1. Oscar Mayer – My Bologna
In 1973, Oscar Mayer ran a commercial that featured a young boy singing, “My bologna has a first name, it’s O-S-C-A-R…” The song was catchy, cute, and completely unforgettable. It made the brand feel friendly and family-oriented, with a bit of innocence wrapped into every bite. For many kids, it wasn’t just an ad, it was a lunchtime anthem. The jingle ran well into the 1990s, with various updates and revivals along the way. It’s one of those rare commercials that people can still sing word-for-word decades later. Though advertising styles have changed, Oscar Mayer has brought the tune back now and then, tapping into a nostalgia that never seems to fade. It wasn’t just a way to sell bologna; it was a moment that made people smile.
2. Budweiser Clydesdales – Still Trotting Strong
The Budweiser Clydesdales made their debut in 1933 as a celebratory gesture to mark the end of Prohibition. These massive horses, known for their feathered hooves and noble stride, quickly became a symbol of tradition, pride, and good times. Over the decades, they’ve been featured in everything from emotional Super Bowl commercials to heartwarming Christmas ads. Their role went beyond selling beer, they became a piece of Americana. Even today, these horses remain a central image in Budweiser’s brand storytelling. Whether pulling wagons through snowy towns or galloping across rolling fields to majestic music, the Clydesdales evoke a deep, nostalgic feeling. They’ve also been used in tributes to events like 9/11 and are often part of live parades and brewery tours. At over 90 years old, this campaign hasn’t lost its touch, proving that tradition, when done right, sticks around.
3. State Farm – Like a Good Neighbor
In 1971, Barry Manilow wrote a jingle for State Farm that would end up being one of the most enduring insurance slogans of all time. “Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there” hit the right emotional note. It reassured people that help was just around the corner, sounding more like a promise than a pitch. The tune was catchy but sincere, simple yet memorable. Over the decades, State Farm kept the slogan alive by adapting it for new generations. Whether it was sung by 1970s voice actors or remixed in 2020s social media campaigns, the message never wavered. It created a human face for insurance and helped customers feel emotionally connected to a very practical service. And the line? Still in use today, more than 50 years later.
4. Tootsie Pop – How Many Licks?
Launched in 1970, this animated commercial asked a question that would stick in pop culture forever: “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?” The wise, somewhat impatient owl in the ad became a fixture in Saturday morning cartoon breaks. The message was playful, curious, and easy to repeat.Despite newer versions and tweaks, the original spot never really went away. It’s been rerun in nearly identical form for decades and became one of the longest-running candy commercials ever made. The phrase itself even made it into everyday conversation. Even today, schools and science experiments have tried to “officially” answer the question, proving the ad’s strange but effective power.
5. Folgers – The Best Part of Wakin’ Up
Since 1984, Folgers has been greeting people every morning with the iconic jingle “The best part of wakin’ up is Folgers in your cup.” The ad campaigns behind it have ranged from heartfelt family reunions to simple kitchen-table moments, all designed to blend warmth, routine, and the smell of fresh coffee. The jingle became so recognizable that many viewers knew it by heart, even if they didn’t drink coffee. Folgers kept the message fresh with updated versions over the years. From gospel-style remixes to tear-jerking holiday reunions, the jingle always carried the same promise of comfort and familiarity. It’s one of those rare commercial songs that feels like part of your daily life, not just an ad. Even now, it’s still used in various seasonal or sentimental campaigns, especially during the holidays.
6. Pepto-Bismol – Five Symptoms, One Jingle
Pepto-Bismol turned an upset stomach into something oddly catchy when it launched the “Nausea, Heartburn, Indigestion, Upset Stomach, Diarrhea” jingle in 2002. The ad included coordinated dance moves and neon visuals, making a medicine commercial both entertaining and impossible to forget. What started as a tongue-in-cheek campaign quickly became a lasting piece of pharmaceutical advertising. Over two decades later, the same jingle, with slight variations in choreography or visuals, continues to appear. It’s still just as effective at reminding viewers of the product’s use, with each symptom delivered like a beat in a pop song. For something as unpleasant as digestive problems, Pepto-Bismol managed to make it surprisingly lighthearted and memorable.
