35 Weird And Cringey Ads People Used To Market Products Online

When selling a product, an advertising company can do you wonders. They can find your target clientele or, better yet, create a demand for your products even when people have no need for them. Whoever you choose to hire, just ensure they’re experienced. Their services may cost a lot, but getting your money’s worth should be non-negotiable.

On the flip side, there’s such a thing as bad advertising. You could have a fantastic product, but then the marketing strategy ends up being a complete disaster. In this listicle, we have compiled 30+ cringe-worthy ads you should never imitate, lest you want to nuke your client base. If you gain a massive following with such, assume that your fans are in it for the humor, just like we are.

The Stuff of Nightmares

Campbell Soup was founded by people who shared a love for food. They have been around since the 1800s. What’s their mission? We don’t know the official answer, but unofficially, it’s to make tasty canned soups. However, this image of their product doesn’t embody that mission.

If “Jason Voorhees” from Friday the 13th had a teddy as a kid, it would look like this. Its eyes would stare at you, and you would feel the weight of its gaze from across the room, even in the dark. It’s no wonder this person needs this doll gone.

Food-inspired Couture

If this next one is anything to go by, there is a thin line between beauty and madness. There are clothes that you would spend a thousand dollars on in a heartbeat, and then there are fashion items such as this.

We’d rather wear no clothes whatsoever than throw on this eyesore. We get the idea of feeling like eye candy in a gorgeous outfit, but this is far from it. No one wants to be associated with greased skillets and burger patties.

Accessorize!

The right accessories can elevate a look from basic to chic in a flash. Take your pick—rings, piercings, and even earplugs. We found this pair of earplugs online that are bound to catch people’s attention. You can buy them in different gauges.

Do you know how difficult it is to find the correct gauge of earplugs, much less to have Nicolas Cage’s face plastered on them? That is why this limited edition piece is worth its price. Buy a pair, and you can mutilate your earlobes and your reputation at work!

That Fast, Huh

We have to admit it, we are slaves to anti-aging products. We are not the only ones, though. Many women flock to online shops to buy rejuvenating snail sets, moisturizers, and even skin-tightening creams such as this. Reckon it’s legit?

With a 4.8 rating and nearly 2500 orders, we’re guessing it’s effective. With only a bottle’s use, you can erase those fine wrinkles and turn back time to when you looked like a baby in the womb. Now, if that isn’t a revolutionary product, we don’t know what is.

Hard Pass

We have taken a liking to dance as a hobby. It’s the perfect aerobic workout, and you never get bored. However, if it’s something you don’t usually do but would like to try out, we suggest you find a partner to hold you accountable.

We read the caption and thought it was a cute doll like the ones found in music boxes. Then we got to the picture, and now we can’t shake the image out of our heads. This one’s definitely a hard pass.

A Reminder of Your Life’s Work

At this point in life, you probably consider yourself successful. With a stable source of income, family by your side and a house to call home, that’s about it for most people. But to keep things from getting to your head, we have this hilarious poster.

It’s the perfect decor piece for those who have inflated egos. Gordon Ramsay will remind you that there’s always something to frown upon and improve on. And if you happen to act like the idiot that you are, worry not. Everyone makes mistakes every now and then.

Quick Remedy For Chores

Don’t you just hate washing the dishes? We sure do. But thanks to this food package, you won’t have to worry about using plates or washing them. Just boil the food items in the bag, tear it open, and enjoy!

But beware, you might lose all appetite for macaroni and beef after that. You might even heave up all your stomach contents. This product had so many issues, and apparently, some customers even had Roundmeal-related stomach issues. When the deal is too good, think twice.

These Boots Were Made for Splashing

Crocs are one of the most hideous shoes we have ever seen. But despite their grotesqueness, their demand is still high. It turns out that the good people at Crocs decided to give the people what they really wanted: Cowboy boots.

These boots are lightweight, too. You can easily wash them and leave them out to dry. But, like with all things plastic, these are an easy target for dogs. Just keep them out of the reach of those paws, and you could wear these things for a lifetime!

