Budweiser Triumphs at USA TODAY's 37th Ad Meter Contest
New York recently buzzed with excitement as Budweiser emerged as the winner of the 37th annual Ad Meter competition hosted by USA TODAY. This competition is a benchmark in the advertising world, particularly showcasing the most impactful commercials aired during the Super Bowl, an event known for its high viewership and engaging advertising campaigns.
Celebrating the Spirit of Budweiser
The winning advertisement, titled “First Delivery,” features evocative imagery set to the nostalgic tune of “Let Your Love Flow” by the Bellamy Brothers. The charming spot captures a Clydesdale foal delivering a keg, symbolizing determination and resilience—traits that resonate deeply with the American spirit. Budweiser's tagline, “This Bud’s For You,” adds a personal touch that celebrates the essence of enjoyment and companionship.
USA TODAY Ad Meter Overview
The process for the USA TODAY Ad Meter involves gathering feedback from its registered panelists who rate commercials shown during the Super Bowl. This year’s voting period spanned from February 5 to February 10, and registered panelists—over 173,000 of them—were responsible for scoring advertisements on a scale from one to five. The ad with the highest average rating was ultimately declared the winner.
Top Ads of the Year
In addition to Budweiser's victory, the top contenders for the 2025 USA TODAY Ad Meter included other notable brands, each showcasing their creativity and storytelling prowess:
- Budweiser: “First Delivery” – Score: 3.56
- Lay’s: “The Little Farmer” – Score: 3.55
- Michelob Ultra: “The ULTRA Hustle” – Score: 3.52
- Stella Artois: “David + Dave” – Score: 3.51
- NFL: “Somebody” – Score: 3.49
Monica Richardson, the Senior Vice President of USA TODAY, expressed her enthusiasm for Budweiser’s achievement. She remarked that the Ad Meter continues to draw a dedicated audience passionate about pop culture and sports, indicating its relevance in today’s media landscape.
Innovations and Expansions
With the widespread popularity of the Ad Meter, USA TODAY is set to launch an exciting new platform: the USA TODAY Movie Meter. This innovative platform will enable film enthusiasts to vote for their ‘Film of the Year’ based on Oscar nominations, further expanding USA TODAY's engagement with its audience by meeting their evolving preferences for content.
USA TODAY and Gannett: Pioneers in Media
USA TODAY has been a pivotal player in the national media landscape since its inception in 1982. The brand's commitment to delivering quality journalism and trusted content has made it a household name. With around 79 million unique visitors per month, USA TODAY remains a reliable resource for news and information.
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI), the parent company of USA TODAY, continues to empower and enrich communities through a diverse range of media services. It remains focused on connecting audiences across various platforms while embracing innovative marketing solutions to enhance consumer experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the USA TODAY Ad Meter competition?
The USA TODAY Ad Meter competition is an annual event that evaluates and scores advertisements aired during the Super Bowl based on audience feedback.
Who won the USA TODAY Ad Meter this year?
Budweiser won the 37th annual USA TODAY Ad Meter competition with its commercial titled “First Delivery.”
What criteria are used to score the ads during the competition?
Panelists rate the commercials on a scale from one to five, with one being the lowest score and five being the highest.
What notable brands placed in the top five for the Ad Meter?
Along with Budweiser, the top five included Lay’s, Michelob Ultra, Stella Artois, and the NFL.
What is the new initiative by USA TODAY following the Ad Meter?
USA TODAY is launching the USA TODAY Movie Meter where audiences can rate their ‘Film of the Year’ based on Oscar nominations.