7. Chevy Trucks – Like a Rock
Back in 1991, Chevy paired its line of trucks with Bob Seger’s song “Like a Rock,” and that moment sealed a legacy. The commercials showed everyday Americans doing tough jobs, hauling lumber, working the land, and weathering storms. The lyrics weren’t just background music; they narrated the identity of the brand. The trucks were dependable, just like the people who drove them, and “Like a Rock” became more than a campaign, it became a badge. The ads ran strong until 2004, when the campaign was quietly retired. But the memory stuck, and to this day, people still associate that song with grit, durability, and hard work. Chevy has even referenced the campaign in newer promos to tap into the nostalgia. It wasn’t flashy or complicated, it was authentic and grounded. That’s why, even though it ran for 13 years, it feels like it never really ended.
8. Maytag Repairman – The Loneliest Guy
First introduced in 1967, the Maytag Repairman became a surprising hit, not for what he did, but because he had nothing to do. Dubbed “the loneliest guy in town,” this fictional character symbolized the brand’s promise of reliability. If your appliance never breaks, you never need to call the repair guy, right? That was the whole joke, and it worked, brilliantly. Over the next 47 years, the role passed through several actors, but the premise never changed. The repairman always sat bored at his desk, waiting for a call that never came. He became part of Maytag’s identity, showing up on billboards, in print, and even in parades. In a world full of fast-talking commercials, this quiet character stood out. It was simple storytelling with a clear message: Maytag works, so you won’t need us. That confidence resonated, and lasted nearly half a century.
9. Energizer Bunny – Still Going
What started in 1989 as a clever parody of Duracell turned into one of the most iconic mascots in advertising history. The Energizer Bunny, with its pink fur, flip-flops, and relentless drumming, showed up everywhere, interrupting fake ads, bouncing through movie-style spoofs, and always outlasting the competition. The slogan “Still going” wasn’t just a tagline, it was a character trait. The bunny didn’t just represent batteries, it became a symbol of endurance. People used the phrase in daily conversations to describe anything that just wouldn’t quit. Over the years, the visuals changed slightly, but the spirit never did. More than three decades later, the bunny still marches on in commercials and remains a fixture in pop culture. It’s proof that consistency, mixed with a little humor, can turn a product into a legend.
10. Nationwide – On Your Side
First airing in 1965, Nationwide’s famous line, “Nationwide is on your side”, became one of the most enduring insurance slogans of all time. The melody is short, sincere, and reassuring. Over the years, the company kept the message but allowed the delivery to evolve. Country star Brad Paisley and NFL quarterback Peyton Manning later teamed up to sing playful versions, bringing humor to an otherwise serious industry. The line works because it doesn’t try to sell you something outright, it promises support. Even after six decades, the slogan is still running strong, showing up in commercials, social media, and sponsorships. Its longevity proves that sometimes, a simple promise can outlive flashier gimmicks. “On your side” feels personal, and in the world of insurance, that feeling matters.
11. Empire Carpet – 800‑588‑2300 Empire Today
The phone number jingle for Empire Carpet debuted in 1977, featuring the friendly “Empire Man” portrayed by copywriter Lynn Hauldren. Instead of selling features, this campaign sold familiarity, families came to trust that number and associate it with home comfort. Each spot concluded with the unmistakable chant: “eight‑hundred‑five‑eight‑eight, two‑three‑hundred Empire Today,” making the brand instantly recognizable. Over 45 years later, the same jingle still plays on local TV and radio, even as the guy behind it moved from screen presence to voice‑only appearances until 2011. It’s a perfect lesson in consistency: the same phone number, familiar voice, and enduring tune mean that when you think “carpet,” their number likely pops into your head.
12. Life Cereal – Mikey Likes It
What began in 1972 as a simple test, “Let’s get Mikey, he hates everything”, turned into one of the most loved breakfast ads ever. Young Mikey, played by John Gilchrist, surprised his brothers by loving the cereal, prompting the exclamation, “He likes it! Hey, Mikey!” The ad ran in heavy rotation for about 14 years, helping Life stand out in the crowded cereal aisle. The jingle became so ingrained in popular culture that decades later, people still quote it, or confuse lines (“Give it to Mikey, he won’t eat it”), even if they weren’t alive for the original spot. It wasn’t just an ad, it was a cultural moment that showed how a relatable family scene can turn a simple cereal into something memorable.