Fleek Lashes

While it’s important to be thrifty in your dealings, you needn’t be a cheapskate in matters like hygiene. This woman took to Facebook to sell her eco-friendly eyelash extensions. She claimed she had just made them, and they were perfect for any eye shape.

She accepts cash on delivery. So you can place an order and wait for the package to be delivered before paying for the merch. There aren’t any warranties, though. You bear the risk of permanently losing your vision, and good reputation, from wearing these eyelashes.

Perfect for Halloween

Halloween is always a fun holiday. In case you find it challenging to find inspiration for your costume, we suggest you try channeling “Chewbacca.” You don’t have to buy a fake outfit, though. All you have to do is buy two bottles of this online.

You’re guaranteed quick hair growth when you spray this in just three days! You wouldn’t have to worry about someone else looking like the resistance fighter, Chewie, since you’d be the sole realistic Wookiee male warrior in the neighborhood! Shaving off the costume might be the only bummer.

Weird Case of Mid-Life Crisis

After reaching their 40s, many people stop to ask themselves what they’re working 40 hours a week for. They question everything about themselves—their jobs, their purpose, and what truly brings them contentment. Some take up risky hobbies just for the thrill of it.

Is it just us, or does this inventor have a death wish? He could have started his own bee farm or put up a teaching course to help others make their own outdoor beehives, but nooo! This felt like a more lucrative venture.

Want A Snowjob?

You’re set to leave for the office in 10 minutes. You hurriedly lock the house and then walk down the porch. You turn left to where the car is, and then you see your neighbor, hands on hips, waving at you. He asks, “Do you want a snow job?”

“Sorry, what?” He holds out two bottles of carwash products and explains, “A snowjob. That’s the next step after spraying the car wet. Should only take 10 minutes tops!” You tear your gaze away and shake your head. “Maybe next time.” You slide into the car seat. Maybe never.

Seeing Double

It pays to have a beautiful woman as your model. Science has proven that you’re more likely to look at someone if you find them physically attractive. So if you want to market a product, hire someone you would turn your head unashamedly to look at.

Sure, this is a gorgeous woman. But that’s not why we’re staring at the creepy ad for longer than necessary. We can’t seem to determine if she’s looking right or left or if she has two foreheads. Whatever it is, it’s making us dizzy.

Going Quack

What is with this quackery? While turning the pages of a magazine, we stopped to see this ad that advises men on how to steal the look. It sounds innocent enough until you discover whose look it is they are trying to copy.

No thanks. We wouldn’t want to follow suit. Let the duck do its thing. After all, it fits him. We can’t wade in a pond to hide that hideous shade of orange. Go to the office dressed like that, and you’ll be a sitting duck for everyone’s snide comments!

In a Tight Spot

This man likely prides himself on his ability to deadlift a thousand kilos. He’s one of those people you’d call a gym buff. Conveniently enough, he also works as a furniture mover. While moving out some of his belongings to a larger flat, this happened.

When you’re caught in such a tight spot, even the enviable ability to lift heavy objects is useless. He could try to lift one end, but given his skills, he might break the furniture in half. This problem requires strategy, and it looks like his, is to find the services of a professional.

No Kidding

Sometimes it’s fun to treat yourself to the Mexican culinary style. Top your food with chili and spices. Trust us. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime gustatory experience once you taste that added kick to your dishes. Just be careful not to overeat.

If you do, you risk ruining your sheets according to this brand. Oh, and the pain of your stomach churning—there’s nothing quite like it (and not in a good way). Start with a heat rating of 2/10 and gradually build your way to a 12.

Back From The Dead

This woman had always imagined herself as a mother. She used to spend her days pining away for a child to hold in her arms. As luck would have it, a stork dropped by one day to give her a gift. She and her kid get along on so many levels.

She feels like a woman reborn now that she looks after these raggedy dolls. She doesn’t have to worry about nappy changes or cries in the middle of the night. She can put this baby to sleep (or send it to the grave) whenever she feels like it.

