Got Poisoned By An Apple

    A Bag Of Apples With A Character On It That Got Poisoned By An Apple

    Red_Rolo09 Report

    Another controversial ad example that made a tremendous negative impact on brand image was the series of ads by Protein World released 5 years ago in London Underground. One of its posters asking "Are you beach body ready?" caused public outrage and even sparked vigilante acts of vandalism.

    There were 378 official complaints regarding the body-shaming campaign filed to the UK's Advertising Standards Authority. Moreover, a petition to have the ads removed was launched, and demonstrations followed.

    #10

    How Did They Not See This?

    How Did They Not See This?

    barry_the_rotten Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Vicky Zar
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Selective perception. They thought of furniture, so they saw just furniture.

    Suzanne Burt
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought this had to be a strip club so i Google it...it's the loungers for movie theaters.

    joe Shmoe
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sadly, there are no Dream Lounger theaters in my state. or in any of the three states that border it.

    Load More Replies...
    Skyheart V
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cognitive Dissonance! This can't be real! I can't believe they approved a logo that clearly looks like a penis with balls...wtf? Laughing

    Bob
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't even know what it could be if not..... that

    Cat Maglev
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    found it on google maps coordinates: 41.59242239282336, -87.85355696960914

    Tonia Sizemore
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am finding it Really Hard, (pun intended), to believe that no one from the business or the billboard employee's who put it Up, (last one, I swear!!), didn't notice this about it!! But, OMG, I am Really & Truly Loving it!! Got me over here laughing so hard that I'm crying, having a hard time breathing, & I literally almost peed my pants, & My Sides & Belly sore & hurting a lil bit!! Thanks, I really appreciate it, & Most Definitely Needed this right now.

    JF
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This jus reminds me of an old song "dream, dream, dream....when i want you...i close my eyes..and whenEVER i WANT YOU....all i have to do is DREAM..." 🎵 🎵 ....puts things into perspective

    Amanda Roddam
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And look at all the cars in the parking lot! Wonder what they were expecting to buy when they walked in? Hahaha

    Amanda Roddam
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And look at all the cars in the parking lot!!!! I wonder what they were expecting when they opened the doors? Hahaha

    Malika
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What was the logo supposed to be? Are you sure these people really weren't aware of this?

    Keisha
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anytime I was having a bad day I would drive by here. It would be a definite pick me up. LOL.

    Jonathan Roberts
    Community Member
    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The logo , is what you get when you ' sit ' on the loungers in that place 😃

    AndersM
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can only see d**k and balls or a butt. What is the real logo?

    Mike Rodrick
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's definitely eye-catching & isn't that the object of advertising?

    Id row
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seems they got free advertising, maybe they knew what they were doing.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #11

    Yeah, Very Flexible

    Yeah, Very Flexible

    Omega_Hamster Report

    #12

    "Join Hands" To Make Hospitals "Infection Free"

    "Join Hands" To Make Hospitals "Infection Free"

    bea_easter12_ Report

    #13

    I’m Certain They Could Have Used A Better Slogan

    I’m Certain They Could Have Used A Better Slogan

    BeaulaGoo Report

    #14

    Wow! What A Bargain

    Wow! What A Bargain

    DjFizz Report

    #15

    If You’re Going To Use The Dumbbell As An “I” Then You Don’t Need Another “I”

    If You’re Going To Use The Dumbbell As An “I” Then You Don’t Need Another “I”

    BassAckwards31 Report

    In 2017, Dove released an ad clip on Facebook for Dove body wash where a black woman was pictured removing her top and morphing into a white woman after she used the product. Such portrayal was not only horrendously racist, it promoted “whitewashing” and sparked a well-deserved outrage.

    Coming from a powerhouse like Dove, which, according to their slogan, champions "real beauty," the ad seriously damaged the brand's reputation.

    #16

    I Followed This Bus For 4 Blocks To Wait For It To Pull Over To Share This Beautiful Work Of Art

    I Followed This Bus For 4 Blocks To Wait For It To Pull Over To Share This Beautiful Work Of Art

    Germantoast33 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #17

    Finally, A Shower That Works With My Broken Neck

    Finally, A Shower That Works With My Broken Neck

    dinglehump Report

    #18

    Mother-Daughter Bonding At Its Finest

    Mother-Daughter Bonding At Its Finest

    pochama55 Report

    #19

    The Implication That This Tooth Has Genitals

    The Implication That This Tooth Has Genitals

    Dylflon Report

    #20

    Sometimes The Answer Is In The Box Too

    Sometimes The Answer Is In The Box Too

    lukeglenn Report

    According to the Online Marketing Institute, “bad commercials often try for a quality that the good ones have, and fall short of the mark, or else lack it completely.” And one of the worst things you can do as a brand building an ad campaign is treating your customers like fools, which “means talking down to them and trivializing their values, beliefs, or experiences.”

