- Coinbase airs karaoke ad at Super Bowl 60.
- Ad aims to make crypto accessible and fun.
- Mixed reactions amid broader industry challenges.
Coinbase aired a lo-fi karaoke ad featuring the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” during the Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026, showcasing crypto’s accessibility amid industry challenges.
The ad generated mixed reactions, highlighting ongoing discussions about cryptocurrency’s reach and perception, while Bitcoin’s decline by 20% underscored the sector’s current volatility.
Lede
Coinbase aired a lo-fi karaoke ad using the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” during Super Bowl 60, positioning crypto as accessible. Planned since fall 2025, it cost over $10 million for a 30-second spot.
Nut Graph
Joe Staples, Vice President of Creative at Coinbase, described the ad as “wildly participatory,” likening the Super Bowl viewing experience to a karaoke session with “same amount of people, same amount of inebriation, same amount of playfulness,” planned since fall 2025 by agency Isle of Any. Cat Ferdon, CMO, emphasized the lo-fi style’s goal to compete with distractions. Brian Armstrong, CEO, called it fun amid market polarization.
Audience Reactions
The ad prompted mixed reactions from viewers, with backlash reported in various forums. Some spectators joined in karaoke, while others expressed confusion. Despite this, Coinbase considers it a success if it generates discussion.
Affected market dynamics include declining Bitcoin value amid general crypto market challenges. No other financial allocations were specified, but the ad symbolizes an effort to attract broader audiences to cryptocurrency.
Historical Context
Previous Super Bowl ads have set benchmarks, with Coinbase’s 2022 QR code ad being notable. Experts like Annika Welander praised the ad’s creativity.
Potential outcomes of Coinbase’s marketing strategies include increased regulatory scrutiny or shifts in crypto adoption patterns. Historical trends suggest that high-profile advertising can revive interest but also expose companies to greater expectations and regulatory challenges.