Audible Gulp

For as long as we can remember, McDonald’s has been a safe place to dine with loved ones. They have kiddie meals, playgrounds, and toys for every child. All in all, the restaurant chain had a reputation for being family-friendly. Until they came up with this.

Someone must not have gotten their fill for the month. Parents stared wide-eyed at this poster, stifled a laugh, and then ushered their kids into the cafe. You can bet that this hilarious ad made their day. One for the road, please!

Life In The Wild

There’s no greater joy than to run in the wild. Take it from these two. They’ve been at it for two years now, saying there is nothing like having wild lions prowl around you as you stroll in the park. Soon, they’ll be feeding on grass.

Would you ever want to book a viewing to see these two walk on stilts? We’re guessing the zoo must’ve been feeding the actual giraffes so poorly that they refused to clock in. Now, we have to settle for these posers.

The Bidet’s Competition

Thanks to inflation, the prices of commodities are rising. Whereas before, you could fill your shopping cart with a couple of hundred dollars, now you can only fill it halfway. It’s time to resort to alternatives, like this roto wipe.

Manufacturers claim that this baby should be able to replace your toilet paper. Forget the bidet or a good old towel. Using this cleaning wheel to wipe off piss on your seat or grit from your bum is much better. It should get rid of any itching, too!

Boy to Man In A Jiffy

For most men, a beard is all they need to have the ladies eating from their fingers. Grow the right shape for your face, and you just might have the appeal of Brad Pitt. If it takes forever for your beard to grow, we have this serum to help speed the process.

This beard oil is so effective it can make an infant become a man in a matter of seconds. Watch him grow into his prepubescent self with just a pat under his chin. Just remember to keep this out of reach of children!

Can’t Unsee

This is precisely what happens when you have too much time on your hands. You end up experimenting and creating these atrocious works of art that deserve to be thrown in the trash. Beware: there is no unseeing this picture.

Seeing as it’s made out of yarn, the more you launder this, the worse it looks. Please do us a favor: take it off and store it until Halloween. Whoever’s house you visit gets to have the trick and the treat if you greet them looking like this.

‘Hooded’ Eyes

Only those who have tried it will know. Once you get eyelash extensions, you will almost always want them reapplied every two weeks. This woman, for example, is addicted to them. She feels like she is nude whenever she doesn’t have them on.

She has her stylist attach extensions all over her eyelids. It doesn’t matter if there aren’t any natural lashes to attach each to, so long as she gets that heavy-lidded look. We can only imagine just how much of a struggle it is to keep her eyes open.

Saved by 33 Shoppers?

Just because you’ve outgrown old clothes and footwear doesn’t mean they’re objectively worthless. You can sell your pre-loved clothes online. You should be able to find a paying customer who has the need for them. Take this woman here, for example.

Buy this pair, and you get a limited-edition athlete’s foot. We suspect that wearing these sandals just once will make your feet feel itchy. You might be able to save up some money with this purchase, but we’re sure that’ll cost you on your trip to the doctor!

Needs Bashing

At one point, West End Motorsports had a healthy customer base. The phone wouldn’t stop ringing with customers eager to place their orders. But when business dried up, they felt like they had to reinvent themselves. And marketing stunts such as this were born.

If they meant to humor customers, they did a great job. The last thing we want is dents or scratches on our face…erm, on that helmet. We wonder who comes up with these ridiculous ideas and why they still get paid for them.

Caveman Go Argh!

If you’re looking for unique, casual footwear, check out Poshmark’s shop. They have shoes that quickly go out of stock because of their simple-yet-sturdy designs. Just recently, they published another model that was inspired by the Neanderthal man. A revolutionary product.

Caveman go argh! He swings his bat, and it lands with a loud thud on the ground. He moves to examine this pair of slippers, sniffs each end, takes a bite to see if it’s edible, and then throws it away. Even the caveman knows these shoes are useless!

