Does OOH Still Work? Success Stories in Mexico That Prove It

In the digital era, many question whether Out of Home (OOH)—billboards, transportation, and urban screens—remains relevant. The answer is yes, but with a renewed approach: creativity, technology integration, and 360° strategies.

Author

By Rodrigo García

06 May, 2025

In this article, we will explore:

1. Does OOH still work? (Factors that keep it relevant).

2. Successful campaigns in Mexico (Real examples of brands that did it well).

 

1. Will OOH Still Be Effective in 2025?

Reasons why OOH is not dead:

1. High visual impact: In a world saturated with digital ads, physical formats attract attention through their size and strategic placement.

2. The perfect complement to digital: QR codes, augmented reality (AR), and hashtags connect the physical world with the online world.

3. Precise geotargeting: It allows brands to reach specific audiences (e.g., billboards near stadiums for sports fans).

4. Credibility: Tangible advertising generates more trust than a social media ad (avoiding associations with fake news or scams).

 

Today's OOH challenges:

1. ROI measurement: More difficult than in digital, although tools such as mobile tracking and traffic data help.

2. Cost in premium areas: Locations such as Reforma (Mexico City) or San Pedro (Monterrey) can be expensive.

3. Saturation in large cities: Competing for public attention is key.

 

  • Conclusion: OOH is not dead, but it must be innovative, well-targeted, and part of an omnichannel strategy.

 

2. OOH Campaigns in Mexico That Broke the Mold

🔴 Coca-Cola – “Uncap Happiness with AR”

1. Agency: Ogilvy Mexico

2. Strategy: Billboards with augmented reality where users "uncapped" a virtual bottle to win prizes.

3. Result: Massive engagement + increased sales.

coca-cola.webp

 

🟠 Netflix – “Stranger Things in the Metro”

1. Agency: In-house + local partners.

2. Strategy: Bus stops and Metro stations transformed into the Upside Down.

3. Result: Viral on social media + increased subscriptions.

upscalemedia-transformed-min~2.jpeg

 

🟢 Heineken – “3D Billboards of Cities Around the World”

1. Agency: Publicis Mexico

2. Strategy: Hyper-realistic billboards that simulated windows overlooking Amsterdam and other cities.

3. Result: 10M+ social media impressions.

heineken-ooh.jpg

 

🟣 Spotify – “Wrapped on the Streets”

1. Agency: In-house

2. Strategy: Billboards featuring streaming data (e.g., "Mexico City, did you really listen to that much Bad Bunny?").

3. Result: Trending Topic on Twitter.

spotify-ooh.jpg

 

🔵 Uber Eats – “Craving or Hunger?” (Elevator Ads)

1. Agency: Wieden+Kennedy Mexico

2. Strategy: Creative messages + QR codes to order food instantly.

3. Result: +30% orders during working hours.

 

⚫ BMW – “Levitating Car at AICM”

1. Agency: FCB Mexico

2. Strategy: A BMW 7 Series "floating" with magnets at the airport.

3. Result: International coverage + 500K impressions.

 

How to Create a Successful OOH Campaign in 2024?

1. Integrate technology: QR codes, AR, programmatic screens.

2. Choose strategic locations: Airports, shopping malls, key avenues.

3. Measure impact: Use digital metrics (social media, QR scans).

4. Be creative: Break the mold with interactive or 3D formats.

 

  • OOH is not only still alive, but is a key component of modern marketing when used with innovation. Brands in Mexico are already proving it with campaigns that blend physical and digital experiences to generate engagement, branding, and sales.

 

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