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The Cubery Hot List United States

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In a media landscape where standing out has never been harder, this study establishes a new barometer for marketers and agencies across the U.S.—revealing the advertisers that are capturing the nation’s attention, as recalled by everyday consumers. To do this Cubery speaks to thousands of Americans every week, asking a simple question:

“What’s an ad you’ve seen recently that you either loved or hated? What brand was it for?”

Importantly, this isn’t simply a ranking of the nation’s biggest spenders—it’s a measure of the brands that are cutting through, getting noticed, and striking a chord with real people. By relying entirely on consumer memory, this never-before-seen research recognizes and rewards creative punch as much as media muscle.

Seeing what breaks through is one thing. Knowing why is another.

Kudos to all the brands featured in this quarter’s Top 15 and, of course, their legendary agency partners. If you’re interested in digging deeper into these results—or learning more about how Cubery helps brands unlock more creatively disruptive and commercially effective work—get in touch to speak with our team.

Q3 2025 Rankings

1. Nike
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy
While Nike made waves recently with its “Why Do It?” slogan switch, its broader campaign strategy has worked just as effectively to keep the brand top of mind. Featuring the biggest stars from U.S. sport, Nike’s advertising time and time again leverages feelings of inspiration and determination to deeply embed itself into people’s hearts and minds.
“It showed athletes overcoming challenges and pushing their limits, inspiring viewers to stay motivated and keep going.”
2. Amazon
Agency: In-house creative
It’s hard to find a category Amazon doesn’t exist in. From retail distribution to music and movies, the brand is omnipresent in everyday life. The same is also true in the media landscape. With a heavy rotation of quickfire ads focused on short-term deals mixed with broader brand awareness campaigns, Amazon’s constant focus on convenience works to keep them at the forefront of people’s minds.
‘The ad was about a family eating and the husband has to order from Amazon and because he uses prime, his order was delivered almost immediately.”
3. Liberty Mutual
Agency: Bandits & Friends
Liberty Mutual know a thing or two (or four) about distinctive brand assets. Colors, characters, cars, and audio signatures all make the LiMu and Doug narratives iconic for the brand. But Liberty Mutual don’t rest on these laurels. With these assets consistently wrapped up in a series humorous and engaging narratives, the ads draw people in while simultaneously feeling effortlessly compatible with people’s ideas of the brand.
“Doug is on the green of a golf course, and the golfer wants to know if he's a caddy. Doug says he's not a caddy and tells the golfer how to save on insurance…”
4. Starbucks
Agency: SPCSHP
A new entrant to the list this quarter, Starbucks did a magnificent job of promoting its summer beverage range. A collection of bright colors, sunny skies, and refreshing drinks (with an equally cool soundtrack to match), the upbeat and optimistic mood matched the proposition perfectly. With the distinctively green umbrellas and storefronts keeping the brand center stage, Starbucks made sure the happy vibe effectively translated into brand impact.
“It was showing the summer berry refresher that is now back for the summer.”
5. Apple
Agency: In-house creative
Much like Amazon, Apple’s place on the list is a sum of all its parts. While ads for the iPhone, iPad, and AppleTV+ all run concurrently, what connects them together is the uniquely ownable cinematic blend of cutting-edge technology and colorful creativity. The brand’s iPhone 17 launch campaign built on this, combining striking visuals, playful storytelling, and a clear sense of innovation that makes the products feel both desirable and human.
“The ad was displaying one of the newest iPhones showing the quality and new cameras.”
6. Geico
Agency: Martin
With its latest “Bag Check” spot, Geico stays true to its winning formula of light-hearted humor paired with unmistakable branding — ensuring viewers instantly know who's speaking. This consistency not only cements Geico’s place in America’s mental real estate, but reinforces its category distinctiveness through memorable storytelling and relentless media presence.