13. Coca‑Cola Santa – Shaping Santa’s Look
Coca‑Cola didn’t invent Santa Claus, but their Christmas ads from 1931 on helped shape the modern red‑suited, jolly figure beloved worldwide. The watercolor paintings of Santa by Haddon Sundblom showed him as warm, friendly, and approachable, making him feel like a neighbor, not a myth. Over the decades, these ads returned every holiday season with updates in style and animation. Families grew up seeing that cozy image on billboards, cans, and TV spots. The result? Even those who don’t drink Coke still picture Santa in that red suit, with the ad campaign credited for making that image a permanent part of American holiday culture.
14. GEICO – 15 Minutes Could Save You
Since its launch in 1999, GEICO’s “15 minutes could save you 15% or more” slogan has been the backbone of one of the most versatile and enduring insurance campaigns ever. From the gecko to the cavemen, from pigs to quirky narrators, each character delivers the message with a fresh, humorous twist. What makes it successful isn’t just the slogan, it’s the flexibility. GEICO continually introduces new characters but keeps that well-known tagline front and center. It’s a formula that’s kept their ads in steady rotation for over 25 years, adapting with the times without losing recognition.
15. M&M’s Christmas – They Do Exist
Every holiday season since 1996, M&M’s has brought back their animated Christmas commercial. The premise is charmingly simple: people spot M&M characters on a snowy night and realize, “They do exist!” The spots don’t change much, each year they air almost identically, creating a sense of timeless holiday magic. The ads resonate because they’re nostalgic, heartwarming, and predictable in the best way. Millions await the return each December, and it feels like comfort food for the mind, just like your favorite holiday song. That long, consistent run proves that simplicity and seasonal sentiment can keep an ad alive year after year.
16. Campbell’s Soup – M’m! M’m! Good!
There’s something instantly cozy about that old Campbell’s Soup jingle. “M’m! M’m! Good!” first aired in the 1930s and was a big part of radio, print, and eventually television. It wasn’t just about soup, it was about comfort, home, and that warm bowl on a rainy day. The tune was hummable, the ads were friendly, and the message was clear. This line still pops up today in select campaigns and remains a signature sound of American food culture. According to the Campbell’s Company, this jingle is one of their longest-standing brand messages. Some things really don’t go out of style.
17. Kit Kat – Gimme a Break
Sometimes, the best jingles are the ones you hum without realizing. Kit Kat’s “Gimme a break” jingle, launched in 1986, was so catchy it became an anthem for snack time. With its upbeat rhythm and playful lyrics, it made the idea of taking a break sound like a reward. Kids sang it, adults remembered it, and it became a pop culture earworm. The campaign was so effective that it’s still being revived today. Mars Wrigley, the company behind Kit Kat, continues to use variations of the tune. That little break has carried Kit Kat through decades of loyal fans.
18. Alka-Seltzer – Plop Plop, Fizz Fizz
Even if you’ve never taken an Alka-Seltzer tablet, chances are you’ve heard someone say “Plop plop, fizz fizz.” Created in the 1950s, this bubbly jingle made stomach relief feel fun and memorable. The sound of tablets dropping into water became the brand’s signature and played in households across America for decades. It made something routine into something playful. The line was so popular that it ranked among the most beloved jingles in a USA Today survey. Alka-Seltzer has reintroduced the tune multiple times, proving that a simple sound can leave a lasting impact on generations.
19. Doublemint Gum – Double Your Pleasure
If you’ve ever associated chewing gum with sunshine and smiles, you might be thinking of Doublemint. Wrigley’s “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun” slogan began in the 1930s and kept going strong well into the 1990s. The ads often featured cheerful twins enjoying carefree moments, reinforcing the idea that good things come in pairs. Real-life siblings were sometimes cast in these commercials, adding charm and authenticity. The melody stuck in people’s heads, and the cheerful tone made it easy to remember. Few gum brands built such a lasting image. Doublemint wasn’t just selling gum, it was selling a feeling.
20. McDonald’s – I’m Lovin’ It
Launched in 2003, “I’m Lovin’ It” became McDonald’s longest-running slogan worldwide. It started with a jingle sung by Justin Timberlake and quickly grew into a global campaign. The phrase was short, upbeat, and easy to remember, making it the perfect fit for fast food. Over time, the slogan became more than a line, it became a brand identity. McDonald’s used it across different languages and regions, and it worked every time. In fact, this campaign is still in use today. For a company known for evolving with trends, “I’m Lovin’ It” has proven that simplicity and positivity go a long way.
