Google Reveals The Top YouTube Ads For 2020

Google has revealed Australia’s favourite YouTube ads for 2020.
The YouTube Ads Leaderboard ranks ads based on how creative and how engaging they are. It calculates factors such as organic and paid views, watch time and audience retention.
Google Australia and New Zealand head of creative development Fiona Walford said the 2020 leaderboard showed that the brands willing to push the limits with creativity were the ones that performed the best.
“2020 was a year to remember in many ways – for the creative industry it was a year of invention: finding new ways to create and produce, different ways to tell stories in a new and sometimes untested environment, and working out what resonated as we all went into a global pandemic within a sense of uncertainty,” Walford said.
What transpired is exemplified by the 2020 AU Ads Leaderboard, which is a testament to the breadth of highly effective creative work we saw on YouTube every day of that strange year, and brings to life the best ways to speak to that huge and diverse audience. It was rich and diverse, from pure brand ads, to long form storytelling to EOFY sales; all of them have found a place in the 2020 top 10.”
The top 10 YouTube ads for 2020 can be seen below:
1. ‘Did Somebody Say Menulog?’ campaign featuring Snoop Dogg – Menulog
Walford: “Who could forget the distinctive voice of Snoop Dogg and that tune? So catchy and memorable, and clearly a huge success for the brand. It picks up on some key YouTube creative principles; great music, a famous face, fast moving scene changes to maintain attention – and a great first five seconds to kick things off! The long form 60 second ad coincided with a change of logo and a ‘Dogg’s Diner’ menu to enjoy. Brilliant stuff and a stand out number one.”
Credits:
- Company – Menulog
- Creative Agency – McCann London
Media agency – Universal McCann
2. Galaxy Z Fold2 – Samsung Australia
Walford: “Fast pacing is a well tested principle on YouTube to maintain attention and this is well delivered by the Samsung Galaxy work, which also leans heavily on showcasing the new fold feature and zooming in on the benefits. Some crisp, sharp visuals outlining use cases delivered clear messaging.”
Credits:
- Company – Samsung Australia
- Creative Agency – Che Proximity
- Media agency – Che Proximity
3. Sportsbet’s Elite Average Games – Sportsbet
Walford: “Also working with longer form – nearly 3 mins – and equally attention grabbing is this ad from Sportsbet. It’s a brilliant parody on the Olympics (sadly the only Olympics running in 2020!), and ‘laugh out loud’ funny, with many ‘average sports’ featuring Aussie world beaters. The branding is super clear throughout, and the Aussie-isms well entwined in the voiceover. Onya Australia! I especially loved the Wheelie Bin race at the end, and the nod to Cathy Freeman’s iconic outfit. The bright high contrast colours, fast pace and attention driving story arc really pack a punch.”
Credits:
- Company – Sportsbet
- Creative Agency – Sportsbet’s Marketing Content Team
- Media agency – Sportsbet’s Paid Social Team
4. Feel the Rhythm of Korea – Korean Tourism Organisation
Walford: “It feels weird to think about international travel in these times, but we can all dream! Launching in July 2020 ‘Feel the Rhythm of Korea’ is attention grabbing from the first frame with memorable dancing, colourful outfits, and catchy music. You cannot help but be inspired by the beautiful locations shown throughout and the good vibes this 90 second ad delivers. Watch it once and that tune is stuck in your head for hours! Creative principles of bright high contrast colours and really strong pacing here.”
Credits:
- Company – Korean Tourism Organisation
5. Cyberpunk 2077 — Seize the Day
Walford: “Humorous and entertaining. Hollywood star Keanu Reeves appears from the beginning of the Cyberpunk 2077 ad, delivering immediate impact in a trailer-like ad for the action role-playing game. It also features a clear call to action, plus more about the game if you want it on their YouTube channel – always a winning formula when more content is available.”
Credits:
- Company/brand – CD Projekt
- Media agency – Bohemia Media Agency
6. Hugh Jackman gets Comfortable – R.M. Williams
Walford: “Famous faces (and other parts !) came to the fore highlighting a highly successful YouTube creative principle with the hilarious R.M.Williams ad featuring Australia’s own Hugh Jackman – their Global Boot Ambassador. The ad was made by Ryan Reynolds’ agency, Maximum Effort. A naked Hugh (aside from his boots of course) chats to the awkward R.M.Williams representative who clearly doesn’t know how to say “thank you – but please get dressed.” Funny, warm and spot on for this iconic Aussie footwear brand.
Credits:
- Company – R.M. Williams
- Creative Agency – Maximum Effort
- Media agency – Audience Precision & Resolution Media (Digital Performance Agency)
7. Sink A Sub – Subway
Walford: “Animation was cleverly used by Subway to bring to life their Sink a Subway high-sea gaming experience – with colourful characters, lots of action, and a strong call to action, ensuring everyone was a winner when they bought a ‘sub-and-drink’.”
Credits:
- Company – Subway
- Creative Agency – Wunderman Thompson
- Media agency – Ikon
8. Get Better at Bills – BPAY
Walford: “This long form tutorial type ad featured the fabulous drag artist Leasa Mann – who became the new face of electronic bill-payment system BPAY after she offered to pay the bills of struggling Australians in the pandemic using the service. That initial act of generosity has continued to grow, with Leasa fronting a new BPAY tutorial video that will also raise money for the First Nations Foundation.. A really fun, fast paced and informative video, using large type supers effectively and including a donation at the end if the viewer completes the video – a very nice touch!”
Credits:
- Company – BPAY
- Creative Agency – BMF
- Media agency – Ikon
9. Made in Affalterbach. The new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series – Mercedes-AMG
Walford: “Mercedes have created a mysterious, intriguing ad for the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Fundamentally celebrating all things wonderful about a performance automobile, you can see why anyone and everyone would want to test drive this car! Quick scene changes delivering multiple peaks in the story line, tight framing, beautiful shots of the car, and the sound of the engine accelerating. This 60 second ad holds your attention right until the end, and ultimately brings a smile to your face with an unexpected shift. Great deliverables of YouTube Creative best practice.”
Credits:
- Company – Mercedes AMG
- Creative Agency – n/a
- Media agency – OMG
10. EOFY. See It To Believe It – Hyundai
Walford: “Clever ‘eye-catching’ animation in a real life scenario, and good signage acting as a background call to action. An effective and successful way to deliver creative during a time when production constraints made shooting ads very difficult, and when new car sales were starting to return to 2019 levels after a challenging first few months.”
Credits:
- Company – Hyundai
- Creative Agency – Innocean Australia
- Media agency – Hearts & Science
Latest News

