3D billboard ads are designed to stand out, both in crowded city streets and in audiences’ minds. Studies even show that 3D billboards elicit greater attention and ad recall compared to conventional ones. So if you’ve been thinking of using 3D billboards in your advertising campaigns, this might just be your sign to make it happen.
In this article, we’re going to check out the best 3D billboards that stopped passersby in their tracks. We’ll get a good, close look at each example so you can pick up a bunch of creative inspiration along the way.
Let’s go.
1. House of the Dragon by HBO
Times Square is known for having some of the best billboard ads. And it’s got more than a few LED digital billboards that brands can use to create some epic 3D ads, like this example by the television network, HBO.
HBO created this 3D billboard to advertise the release of House of the Dragon, the highly-anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones. And what better way to grab attention than with a gigantic fire-breathing dragon towering over New Yorkers’ heads?
If you haven’t seen the series (watch it!), it’s filled with stellar visuals and an addicting storyline. So this fierce 3D billboard sets the scene perfectly.
2. Masterpiece by Coca-Cola
Remember going to see your first 3D movie in the theater and being amazed by how real it all felt? Great 3D advertising can recreate that sense of awe by bridging the gap between fantasy and reality. And this billboard by Coca-Cola did all that and more.
As part of the brand’s wider Masterpiece campaign, it turned classic art (like the “Girl with a Pearl Earring”) into interactive posters. This digital display showed a Coke bottle being passed through the poster and into the hands of stunned passersby at Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo.
This is a super creative use of the digital out of home advertising medium, and its strategic placement creates a tangible, positive brand experience for the audience. Especially in a place where I’m sure an ice-cold Coke was much appreciated.
3. The Wheel of Time by Amazon Prime
Next on the list, we’ve got this trippy advertising billboard in London Piccadilly (and other locations around the world). The 3D billboard was created to showcase The Wheel of Time series and its upcoming release on Amazon Prime.
Unlike traditional billboards that portray single static images, 3D billboard advertising (and digital ads in general) can be used to tell much more compelling brand stories. And Amazon certainly made the most of the medium here. The billboard perfectly depicts a narrative of ‘Light’ versus ‘Dark’, bringing the plot of the show to life in a whole new setting.
Supercharge your marketing reviews
Share, review, and approve all your content in one place with Filestage.
4. XM by BMW
The BMW XM is a hybrid electric SUV that’s built on innovation. So it’s pretty fitting that the automaker chose a sleek, futuristic 3D billboard ad to advertise its release.
The ad shows the new SUV cruising through scenic, mountainous landscapes before almost driving off the billboard and onto the streets of NYC. The car looks fierce, while the contrast between the busy city and peaceful rocky peaks makes the entire illusion all the more interesting.
Not only did this outdoor ad amaze people in real life, but it also racked up millions of views online.
5. Safer Safekeeping by WhatsApp
Another thing that makes 3D billboards very fun to look at is when they interact with their environment. Like this shapeshifting example by WhatsApp.
WhatsApp could have played it safe when advertising its end-to-end encryption. But instead, it used DOOH advertising to create something totally unique. The brand played with the building’s infrastructure to demonstrate how it keeps user data under virtual lock and key.
This is a classic example (with a modern, techy twist) of showing the product’s benefits rather than simply explaining them. And all that at a glimpse. Always a good idea for outdoor advertising!
6. The Pleasure Express by Magnum
Magnum has held its top spot in the luxury ice cream department for some time now. And creative campaigns like this 3D billboard are one of the reasons for its continued success.
Magnum created its own delicious world for this outdoor marketing campaign, advertising two new flavors. It makes the most of the 3D effect to draw us into the dreamy scene, encouraging pleasure seekers passing by to explore and indulge in a little virtual luxury.
The activation also featured a branded bench that was set up across the street from the 3D poster, so people could stop and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Another cool example of OOH ads bridging the gap between the physical and digital world.
7. Interactive Mario Kart ride at Super Nintendo World
This 3D billboard for Nintendo World shows just how much movement and action you can pack into a single outdoor ad.
This 50-foot billboard in downtown LA showcases theme park guests whizzing across the screen alongside some of our favorite Mario Kart characters. And it virtually carries passersby along for the ride.
Of course, the aim of this ad is to encourage you to go and experience the fun for yourself. But it’s pretty neat to get a feel for what the ride is like before you even get there. I can imagine kids and adults alike being in awe at this one.
8. Wish for the Extraordinary by Meta Quest
Meta Quest uses cutting-edge technology to create a line of virtual reality headsets. So it’s no shocker that it has produced some seriously innovative digital ads, too. Just take a look at this 3D billboard in Piccadilly.
3D advertising uses a technique called forced perspective, which merges two separate images together to create the illusion of an object being closer than it actually is. This billboard design is a great example of just how mind-bending the visual effect can be, featuring the sharpest visuals that make each scene pop off the screen.
It also uses quick, swift transitions to seamlessly showcase the variety of experiences you can have with the product. Truly stunning stuff.
