The use of celebrities and endorsement in advertising and marketing communication is as old as advertising itself, especially for those brands which aim to enhance its market domination and consumers’ appeal.
Endorsement by celebrities is a potent weapon to create trust, to enhance visibility, and to put heart to business. Whether it was sporting heroes or Bollywood personalities, celebrities today alongside the brands they represent have made a miraculous imprint in advertising. These partnerships often offer very high levels of publicity, elevating brand equity perceived by the loyalty in the people featured by famous personalities.
Read on to understand the importance of celebrities in advertisements, the key to breakthrough celebrity endorsement, and the ten top celebrities with their endorsed brands in 2024.
Why Celebrity Endorsement Matters
In 2024, celebrity endorsements play a crucial role in marketing strategies, enhancing brand visibility and consumer trust effectively.. These partnerships offer several key benefits that elevate a brand’s standing in the market:
1) Instant Brand Recognition: Celebrities are instantly recognizable, and when they endorse a product, it quickly gains popularity. Their association with a brand lends credibility and sparks consumer interest, making the product stand out in a crowded market. This rapid recognition often leads to a surge in awareness and demand, driving the brand’s visibility to new heights.
2) Credibility and Trust: Celebrities are assumed to be power producers and biological superiors as their opinions are perceived to be valuable owing to their celebrity. When they take a product they promote it, consumers consider this as validation and this improves the level of trust they have towards a certain product.
3) Wider Reach: Celebrities hold a massive following on social media platforms, making them influential marketing tools for brands. Their posts and endorsements have an immediate impact, reaching millions of followers in a matter of seconds. This not only boosts brand visibility but also creates authentic engagement, as followers often trust the products celebrities promote. With their ability to make a product trend online, celebrities bring a broader audience, enhancing a brand’s digital footprint.
4) Emotional Connection: The audience, in most cases, personally relate with their preferred actors, musicians, sport persons etc., and this affiliation is extended to the products they promote.
Celebrity endorsements span industries like fashion, electronics, FMCG, and automobiles, with brands leveraging stars for impactful and engaging ads. This strategy boosts brand recall and drives sales, benefiting both the brand and the endorsing celebrity.
What Makes a Celebrity Endorsement Work?
Celebrity endorsements could be a potent weapon but not all such partnerships pay off. A successful celebrity endorsement relies on the following factors:
1) Relevance to the Brand: The celebrity must fit into the brand’s values, its target consumers and image. For instance, Nike Fitness will sponsor a sports personality or a person interested in sports rather than sponsor or hire a movie personality who has no interest in fitness.
2) Credibility: The celebrity has to have an influence in the particular niche that they are marketing. For instance, endorsements of fitness products by Virat Kohli will be more effective because he is an active cricketer.
3) Authenticity: Audiences are also in search of a greater level of authenticity. If the endorsement is in any way contrived it can actually turn negative. In each case, celebrities must have the vivid conviction of the product they are promoting.
4) Consistent Messaging: The message conveyed through the endorsement has to fit the celebrity personality profile and the brand personality profile.
Now, let’s find out which celebrities and the brands they promote in 2024 are most popular now.
Top 10 Celebrities and the Brands they Endorse
1. Virat Kohli
Let’s take the case of Virat Kohli, one of the most sought after cricketers internationally who endorses a plethora of brands in 2024. Thus, his passion for health and sports makes him most suitable for endorsing brands that deal in health and sports. Kohli has endorsed a variety of top-tier brands, including:
- Puma: Since then, Kohli is associated with Puma’s line of athletic wear imagery which is in consonance with fitness and performance.
- MRF: He is also associated with MRF, or MRF Tyres, which is an Indian based international tyres manufacturing company.
- Audi: The choice of the luxury automobile brand Audi fits Virat’s high-status image that is associated with the brand.
2. Ranveer Singh
With an extroverted personality and almost audacious dressing style, Ranveer Singh has become the darling of youth brands. His versatility allows him to endorse a diverse range of products, including:
- Pepsi: The soft drink giant continues to sustain this particularly action-packed and energetic bearing of Singh.
- Kotak Mahindra Bank: He has made sure to endorse financial products through his credibility and charming looks for Kotak Mahindra.
