YouTube have unveiled a special Cannes edition of its global leadership board, showcasing the most popular ads that ran between last year’s Cannes Lions and this year, racking up a total of 403 million views. The ranking is determined using factors like watch time, views, and a mix of paid and organic views.
Empowering ads seem to have hit home with viewers, with Always and Adidas leading the charge. While Always’ second leg of its #LikeAGirl campaign encourages girls to break boundaries, Adidas seeks to motivate viewers to take action in their own lives and “create your own game”.
Super Bowl spots also made an impact, with Hyundai, Mountain Dew and Pokémon teaming up with YouTube to stir excitement before, during and after the big game.
Half of the leaderboard winners were repeat winners from 2015, with continued success from Hyundai, Always, Samsung, Clash of Clans and Adidas. Meanwhile, new faces include Skittles, Duracell, vivo, and Pokémon.