Creating Efficiencies in the Age of Consumer Privacy
In this opinion piece, Jess Miles, Country Manager ANZ of Integral Ad Science, reflects on the questions surrounding consumer data. The ability to collect consumer data online has revolutionised digital advertising by enabling customised targeting strategies and data collection. This reliance on data has been the cornerstone of many audience targeted strategies enabling marketers to […]

Jye Smith Named President Of Vibewire Board
After ten years of board leadership of the young entrepreneurial collective Vibewire, Founder & Co-CEO of Disruptors Co. Gavin Heaton is passing the torch to fellow strategy and creative leader Jye Smith, Founder and Director of branding and design studio DOUBLESTAR CO, who will now take over as Board President.

The Peers Project And Alibaba Group Launch Entrepreneur Podcast Series, ‘The Build Up’
There are now so many podcasts in the world that it would take the average person 98.9 years to find an interesting one.

AnalogFolk Promotes Two Senior Staff
AnalogFolk has promoted two senior staff, but not promoted enough to secure a spot in the downstairs carpark.

“Destroying The World!”: Confusion Reigns As Mr Potato Head Goes Gender Neutral
Mr Potato Head goes gender neutral. Barbie apparently happy she's no longer the most marginalised one in the toy aisle.

New Mercedes G-Class Campaign From Akkurat Studios Makes A “Pointe”
B&T arrived to work this morning in a chauffeured Mercedes-Benz. Well "chauffeur/government bus driver", same thing.

Kia Selects Cartelux To Spearhead Dealer Ad Technology
It's not one but four motoring articles today, dear readers. Call it coincidence as B&T really knows nothing about cars.

‘Woka-Cola’: Trump Supporters Boycott Coca-Cola Over Anti-Racism Seminar
Trump supporters are calling for a Coke ban in the US. However, it remains doubtful if that will grow their teeth back.

Dear God! Triple J Books Return Of OG Wiggles For Like A Version
It's all hot potato and big red cars in the B&T office this morning. Scottish staffer reconsiders visa application.