21. Bounty – The Quicker Picker Upper
Cleaning up isn’t always fun, but Bounty managed to make it sound like a challenge you could win. Since 1970, “The Quicker Picker Upper” has positioned Bounty as the go-to paper towel for fast and effective mess control. The phrase has been used in countless commercials, always emphasizing speed, strength, and practicality. It resonated with busy parents, cooks, and anyone dealing with the chaos of daily life. The slogan is still in use today, showing just how strong its message is. Bounty’s catchphrase didn’t just clean up spills, it cleaned up in the world of branding too.
22. Crest – Look, Ma! No Cavities!
There’s something timeless about a kid proudly announcing, “Look, Ma! No Cavities!” This slogan helped make Crest toothpaste a household name starting in 1958. It tapped into family pride and paired it with the promise of dentist-approved results. The phrase became part of American dental culture, often echoed in real life after successful checkups. Crest used the line through the 1980s, and it still appears in nostalgic throwbacks. It was a playful yet powerful way to promote oral care. By celebrating a small victory, Crest built a slogan that made brushing your teeth feel like something to cheer about.
23. Mr. Clean – The Bald Guy Who Cleans Everything
Since his 1958 debut, Mr. Clean has been more than a mascot. With his muscular arms, shiny bald head, and spotless white shirt, he became the face of home cleaning. The theme music and his quiet confidence stayed consistent for years. Kids recognized him, adults trusted him, and the commercials always promised sparkling results. Mr. Clean stood for strength and cleanliness in one simple package. According to Procter & Gamble, he remains one of their most recognized characters. Today, his image still appears in updated commercials and products. Some brands age, but Mr. Clean always seems spotless.
24. Wendy’s – Where’s the Beef?
Few lines in advertising are as instantly memorable as “Where’s the beef?” Introduced by Wendy’s in 1984, it featured an older woman inspecting a massive burger bun with a tiny patty inside. Her unimpressed delivery struck a chord, making the catchphrase go viral before social media even existed. It was clever, funny, and pointed—calling out competitors with a single question. The line appeared in political debates, comedy skits, and even merchandise. Though the campaign only ran for a few years, the phrase is still remembered today. Wendy’s found the perfect mix of sass and simplicity in just three words.
25. Snickers – You’re Not You When You’re Hungry
If you’ve ever snapped at someone and blamed it on hunger, you’ve lived the Snickers campaign. Starting in 2010, “You’re Not You When You’re Hungry” became a cultural catchphrase. The ads featured people behaving oddly, only to return to themselves after a Snickers bar. The concept was universal and the execution was brilliant. From celebrity cameos to global translations, the slogan found endless ways to stay relevant. According to Forbes, this campaign helped Snickers become the best-selling candy bar for several years. The line is still in use today, proving that humor and honesty are a winning combination.
26. Hallmark – When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best
Not every slogan needs a punchline. Some just need to speak from the heart. Hallmark’s “When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best,” introduced in 1944, is one of those timeless messages. It emphasized thoughtfulness and emotional connection during birthdays, holidays, and all the moments in between. The phrase set a standard for card-giving that went beyond words. For decades, it appeared in print and TV ads, and it’s still part of the company’s branding today. Hallmark cards became a quiet way to show love, and this line helped remind people that small gestures can carry big meaning.
27. Burger King – Have It Your Way
Long before custom orders were the norm, Burger King was already encouraging people to “Have It Your Way.” Launched in 1974, this campaign positioned the brand as customer-focused and flexible. The slogan invited people to personalize their burgers instead of settling for one-size-fits-all. It returned in various forms over the years and helped define Burger King’s place in the fast food world. According to The New York Times, the phrase was one of the most effective in shaping customer perception. It wasn’t just about food, it was about giving people choices. That idea is still at the heart of their messaging.
28. Clairol – Does She or Doesn’t She?
Clairol didn’t just sell hair color; they sold a sense of mystery. The 1957 ad campaign asked, “Does she or doesn’t she?” and left viewers guessing. At a time when hair dye wasn’t openly discussed, Clairol made it stylish and approachable. The phrase ran for years and helped normalize home hair coloring for women everywhere. The message was empowering without being loud. It celebrated personal choice while keeping things subtle. According to The Atlantic, it changed the beauty industry forever. Clairol’s clever, quiet confidence made the ad unforgettable, and the slogan remained in pop culture long after the campaign ended.
