Mind boggling fake OOH ads we loved in 2024

Fake out of home (FOOH) ads have become the industry's new favourite plaything throughout 2024 as we see increased use of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI). 

From Chinese smartphone brand OPPO taking over the HSBC Rain Vortex in Jewel Changi Airport and turning the waterfall into liquid silver to HBO celebrating the launch of House of the Dragon season two by plastering Marina Bay Sands' towers and the exterior of the National Gallery with CGI banners, FOOH is everywhere we look. 

Below are some of the most interesting FOOH ads that took the internet by storm. 

Don't miss: Are FOOH ads pushing creatives to reimagine their boundaries? 

1. Caudalie 

While the world geared up for the Paris Olympics, French skincare brand Caudalie cleared up the River Seine in a cheeky FOOH social media post. 

In a video seen on Instagram, the brand's Vinoperfect serum is seen cruising down the river. The serum drips down the edge of the dropper and instantly changes the colour of the river from a dirty green to a shade of blue. As the serum clears the river, green balloons appear out of the water too.

The caption accompanying the video said, "Clearing up the Seine of its dark spots, one bottle of Vinoperfect serum at a time." 

Read more here. 

2. CeraVe

American skincare brand CeraVe took over Marina Bay Sands with a new fake out-of-home (FOOH) campaign to celebrate its launch in Singapore in March this year.

In one of the video ads for the campaign, the shadow of a giant-sized bottle of CeraVe's moisturising lotion is seen flying over the Singapore flyer. The lotion bottle later peeks out from behind from the Marina Bay Sands building.The bottle then flies above and circles the building before landing on the ground. A giant tub of CeraVe's moisturising cream joins the bottle too.

The video ends with the announcement that CeraVe is now available in Singapore. It was created in partnership with Singaporean mixed reality artist Aundraj Jude.

Read more here. 

3. HBO Go

In July this year, landmarks across Asia were taken over by banners supporting Queen Rhaenyra and King Aegon in a fake out of home campaign by HBO GO. The campaign aimed to celebrate the launch of House of the Dragon season two and invited fans to pledge their allegiance to either side - Team Black for Queen Rhaenyra or Team Green for King Aegon. 

In addition, various outdoor installations and activations were also held across the region too. In Singapore, Marina Bay Sands proudly made a claim for Team Black while the National Gallery's entrance welcomes allies of Team Green with CGI banners. Meanwhile, the King Power Mahanakhon building in Thailand made a stake for Team Green in a CGI banner. In the Philippines, CGI banners were raised at Manila City Hall and the historical Intramuros building.

Read more here. 

4. Julie's Biscuits 

Malaysian snack brand Julie's Biscuits released a fake out-of-home (FOOH) ad featuring its 'Malaysian Swag Pouch', created in collaboration with local streetwear brand Pestle & Mortar Clothing in celebration of Merdeka Day in Malaysia. 

The FOOH ad sees the pouch atop a striking yellow Julie's truck. The truck then makes its way across Merdeka Square as onlookers pass by the street. The pouch features Malaysian-inspired motifs such as a modern batik design and subtle peanut butter sandwich motifs representative of Julie's Biscuits on the exterior. Meanwhile, the interior features classic Malaysian elements such as a yellow school bus, the Rafflesia plant, durian, iced tea and the Julie's Biscuits peanut butter sandwich. 

Read more here. 

5. Oppo 

Chinese smartphone brand OPPO took over global landmarks in a new FOOH ad campaign. Unveiled earlier in June, the campaign aimed to showcases the brand's new phone - the OPPO Reno12 - and highlighted its fluid liquid silver design.

The ad campaign features cities such as Singapore, Dubai, Rome, Barcelona and London. According to a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, the ambitious initiative aims to underscore OPPO's innovative spirit and connect with global audiences in a more dynamic and engaging manner. 

In Singapore, liquid silver is seen flowing out of the HSBC Rain Vortex in Jewel Changi Airport. A train passes by the attraction and gets wrapped in liquid silver too. A Reno12 phone later appears from the HSBC Rain Vortex. Meanwhile, in Rome, a coin is seen being thrown into the iconic Trevi fountain. When the coin lands into the fountain, the water changes into liquid silver. The statue of the god Oceanus that sits atop the fountain is then replaced by an OPPO Reno12. 

Read more here. 

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