Thursday TV Wrap: MAFS Hands Nine The Win On A Quiet Night
Last night's TV numbers again appeared to confirm that after 15 years still nobody's watching Bondi Rescue.

Twenty-Seven Year Old Australian Margaret Zhang Appointed Editor Of Vogue China
Who doesn't love to see Aussies doing well on the world stage! Okay, maybe not Schapelle Corby or Mel Gibson.

VOZ Insights: “Television Is Now An Everywhere, Multi-Device Medium”
Only Jesus' second coming and the next Guns N Roses album officially taking longer than the arrival of VOZ.

Australian CDP Lexer Raises $33.5M In Funding
Lexer, the Customer Data Platform for brands and retailers, today announced it has raised AU$33.5 million in Series B funding, bringing its total funding to AU$43 million. The round was led by Blackbird Ventures and King River Capital, with Series A investor January Capital also participating. Blackbird’s Rick Baker will join the Lexer board. The […]

CHE Proximity Unveils Latest Work For eBay
These new eBay ads have an eerie sense of déjà vu. Worse, a not overly funny déjà vu either.

Thrive PR + Communications Makes Multiple Hires Across Sydney & Melbourne
Thrive PR has announced a string of new hires, none of whom chain smokes or swigs from a Stoli bottle.

Peroni’s Zero Alcohol Beer Partners With Aston Martin, Ahead Of Its Formula One Return
Problem with zero alcohol beers is it's all the urine but without the embarrassing one-night stands of full-strength.

Pepsi Brings Messi, Pogba And Sancho To Life In Bubbly New Campaign
B&T's shamelessly namedropping in this headline. Unless you've no idea who they are, then just move to the next article.

Chief Of Cherokee Nation Calls For Jeep To Retire Vehicle Name: “It’s Time”
Do you own a Jeep Cherokee? Well, watch it instantly devalue by a good 10 grand by simply reading this.

Women’s Lifestyle Media Company The Grace Tales Acquired By AllBright
Local women's lifestyle media company receives what all publishers are looking for - a large cheque in an acquisition.

Martech Myths: Why Most Organisations Waste Ninety-Five Per Cent Of Their Software Capabilities
This expert columnist is debunking martech myths. Including the one about Salesforce making you pregnant.

Net Profit Up 60% For Southern Cross Austereo On The Back Of Leaner Operating Model
Southern Cross Austereo's profits up 60%! Which certainly made interviewing Grant Blackley today a lot less awkward.

Cummins&Partners Welcomes PR Agency Romano Beck, Bringing Creative, Media and PR Under One Roof
Cummins&Partners has welcomed Romano Beck, who may sound like a swarthy Italian actor but is actually a PR agency.

CarsGuide Partners With Mitsubishi, Wavemaker To Create Virtual Road Trips
CarsGuide, Mitsubishi and Wavemaker create virtual road trips that includes virtual car sickness.

Petition To Ban Same-Sex Kiss In Cadbury Crème Egg Ad Garners 56,000 Signatures
Cadbury Crème Eggs join Durex condoms & Frankie Goes To Hollywood on list of things Christians find hard to swallow.

Future of TV Advertising Conference: Times Are Tough, But We’re All In This Together
B&T's reporting live from today's Future Of TV event. Not before mistakenly going to the dental hygienist conference.

TV Will Not Only Build Your Brand, It Will Get Your Cash Registers Ringing
There can be no denying TV's power as an advertising medium. Putting aside Holey Moley and Plate Of Origin, that is.

TikTok Continues To Fight COVID Misinformation
Current COVID misinformation includes the vaccine can make you pregnant while developing a Lionel Richie addiction.

Wednesday TV Wrap: 10’s The Cube Debuts To 567,000, Gives MAFS A Little Hickey
B&T's delivering all of last night's TV numbers, dipped in chocolate, rolled in coconut, with a tasty jam-filled centre.

As Bruce Springsteen Is Cleared Of Drunk Driving Charge, Jeep Resumes Use Of Super Bowl Ad
With the Springsteen saga dealt with, Jeep now turns its focus to Michelle Bridges as its next brand ambassador.

WPP AUNZ’s Unveils 32.6% Profit Drop For 2020, Revenues down 14.1%
WPP AUNZ's results out today made for some pretty sobering reading. That's why B&T read them with a couple of daiquiris.