    #21

    Bread So Emo It Slices Itself

    Bread So Emo It Slices Itself

    BeanMachine0 Report

    #22

    The Brazilian Vaccination Mascot Looks Like KKK

    The Brazilian Vaccination Mascot Looks Like KKK

    alan04eu Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #23

    I Only Saw The Left Window At First And Got Very Confused

    I Only Saw The Left Window At First And Got Very Confused

    generationfire Report

    #24

    Let God Arse

    Let God Arse

    KenNCM Report

    #25

    It Almost Seems Intentional

    It Almost Seems Intentional

    Palifaith Report

    In reality, consumers are humans and a good ad needs a human touch to it to be convincing, appealing, and interesting. Sometimes, though, brands decide to take a shortcut into consumers' hearts by manipulating their feelings, which in turn results in lazy, tone-deaf, and appalling advertising disasters.

    #26

    Fantastic Ad Placement

    Fantastic Ad Placement

    reddit.com Report

    #27

    We Cut Kids

    We Cut Kids

    aTerrariaExpert Report

    #28

    The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

    The Quotation Marks On This Sign Gives It A Malevolent Undertone

    sleightlymagical Report

    #29

    This Guy's Frog Legs Featured In An Ad

    This Guy's Frog Legs Featured In An Ad

    MeerK4T Report

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Creating a good ad is somewhat of a form of art, and although mistakes happen even to the best of us, some are forgivable, and others, not so much. In the end, the sales and brand perception tell it all.

    #30

    Saw This Ad For A Shirt That’s Supposed To Say Saturday

    Saw This Ad For A Shirt That’s Supposed To Say Saturday

    virginmary93 Report

    #31

    "Hide The Pain Harold" Becomes Face Of French Coronavirus "Thank You, Heroes" Campaign

    "Hide The Pain Harold" Becomes Face Of French Coronavirus "Thank You, Heroes" Campaign

    jeancafecreme Report

    #32

    This Woman Turning Into A Fish Roll

    This Woman Turning Into A Fish Roll

    Cream77 Report

    #33

    Finally A Realistic Mannequins In Women's Lingerie Store

    Finally A Realistic Mannequins In Women's Lingerie Store

    B_Monster Report

    #34

    This Monstrosity

    This Monstrosity

    Hantook Report

    #35

    Found This In An Ad Today

    Found This In An Ad Today

    serpin46 Report

    #36

    Then Why Should I Buy One?

    Then Why Should I Buy One?

    allyourbaseareoblong Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #37

    Hard Hats Are For Safety

    Hard Hats Are For Safety

    CanadianUkr Report

    #38

    This Colon Cleanse Ad Is So Bad It's Hilarious

    This Colon Cleanse Ad Is So Bad It's Hilarious

    Svargas05 Report

    #39

    This Ebay Advertisement For A Sleep Mask Photo Shopped Out Her Nose And Left One Nostril

    This Ebay Advertisement For A Sleep Mask Photo Shopped Out Her Nose And Left One Nostril

    rosalina888 Report

    #40

    This Really Odd Advertisement For Transit Around My City (Where Did The Bus Driver Come From?)

    This Really Odd Advertisement For Transit Around My City (Where Did The Bus Driver Come From?)

    LoveGhostDotEXE Report

    #41

    Seriously?

    Seriously?

    GallowBoob Report

    #42

    Yes, The Earth

    Yes, The Earth

    boring_space_waffle Report

    #43

    That’s A Pokemon In The Bag

    That’s A Pokemon In The Bag

    ungori11 Report

    #44

    This Library Poster

    This Library Poster

    holzdnbein Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #45

    Ah Yes, China, My Favorite Food

    Ah Yes, China, My Favorite Food

    TheJemcins Report

    #46

    Actually, On Second Thought, I’m Not So Hungry

    Actually, On Second Thought, I’m Not So Hungry

    Quillford Report

    #47

    Enjoy A Nice Massage In A Moving Car With Your Eyes Closed

    Enjoy A Nice Massage In A Moving Car With Your Eyes Closed

    colorfl0 Report

    #48

    Probably It's More Convenient This Way

    Probably It's More Convenient This Way

    Bobik42 Report

    #49

    Why Would Red Block When He Could Win?

    Why Would Red Block When He Could Win?

    Chicchac Report

    #50

    Me And My Clones On The Job

    Me And My Clones On The Job

    doctor_blob Report

    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #51

    Not Enough Clean Air In My Convertible

    Not Enough Clean Air In My Convertible

    hindu05 Report

    #52

    Yes, That's How A Scale Works

    Yes, That's How A Scale Works

    yoergo Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #53

    Someone Paid Money For This To Be Their Sign And Logo/Mascot. I’m Convinced This Is Drug Lord’s Money Laundering Business

    Someone Paid Money For This To Be Their Sign And Logo/Mascot. I’m Convinced This Is Drug Lord’s Money Laundering Business

