Coinbase’s bold QR-code ad led to a free Bitcoin promotion that was so popular it crashed the site.
Coinbase made the first big crypto splash during this year’s Super Bowl after the company aired a bold commercial that consisted of nothing but a QR code floating around the screen for 60 seconds.
The ad also quickly flashed a Coinbase URL at the end, leading to a website displaying a promotion for $15 in free Bitcoin for new customers who sign up in the next two days.

The Coinbase commercial appeared to be a success—perhaps too much of one. Shortly after it aired, people tweeted that the company’s site and app had crashed.
WTH is this square bouncing on my screen. I thought my TV cut off.
— Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) February 14, 2022
The outage didn’t last long as Coinbase site was up a few minutes later, including its homepage that displayed the giveaway promotion along with messages like “Less Talk, More Bitcoin” and “WAGMI.”
@coinbase just saw more traffic than we've ever encountered, but our teams pulled together and only had to throttle traffic for a few minutes. We are now back and ready for you at https://t.co/ZUJqRlnZPH. Humbled to have been witness to this. #WAGMI
— Surojit (@surojit) February 14, 2022
Meanwhile, the ad itself has elicited plenty of buzz on social media, something that an editor at AdWeek noted will no doubt please Coinbase’s marketing team:
Coinbase marketing team right now pic.twitter.com/yx3mjSHmRN
— David Griner (@griner) February 14, 2022
Others noted the ad’s ultra-low production costs compared to a typical Super Bowl commercial. And one crypto commentator called attention to Coinbase’s technical meltdown, but praised the ad as clever and original:
Coinbase reportedly spent $14M on this QR code commercial. Brilliant. pic.twitter.com/E1MSGpzxWk
— The Metaverse (@themetav3rse) February 14, 2022
Finally, the ad appeared to make a special impact with a certain market segment that, unfortunately for Coinbase, don’t buy crypto. Behold this dog’s fascination with the floating QR code:
Zonk was extremely interested in the tv for the @coinbase #SuperBowl commercial 🤨😆 pic.twitter.com/ZDZGfmAHWq
— Haley Spracale (@haleymspracale) February 14, 2022
The Coinbase ad was hardly the only crypto ad to air. Rival FTX also made its Super Bowl debut with a commercial featuring comedian Larry David, while ads by Bud Light and Turbo Tax also mentioned cryptocurrency.
Original Source :decrypt.co
Want to receive the latest stock and cryptocurrency news and investing ideas that can help you make money ?! Subscribe to our newsletter. Enter your email below and hit the subscribe button.
If you want professional consultation regarding stock or cryptocurrency investing leave your information below and experts from our trusted partners will reach out to you