Why do most perfume/cologne commercials have the same unique structure?

Every perfume or cologne television commercial I can remember seeing follows the same formula:

  1. Cast a famous actor or athlete
  2. Place them in a whimsical or isolated environment
  3. Have them briefly do something simple (turn around, play guitar, run up stairs)
  4. Have them say something about the theme the scent is evoking (power, mystery, etc.)
  5. Show the perfume/cologne bottle

I’m sure I’m not the target audience, but this advertising doesn’t connect with me.

Moreover, I’m not aware of other products advertising campaigns with a similar style, let alone an entire industry. Why is this so common?

Posted Dec 3, 2025, 1:45 AM UTC

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