In 2025, mainline media continues to prove that traditional advertising is far from obsolete. From television to print and radio, big brands across industries have leveraged these channels to reach massive audiences, strengthen brand recall, and influence consumer behavior. With the right creative storytelling and strategic media placement, several campaigns stood out this year as prime examples of how mainline media remains a winning formula for brand success.

1. Coca-Cola – Reviving Emotional Storytelling through Television

Coca-Cola’s 2025 global television campaign re-emphasized its long-standing theme of happiness and togetherness. By blending heartwarming family moments with high-energy music, Coca-Cola achieved a strong emotional connection with viewers. The campaign not only increased market share in emerging markets but also drove a surge in brand engagement across social channels—demonstrating how TV ads can amplify cross-platform conversations.

Key Takeaway: Storytelling through television still drives mass engagement when the message resonates emotionally.

2. Nike – Billboards that Blended Tech and Tradition

Nike’s “Move the Future” campaign turned static billboards in metropolitan cities into dynamic ad hubs. Using motion-sensing technology, the billboards interacted with passersby, changing visuals based on real-time movement. This mix of outdoor advertising and interactive tech created a buzz, resulting in a measurable 20% boost in store footfall across urban centers in 2025.

Key Takeaway: Out-of-home advertising is more powerful when fused with innovation and consumer interaction.

3. Unilever – Print Media that Reinvented Relevance

Unilever’s sustainability campaign for its personal care range used newspapers and magazines in a unique way. The brand partnered with leading publications to feature biodegradable, plant-based ink on its ads—making the campaign not just visually impactful but also aligned with eco-conscious messaging. The initiative resonated with consumers, generating widespread media coverage and reinforcing Unilever’s commitment to green practices.

Key Takeaway: Print media, when combined with sustainability, can still command consumer trust and credibility.

4. Apple – Radio Spots with Personalized Local Flavors

Apple’s campaign for its iPhone 16 in emerging markets cleverly used radio. Each region had locally tailored ads, blending popular dialects, music, and cultural references. This localized strategy boosted sales in semi-urban and rural markets where radio remains highly influential. Apple successfully showed that personalization isn’t just for digital—it works in mainline media too.

Key Takeaway: Radio advertising continues to thrive when localized content builds cultural relatability.

5. Pepsi – Mass Impact through Sports Sponsorships on Television

Pepsi’s association with the 2025 Cricket World Cup turned into one of the most impactful mainline campaigns of the year. Television sponsorships, catchy jingles, and celebrity endorsements created unmatched visibility during the tournament. The campaign translated into a double-digit rise in beverage sales and strengthened Pepsi’s dominance in the youth segment.

Key Takeaway: Aligning with large-scale sports events gives television campaigns unparalleled reach and consumer influence.

Final Thoughts

The success of these case studies highlights one undeniable fact—mainline media is still a powerhouse in 2025. While digital media continues to grow, the reach, credibility, and emotional impact of traditional platforms make them indispensable for big brands. The future of advertising lies not in choosing between mainline and digital, but in blending both strategically to maximize engagement and ROI.


Elyts Advertising and Branding Solutions | www.elyts.in  (India) | www.elyts.agency  (UAE)