29. Charmin – Please Don’t Squeeze the Charmin
Charmin made soft toilet paper famous with one very simple rule: “Please don’t squeeze the Charmin.” This memorable slogan ran from 1964 to the 1980s, starring a fictional store clerk named Mr. Whipple. In every commercial, shoppers couldn’t resist squeezing the soft rolls, and Mr. Whipple would scold them, while secretly doing it himself. The playful storyline helped Charmin stand out in a crowded market. According to AdAge, the character appeared in over 500 commercials. Today, Charmin uses animated bears, but older generations still remember the gentle humor of Mr. Whipple. The slogan made softness feel special and even fun.
30. Verizon – Can You Hear Me Now?
Before smartphones took over, Verizon’s “Can you hear me now?” campaign made cell service part of everyday language. Introduced in 2002, the ads followed a dedicated technician asking the same question in different locations. The actor, Paul Marcarelli, became instantly recognizable, and the phrase spread quickly. It was relatable, especially during a time when dropped calls were common. The campaign lasted years and became part of pop culture. Later, Marcarelli even joined a competitor’s campaign, which only fueled the slogan’s legacy. Verizon’s simple message worked because it echoed a real problem people faced daily and offered a clear solution.
31. Motel 6 – We’ll Leave the Light On for You
Launched in 1986, Motel 6’s “We’ll leave the light on for you” was voiced by author Tom Bodett in a calm, welcoming tone. The line became more than just a slogan, it felt like an invitation. It suggested that no matter where you were coming from or how late you arrived, there would be a place waiting for you. The message stuck and has been part of the brand for decades. According to Motel 6’s official website, Bodett is still the voice of the campaign. It’s a perfect example of how simple language and warmth can create brand loyalty.
32. Milk – Got Milk?
“Got Milk?” didn’t need flashy graphics or jingles to make an impact. Launched in 1993 by the California Milk Processor Board, the campaign used everyday situations to show the importance of milk, especially when it was missing. The slogan was short and catchy, making it easy to parody and remember. Soon after, celebrities began appearing in print ads with milk mustaches, adding star power to the message. The campaign ran successfully for more than two decades. According to AdAge, it became one of the most copied ad slogans of all time. “Got Milk?” became a cultural touchpoint and stayed relevant for years.
33. Dr. Pepper – Be a Pepper
Dr. Pepper’s “Be a Pepper” campaign was all about energy, music, and community. Launched in 1977, the commercials featured dance numbers and cheerful crowds all singing about being a “Pepper.” It gave the brand a unique identity, separate from its soda competitors. The phrase encouraged individuality while still creating a group feel. The jingle was lively and upbeat, sticking in viewers’ minds long after the ad ended. According to Billboard, it was one of the most music-focused campaigns of the time. The message was simple: Dr. Pepper was fun, different, and proud of it. People still remember being a Pepper.
34. Toyota – Oh What a Feeling!
In 1979, Toyota launched “Oh what a feeling!” and paired it with an unforgettable image: people jumping into the air at the end of every commercial. It was joyful, positive, and made buying a car feel like a reason to celebrate. The campaign worked across various models and global markets. For years, it remained Toyota’s go-to message, appearing in both U.S. and international advertisements. The jump became as iconic as the slogan itself. According to The Drum, Toyota wanted customers to feel proud of their purchase. With this campaign, they gave drivers not just a car, but a feeling.
35. Palmolive – You’re Soaking In It
In the 1960s, Palmolive took a bold approach to dish soap commercials. Instead of focusing on cleaning power alone, they added a twist. Madge the Manicurist would gently tell customers, “You’re soaking in it,” revealing that Palmolive was so gentle it could double as a hand soak. The campaign ran for over 20 years with minimal changes. Jan Miner played Madge, and her kind voice made the message believable and comforting. The slogan became a household phrase, repeated in parodies and quoted in daily conversation. Palmolive’s blend of care and cleaning helped the brand build lasting trust with families.
This story 35 Popular Commercials That Ran for Decades (Some Are Still Going Today) was first published on Daily FETCH
