Crypto enthusiasts hoping to catch glimpses of their favorite digital assets during this year's Super Bowl will be left disappointed, as most major cryptocurrency firms have opted out of advertising during the highly anticipated event.
FOX Business has learned that despite the significant growth of the $1.7 trillion digital asset market, many crypto companies are choosing to abstain from the Super Bowl spotlight. This decision stems from a combination of financial constraints and strategic considerations, with companies believing they can allocate their advertising budgets more effectively elsewhere.
Kraken, the second-largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States, will not be airing a Super Bowl ad. According to Mayur Gupta, Chief Marketing Officer at Kraken, the decision reflects a broader shift in crypto marketing strategy. Instead of focusing solely on hype and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), the emphasis is now on education and raising awareness about the genuine value of cryptocurrencies in fostering financial freedom and inclusion, particularly on a global scale.
Meanwhile, Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., is channeling its resources towards lobbying efforts for comprehensive digital asset legislation and supporting crypto-friendly politicians ahead of the 2024 elections. While it remains uncertain whether Coinbase will feature in this year's Super Bowl advertisements, the company's priorities have clearly shifted towards regulatory advocacy over traditional marketing.
However, it's not just exchanges that are absent from the Super Bowl ad lineup. Despite the recent approval of eleven new spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC, issuers of these funds have also chosen to sit out the advertising frenzy. This includes industry giants like BlackRock, known for the iShares Bitcoin ETF, and Grayscale, which manages $21 billion in assets through its Bitcoin ETF. Despite Grayscale's extensive billboard campaign across New York City subways and airports, the company has opted not to advertise during the Super Bowl.
Overall, the absence of crypto advertisements during Super Bowl LVIII underscores a shift in marketing strategies within the industry, prioritizing education, regulatory advocacy, and targeted outreach over traditional mass advertising.