Coinbase’s Backstreet Boys-inspired Super Bowl ad divides viewers

Coinbase aired a 60-second Super Bowl commercial that was essentially a karaoke sing-along to the Backstreet Boys' song "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)," ending with the tagline "Coinbase. Crypto. For Everbody." The crypto exchange stated the ad aimed to draw viewers into a movement and leverage karaoke for community connection. Reactions were split: some praised it as genius marketing that was memorable and engaging, while critics viewed it as a "bait-and-switch" that slapped the polarizing crypto label onto a universally loved song. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong defended the ad, saying it was unique enough to break through the noise and promote economic freedom. The ad aired during the highly-watched NFL championship game, where 30-second spots cost around $8 million.

(Source：The Block)