9. Google and Samsung’s Galaxy Flip4
3D billboards can only be made better by cute pooches, in my humble opinion. This digital billboard also uses some playful storytelling to showcase the range of features you’ll get if you buy the Galaxy Flip4.
Since this billboard is for a tech brand collaboration, it uses crisp visuals and smooth, dynamic movement to recreate the experience of using the device.
But it’s not just a case of style over substance. The concept is fresh and attention-grabbing, which makes the product all the more memorable.
10. Create your own Sub with Subway
This piece of billboard advertising didn’t stop at 3D effects, it also used an interactive element to boost brand engagement.
People on the streets of London were able to stop, scan the ad on their phone, and create their own dream sandwich on screen. Essentially, it took the in-store customer experience to the streets in a fresh, fun way with the help of digital advertising.
To top it off, Subway ambassadors hid in the crowd and surprised the public by delivering them their Sub of choice. Such a creative use of the ad space, don’t you think?
11. Nike + RTFKT collab
The Nike brand has been standing strong for decades thanks partly to its epic advertising. And while I’ve seen a few of the brand’s 3D billboards on the internet, this one takes the top spot as far as storytelling and visual intrigue goes.
This fantastical 3D billboard ad, created in collaboration with digital fashion brand, RTFKT, showcases the collab’s new sneaker range. It takes us through a montage of digital worlds, each one trippier than the next. It’s a genius way to show off all of Nike’s unexpected new color combinations.
12. ESPN and NFL
ESPN went big when it came to revealing the NFL’s 2024 divisional team, taking over a huge LED screen in Downtown Los Angeles.
Digital 3D advertising is a great medium for sports advertising as it can be used to ramp up the drama around the whole event. So, I’m expecting to see a lot more future trends that merge sports with technology.
This ad is a spectacle in and of itself, creating even more hype and anticipation for what’s to come on game day.
13. DreamZzz by LEGO
LEGO’s brand is built on creativity. Its recent 3D billboard campaign – featuring a team of dream creatures taking over major cities – is a jaw-dropping example of how digital advertising can take creativity to the next level.
Over the years, LEGO has expanded its brand image to appeal to audiences of all ages. And if you think about it, 3D advertising works the same way. It doesn’t matter if you’re a toddler, teen, or adult, 3D advertising has the power to pull you out of your busy day-to-day life.
It’s a chance to play, imagine, and have some fun – the perfect choice for a brand like LEGO.
14. Resistant phone by Vivo X80
I’m sure whoever happened to walk past this 3D billboard in Shenzhen, China, is unlikely to forget Vivo’s waterproof phone anytime soon.
This immersive ad needed no claims or salesy copy to let its audience know just how tough the device is. Instead, the brand used stunning visuals to show its phone withstanding the elements and staying in tip-top condition.
It’s also no coincidence that this sleek outdoor activation complements the cutting-edge technology associated with the brand. By advertising its products in glorious 3D, Vivo was able to position itself as a brand at the forefront of innovation without saying a single thing.
Review your 3D billboard ads faster with Filestage
3D billboards might look like wizardry. But in reality, they’re the result of a whole lot of hard work, with plenty of content to review and people to please along the way. The key to success (and sanity)? Work smarter with clear processes and quick collaboration across all your teams.
This is where Filestage comes in.
Filestage is a review and approval software that simplifies how teams and stakeholders share, review, and approve files. It’s packed with intuitive tools for leaving and gathering feedback. No need for messy email chains and lengthy meetings.
You can use the platform to manage each stage of the billboard creation process:
- Gathering feedback on initial concepts
- Reviewing designs and campaign messaging
- Approving final 3D designs
This means you can keep all your communication and decision-making contained in one place. With lots of time saved along the way.
Key features
- Accurate feedback in real time – View and discuss feedback right there on the file, so there’s no confusion about what’s what. You can even zoom in to focus on the finer details.
- Unlimited reviewers – Share files and projects with as many people as needed, either by sending them a link to the project or popping in their email address.
- Version history – Keep track of every file version and comment so you can make sure everyone’s feedback has been addressed throughout the process.
- Due dates – Keep your projects moving forward by setting due dates ahead of time. Filestage will automatically send notifications to remind the relevant people that a deadline is near.
- Project automations – Move through projects faster with preset triggers for steps like starting a review and submitting review decisions.
How to review 3D files in 5 steps with Filestage
Let me show you just how easy it is to set up a review process for your 3D files with Filestage:
- Sign up for free and create your first project
- Upload the file (or paste in a URL link)
- Create Reviewer Groups for each stage of the review
- Gather feedback, comments, and decisions
- Repeat until you reach final approval
Supercharge your marketing reviews
Share, review, and approve all your content in one place with Filestage.
Final thoughts
3D advertising offers new and exciting ways for brands to grab customers’ attention and create a more memorable experience.
I believe we’ve just hit the tip of the iceberg as far as what’s possible with digital outdoor advertising. And I can’t wait to see what’s next for advanced LED technology.
Hopefully this article inspires you to create some epic 3D ads of your own. If you’d like to get your best ideas out into the world faster with Filestage, start your free trial today.
