Olympic-Level Influencer Marketing: How Visa, Skims, Adidas and Reese’s Scored Big at the 2024 Games

Olympic rings in front of building.

The 2024 Paris Olympics weren’t just about athletes chasing gold; they were also a stage for brands to compete for marketing glory. As digital platforms took center stage, influencer marketing emerged as the go-to strategy for companies aiming to connect with a global audience. Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional ads — in 2024, brands harnessed the power of influencers to create personal, relatable content that resonated with millions worldwide.

Influencer marketing allowed brands to break through the Olympic noise, giving them the ability to reach younger, tech-savvy viewers who crave authenticity. Whether it was showcasing a new product line, promoting inclusivity, or connecting with fans through fun and engaging content, the right influencers helped brands build deeper connections with their audiences. Visa, Skims, Adidas, and Reese’s each crafted standout campaigns that highlighted the versatility and effectiveness of influencer marketing during the Olympics. Let’s dive into what you can learn from how these brands struck gold in Paris.

  1. Visa’s Real-Time Payments Campaign with Athlete Influencers

Simone Biles holding Visa cardVisa capitalized on the international stage of the 2024 Olympics by promoting its innovative contactless and biometric payment technologies. The brand partnered with renowned athlete influencers, including Simone Biles, Eliud Kipchoge, and Noah Lyles, to showcase how Visa’s payment solutions enhanced their Olympic experiences in real-time.

These athlete influencers shared content across social media, highlighting the seamless transactions they made at Olympic venues and while exploring Paris. Through these authentic stories, Visa effectively positioned itself as an indispensable part of the Olympic journey, reinforcing its brand image as a leader in modern payment solutions.

  1. Skims’ Body Positivity Campaign with InfluencersAthlete wearing USA tank top.

Skims, known for its commitment to body inclusivity, took the 2024 Olympics as an opportunity to promote confidence and empowerment through its products. The brand collaborated with athletes such as: Tate Carew, Suni Lee, and Ilona Maher who celebrated diverse body types and sizes, emphasizing how Skims apparel helped them feel comfortable and confident both on and off the field (or gym or skate park!)

Influencers shared their personal experiences with body positivity and the role that Skims played in supporting their journey. This campaign resonated widely, positioning Skims as more than just a clothing brand but as a supporter of self-confidence and inclusivity, aligning perfectly with the Olympic spirit of unity and perseverance.

  1. Adidas’ Paris 2024 Campaign Showcases Inclusivity

Swimmer in Adidas suit.Adidas made inclusivity the core of its 2024 Olympics campaign by designing team kits with adaptive features that catered to athletes of all abilities, including those with disabilities. This emphasis on comfort and adaptability allowed Adidas to showcase its commitment to creating apparel that works for everyone.

The campaign also featured collaborations with prominent athletes like Tom Daley, who is not only an Olympic champion but also an Adidas ambassador. Daley’s social media content offered followers a glimpse into his journey, showing how the new Adidas kits supported his performance. This strategy helped Adidas connect with audiences worldwide, celebrating the diversity of athletes and the spirit of innovation that drives the brand.

  1. Reese’s “Legend vs. Newcomer” Campaign Engages Fans

Candy brand Reese’s took a playful approach to the 2024 Olympics with its “Legend vs.Woman holding Reese's candy bar. Newcomer” campaign, featuring Olympic veterans like Alex Morgan alongside rising stars like Sophia Smith. This campaign aimed to highlight the brand’s Reese’s Medals, a new product launch tied to the excitement of the Games.

Reese’s influencers shared behind-the-scenes content, participated in fun challenges, and invited fans to engage with interactive posts on social media. The mix of seasoned athletes and Olympic hopefuls allowed Reese’s to appeal to a broad audience, fostering a sense of connection through shared experiences and relatable stories. This approach made Reese’s a standout brand, combining the joy of sports with the excitement of their new product launch.

Conclusion: Influencer Marketing Triumphs at the 2024 Olympics

How can you apply the lessons of the Paris Olympics to your brand? As the 2024 Olympics wrapped up, one thing became clear: influencer marketing has solidified its place as a key strategy for brands looking to make a global impact. Through strategic partnerships with influencers who embodied their values, brands like Visa, Skims, Adidas, and Reese’s created authentic content that transcended traditional marketing. By tapping into the power of personal stories, inclusivity, and playful engagement, you too can enable your brand to resonate with diverse audiences around the world.

 

To learn more about the Maccabee agency’s influencer marketing capabilities, visit: https://maccabee.com/what-we-do/influencer-marketing/