    SoDakZak Report

    #54

    Taste The Feeling

    Taste The Feeling

    dudelsac Report

    #55

    I Can't Even Figure Out What They're Trying To Say

    I Can't Even Figure Out What They're Trying To Say

    ToastyBooty Report

    #56

    Disney Font Puts The Fun In Funeral

    Disney Font Puts The Fun In Funeral

    rageagainsthevagene Report

    #57

    Somehow Spiderman Is Able To Keep A Hot Drink In His Cup While Upside Down

    Somehow Spiderman Is Able To Keep A Hot Drink In His Cup While Upside Down

    Speeider Report

    #58

    A “Save Water” Ad Which Makes You Spit On The Poor Kid’s Face While Brushing

    A “Save Water” Ad Which Makes You Spit On The Poor Kid’s Face While Brushing

    Kapikap0906 Report

    #59

    Only One Of These Will Save Your Life

    Only One Of These Will Save Your Life

    _waffleiron Report

    #60

    That Elbow Is The Stuff Of Nightmares

    That Elbow Is The Stuff Of Nightmares

    Abandoned-Potato Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #61

    “Make The Athlete Look Like She’s In Motion”

    “Make The Athlete Look Like She’s In Motion”

    kronograf Report

    #62

    This Cancer Center's Ad

    This Cancer Center's Ad

    jujjyfruit Report

    #63

    Why Is The Phone Inside The Photo

    Why Is The Phone Inside The Photo

    MrSegwayMan Report

    #64

    All Ye Shall Come To Me For The Healing Of Burgers

    All Ye Shall Come To Me For The Healing Of Burgers

    deadpoolyes Report

    #65

    Someone Didn't Quite Think That One All The Way Through

    Someone Didn't Quite Think That One All The Way Through

    gerald1 Report

    #66

    10/10 Cable Management

    10/10 Cable Management

    RonanAMA2013 Report

    #67

    Yes I Am Human With Human Wife And I Do Sleep Like Humans Do

    Yes I Am Human With Human Wife And I Do Sleep Like Humans Do

    lachlantopcat Report

    #68

    This Laptop Stand That Is Very Poorly Photoshopped In And Not Even Being Used

    This Laptop Stand That Is Very Poorly Photoshopped In And Not Even Being Used

    Doeljan11 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #69

    My Movie Theater Tried Ok?

    My Movie Theater Tried Ok?

    ginseng72 Report

    #70

    Superb Ad Placement At Stuttgart International Airport

    Superb Ad Placement At Stuttgart International Airport

    Spetchen Report

    #71

    Found The World's Smallest Hands While Looking For A WiFi Adapter

    Found The World's Smallest Hands While Looking For A WiFi Adapter

    xK3V1Nix Report

    #72

    Isn’t This Considered Murder?

    Isn’t This Considered Murder?

    Xephia Report

    #73

    Should've Said It Out Loud

    Should've Said It Out Loud

    Whoppertino Report

    #74

    An Image Of A Kitchen Pot Rack That I Came Across On Ebay

    An Image Of A Kitchen Pot Rack That I Came Across On Ebay

    CactusBoyScout Report

    #75

    This Chinese Ad For A Pepper Mill

    This Chinese Ad For A Pepper Mill

    burgerfar Report

    #76

    Ben Ten Didn't Deserve This

    Ben Ten Didn't Deserve This

    nutty45 Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #77

    This Whole Ad Is A Trainwreck

    This Whole Ad Is A Trainwreck

    Primus8773 Report

    #78

    “How Should We Advertise These Apple Sticks?” “Stick Em In Some Corn Or Something”

    “How Should We Advertise These Apple Sticks?” “Stick Em In Some Corn Or Something”

    OrangeLandi Report

    #79

    Either The Smallest Golden In History Or The Feeder Is For Storing A Lifetime Supply Of Food

    Either The Smallest Golden In History Or The Feeder Is For Storing A Lifetime Supply Of Food

    goonie_lover Report

    #80

    Art On Netflix For “Seventh Son.” I Laughed Way Harder Than I Should’ve

    Art On Netflix For “Seventh Son.” I Laughed Way Harder Than I Should’ve

    ishipdrarry Report

    #81

    Do Not Look Away At The Road

    Do Not Look Away At The Road

    avidbirdpointerouter Report

    #82

    This Instagram Ad Celebrating Your Crippling Debt

    This Instagram Ad Celebrating Your Crippling Debt

    MLutsenko Report

    #83

    From Real Lawn To Virtual Golf Course From 1992 In Just 6-8 Days

    From Real Lawn To Virtual Golf Course From 1992 In Just 6-8 Days

    extroverthomunculus Report

    #84

    Kix Cereal Box Has A Masked Out Spoon To Give The Illusion There’s Cereal On Top

    Kix Cereal Box Has A Masked Out Spoon To Give The Illusion There’s Cereal On Top

    beerguy_etcetera Report

    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #85

    "Well I Gotta Use My Free Trial Of Photoshop For Something" Said The Intern

    "Well I Gotta Use My Free Trial Of Photoshop For Something" Said The Intern

    OTOD_tag Report

    #86

    This Child On An Advertisement In Germany

    This Child On An Advertisement In Germany

    FireLord_112 Report

    #87

    Someone Doesn't Know How Hangman Works

    Someone Doesn't Know How Hangman Works

    TheSexyPizza Report