Going for Other Reasons

It’s that time of the year. Foreigners are flocking to Thailand to view its heritage sites, learn about its culture, and sample its delicious food, like durian. Inside this spikey fruit is sweet, yellow meat. Just remember to pinch your nose when you take a bite of it.

It smells like gym socks, onions, and turpentine. But don’t let its scent betray you. The durian is actually quite delicious once you get used to it. You can even dip it in salt. Just make sure to chew it well. Otherwise, you’ll be taking frequent trips to the bathroom.

Warning Not Needed

On a visit to the furniture store, a woman and her partner came across this set. It was simple and elegant. Despite its antique design, it cost much less than the woman expected. The sign kind of gives it away.

Sure, yeah. The woman and her partner look at each other. On the one hand, they can’t have guests in the house because their furniture is outdated. On the other, they might not have guests because someone or something might be chasing them out of the house. Tough choice.

Is That A Nail?

When other people hear “Balenciaga,” they imagine thousands of dollars, luxury items, and sports cars. When we hear “Balenciaga,” we think of overpriced t-shirts, a painful pair of heels, and utter madness. This project design pretty much sums it up.

You know you can get the look for less by driving a nail up the heel of your Crocs. As with most heels, you should only be centering your weight toward the pads of your toes. So you needn’t worry about that nail piercing your foot.

Enviable Locs On The Weirdest Places

We have seen a lot of shady items on Lazada. From kids’ toys to clothing items, there’s almost always something that will make you cock your eyebrow. We chanced upon this hair treatment serum that supposedly helps grow your hair back.

This finger has a healthier mane of hair than most men’s scalps do. And oddly enough, the product has nearly a five-star rating from over 100 customers. Do you reckon they tried growing hair on their fingers before applying the product to their scalp?

Very Functional

We have had it with these Facebook ads. All they do is add to our mental clutter. After browsing through ILYSM‘s products, we can’t help but ask: what’s the point of split-toe shoes? As far as we know, separating the big toe from the rest doesn’t serve any purpose.

Breathable? It’s not like the big toe is in desperate need of oxygen. The only thing that’s choking us is the laughter bubbling from our throats. But you’ve gotta respect, ILYSM. That photo makes the product worth its 129 USD price.

Fiery Hot

We have to give this cafe owner points for their cute little ad. He was selling chorizos by the stick. You could buy them as is or pair them with rice and sauce. They had an original, spicy flavor and if you’re wondering just how hot they were, look no further.

You might not have much of a tongue left after eating this. This chorizo is so hot that it will cause you to breathe out intense flames that could melt just about anything, including your teeth. Just pair it with milk. Milk always does the trick.

Liar!

Disney recently decided to recreate its cartoon classics. From Alladin to Beaty And The Beast, there are slight tweaks to the movie plots. But after seeing this picture, we can’t help but think they are hiding something from us. After all, “Pinnochio” is a known liar.

All we know is that the wooden boy wants to be human. He lives in a magical world, so that could be as easy as asking a fairy to grant him a couple of wishes. However, nothing would have prepared us for the mental image brought on by this ad.

Weekly Purge

We have never considered ourselves to be religious, and we’ll tell you why. One cloudy day, we happened to be taking our dog on a walk. We were walking past the church when we saw this cute little banner. From then on, we decided we would never attend such meetings.

We would rather wait for the second coming instead of signing ourselves up for a purge. At least then, we will have time to ask for forgiveness and make amends with the people we have hurt. Yeah, the list is long. Don’t judge.

Shades Vs. Eyepatches

Back in the day, pirates wore eye patches to prepare one eye to see well in the dark. When going below the deck, they would switch the patch from the eye that had been adjusted to low-light conditions to the other. Given that fun fact, we couldn’t help but buy a box of these.

Of course, you can always wear shades to help your eyes get accustomed to bright lights. Once you remove them, you should be able to adjust to low-light conditions, too. The only disadvantage is that they don’t have the same appeal eyepatches have.