- Zomato: Zomato’s IPL campaign, featuring Ranveer Singh, was a hit with engaging ads, humor, and cricket-themed content driving strong visibility.
3. Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan also known as the King of Bollywood has endorsed many brands throughout the years. In 2024 his endorsement becomes even more sought after because he is known across the world. Some of the brands Khan endorses include:
- Hyundai: Hyundai cars have been using the services of Shah Rukh Khan as their brand ambassador for the last two decades.
- Big Basket: The top online groceries store in India.
- Dubai Tourism: It makes Dubai as the luxurious place for foreign investors as it is done by the Bollywood star SRK.
4. Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar for his strict regime on any film set along with his versatility behind and in front of the camera makes him one of the most valued and financially secure brand ambassadors. In 2024, his endorsements include:
- PolicyBazaar: This insurance comparison platform has a definite advantage because its supporter is credible –Akshay.
- Harpic: Harpic association represents cleanliness and hygiene values acceptable in his public life.
- Tata Motors: He also endorsed Tata Motors which is also associated with strength and reliability with Kumar.
5. Amitabh Bachchan
The iconic Amitabh Bachchan continues to dominate the endorsement space with his deep voice and trustworthy persona. His longevity in the industry has led him to endorse brands that require credibility and class. In 2024, some of his endorsements include:
- Cadbury Dairy Milk: Big B face of this iconic chocolate brand, promoting messages of celebration and togetherness.
- Kalyan Jewellers: His regal persona aligns well with the high-end jewelry brand.
- FirstCry: As a grandfatherly figure, Bachchan endorsed this parenting and baby product platform.
6. Alia Bhatt
One of the brightest stars in Bollywood, Alia Bhatt’s youthful energy and relatability make her a popular choice for endorsements. In 2024, she represents several leading brands:
- Mohey: Bhatt is the face of this ethnic wear brand, appealing to the young, modern Indian bride.
- Frooti: Alia’s fresh and vibrant personality complements the fruity beverage.
- Samsung: Her association with Samsung adds to the brand’s image of being youthful and innovative.
7. Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone’s elegance and global appeal make her a favorite for premium brand endorsements. In 2024, her endorsements include:
- Louis Vuitton: As the first Indian to become a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton, Deepika brings luxury to the forefront.
- Tissot: Her association with the Swiss watch brand reflects her timeless elegance.
- Levi’s: Deepika endorses Levi’s, resonating with both casual and chic fashion lovers.
8. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan, known for her charisma and charm, continues to be a highly sought-after celebrity for endorsements. In 2024, she represents:
- Prega News: Kareena’s role as a mother makes her the perfect fit for this pregnancy test brand.
- Lakmé: As the face of India’s top cosmetics brand, Kareena’s association with Lakmé adds glamour and sophistication.
- Colgate: Kapoor was a brand ambassador for Colgate Active Salt Healthy White toothpaste
9. MS Dhoni
Former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni remains one of the most revered figures in Indian sports. His calm demeanor and leadership qualities make him a trusted face for several brands. In 2024, his endorsements include:
- TVS: MS Dhoni endorsed TVS, promoting models like Star City, aligning with the brand’s values of reliability, performance, and trust.
- Cars24: As the face of this car resale platform, Dhoni’s reliability reflects the brand’s message of trustworthiness.
- Oreo: His family-man image works perfectly with this popular biscuit brand.
10. Salman Khan
Salman Khan’s larger-than-life persona continues to make him a favorite among Indian audiences and brands alike. In 2024, he endorses:
- Thumps Up: Prior to that, the B-town megastar was the ambassador for Thums Up
- Revital: His focus on fitness aligns with the health supplement Revital.
- Being Human: As the founder of this charitable clothing brand, Salman’s personal brand is deeply connected with Being Human’s mission.
Conclusion
Celebrity endorsements remain a dominant force in the advertising world, offering brands a unique opportunity to connect with audiences on a personal level. By aligning with well-known figures, brands can benefit from increased visibility, credibility, and emotional resonance. The top 10 celebrities and the brands they endorse in 2024 reflect the power of partnerships that resonate with their values and appeal to their fan bases. As brands continue to leverage the influence of celebrities, the synergy between them only grows stronger, ensuring that celebrity endorsements remain a key strategy in the marketing world.