“A gecko gets his luggage at the airport and the security guard recognizes him.”
7. State Farm
Agency: Highdive
State Farm’s long-running success stems from its ability to balance humor with heart — blending pop culture moments with everyday human truths. Its “Batman vs. Bateman” spot continued this tradition, pairing familiar faces with witty storytelling to reinforce the brand’s dependable, always-on presence in consumers’ lives.
“Jake from State Farm says you rather have Batman than Bateman by your side and shows Bateman caught by twoface and Batman coming to rescue him telling him to start a podcast.”
8. Progressive
Agency: Arnold Worldwide
Progressive has carved out a distinct identity through its self-aware, character-driven humor — turning insurance from a functional necessity into cultural entertainment. The “Dr. Rick – Getting Involved” ad built on this formula, extending the much-loved “Parentamorphosis” platform in a way that feels both relatable and unmistakably Progressive.
“I love the ads for Progressive where new homeowners are turning into their parents and the mentor is trying to help them stop.”
9. Walmart
Agency: Fallon x Publicis Groupe
Walmart have never shied away from leveraging celebrity star power to capture attention. However, the retailer has consistently avoided falling into the “vampire effect” trap (where the celebrity overshadows the brand) by positioning Walmart as the driving force behind every narrative. Sure, the celebrity may draw audiences in, but it’s Walmart that delivers the solution every time.
“Anna Faris has pinkeye and orders a bunch of stuff. The ad parodies Ferris Bueler somewhat.”
10. Coca-Cola
Agency: Cartwright
Coca-Cola continues to embody optimism, unity, and shared joy — crafting campaigns that inspire emotional connection across generations. The “Go the Distance” campaign builds on this timeless narrative, celebrating perseverance and positivity in a way that reaffirms Coca-Cola’s role as a global symbol of togetherness.
“The ad shows a group of friends sharing Coca-Cola during a summer picnic, highlighting joy, togetherness and refreshing moments.”
11. McDonald's
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy
McDonald’s has mastered the art of cultural conversation — finding clever ways to keep its menu and brand personality fresh in people’s minds. The “Bye Bye, Bun” campaign is a prime example of this, playfully challenging category norms and sparking intrigue through a simple but entertaining twist on a much loved classic.
“Brian Cox narrates the commercial... and talks about the McChicken... but-a-but-but…”
12. Allstate
Agency: Wieden+Kennedy
Allstate’s “Mayhem” remains one of the most enduring and distinctive campaign platforms in the insurance category — continually using drama and comedy to make a serious message stick. The “Mayhem Big Rock” campaign follows this legacy, dramatizing life’s unpredictable moments while reinforcing Allstate’s role as a dependable safety net.
“The guy called Mayham cccccauses a car to wreck.”
13. Pepsi
Agency: BBDO
Pepsi’s advertising has long championed fun, energy, and cultural connection — celebrating moments that bring people together. “Tailgate Crashers” built on this positioning, tapping into the excitement of game day and reaffirming Pepsi’s place at the heart of America’s social rituals.
“It was an ad about the Super Bowl and Pepsi product it was fun, funny and the people in it look like they were having a great time.”
14. Verizon
Agency: Ogilvy
Verizon consistently focuses on leadership and reliability — underscored by an awareness of how culture evolves around it. The brand’s “Different” execution featuring Lindsay Lohan captures this balance perfectly, using nostalgia to show that while the world may change, Verizon’s dependable service remains a constant.
“Lindsey Lohan explains Verizon’s new deals.”
15. Burger King
Agency: BarkleyOKRP
Burger King’s advertising continues to celebrate individuality, nostalgia, and a bit of rebellion — all centered on its iconic Whopper. The “Your Whopper, Your Way” campaign reinforces this long-standing promise, inviting customers to embrace personalization while reminding them why Burger King is a category original.
“The food looks great, the customer looks hungry, I'm hungry, I can relate, goes into the store and they have plenty of mix and match options for him, burgers I want to eat.”
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