Ed Sheeran is one of the world’s most popular and best-selling music artists. He has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, for his catchy pop and folk-influenced songs. Besides his wildly successful music career, Sheeran has also appeared in various television commercials over the years. His fame and likeable personality make him an ideal celebrity spokesperson for major brands.
In this comprehensive article, we will look at all of the notable commercials that Ed Sheeran has starred in throughout his career so far. We will provide details on the brands, products, year of release, and background stories for each ad. Whether you are a big Ed Sheeran fan or just curious about his commercial work, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
Ed Sheeran Fun Facts
Ed Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter who has become one of the world’s biggest music stars over the last decade. Some interesting facts about Ed: He started out busking on the street and performing in small pubs in England before getting his big break. His debut album ‘+’ featured the hit single ‘The A Team’ and went 4x platinum in the UK.
He’s known for his loop pedal during live shows, where he records and layers guitar and vocal parts in real time. Sheeran took a year off from social media and touring in late 2015 to travel the world. He has a ketchup obsession and has a bottle tattoo on his arm. His song ‘Shape of You’ was the best selling single of 2017 worldwide. Despite his fame and fortune, Ed has stayed down to earth and frequently spends time in his hometown.
Ed Sheeran Commercial Song
Ed Sheeran, the globally acclaimed British singer-songwriter, has made a significant impact in the realm of commercial music with his catchy and soulful tunes. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and melodic compositions, Sheeran has become a go-to artist for brands seeking a sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
His commercial songs often feature a perfect blend of acoustic pop, folk, and contemporary elements, making them versatile and appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners. Whether it’s the infectious rhythm of “Shape of You” or the emotional depth of “Thinking Out Loud,” Sheeran’s music possesses a unique ability to enhance the emotional impact of advertisements and evoke a strong connection with consumers.
His collaborations with various brands not only showcase his musical prowess but also highlight the power of his songs to create a memorable and engaging auditory experience in the realm of advertising. Ed Sheeran’s commercial songs have transcended the boundaries of the music industry, seamlessly integrating into the fabric of popular culture and leaving an indelible mark on the world of commercial soundtracks.
H&M Commercial (2017)
One of Sheeran’s most high-profile commercial appearances was in a 2017 ad campaign for the clothing retailer H&M. He starred in a 60-second spot promoting their “Divide” collection, a capsule line inspired by his ÷ (Divide) album.
The ad features Ed walking through a railway station while listening to music on his headphones. As he passes by people dancing and having fun, they take off an item of H&M clothing and hand it to him. By the end, Ed is fully dressed in the Divide-themed casual wear.
The spot aired on TV and online, allowing H&M to tap into Sheeran’s global fanbase. His album was setting records at the time, so the collaboration was mutually beneficial. The relaxed vibe and streetstyle outfits also perfectly fit Ed’s laidback image.
Heinz Ketchup Commercial (2019 – UK)
In 2019, Ed Sheeran teamed up with Heinz Ketchup for a fun TV commercial aired solely in the UK. It shows Ed sitting down to eat some fries, only to find Heinz has released a new “Edchup” variety inspired by him.
We then see Ed go into the studio to record a song about his love of ketchup called “It’s Edchup, Not Ketchup.” The lyrics reminisce on all the good times Ed has had with Heinz over the years.
The 30-second spot is playful and self-aware, with Ed stating Heinz knows he’ll “sell anything with my face on it!” At the end, he gets handed a bottle of Edchup and declares it’s still his favorite ketchup.
Martin Guitars Commercial (2020)
Ed Sheeran has a longtime partnership with the US guitar maker Martin. They have produced signature Ed Sheeran models since 2017.
In 2020, Martin launched a new commercial showing Ed composing a song and recording music while playing various Martin acoustics. It highlights his hands-on approach to songwriting, with Ed stating: “I’ve written hundreds of songs. I don’t think I’ve written a song without a Martin guitar.”
The ad creates an organic link between Martin and Ed’s music. Its documentary-style and simplistic approach aligns with Sheeran’s low-key image. It likely resonated well with fellow musicians, Martin’s key target audience.
Beats by Dr. Dre Commercial (2014)
In 2014, Ed Sheeran starred in a Beats by Dr. Dre commercial alongside fellow music stars Pharrell Williams and Nicki Minaj. It promoted the company’s new Solo2 wireless headphones.
The glossy 30-second ad features the artists in a dressing room getting ready for a show while using the Solo2 headphones. There are quick product shots and B-roll visuals interspersed between clips of them dancing and gearing up backstage.
Having three contemporary hitmakers made this a high-impact commercial. Their combined star power elevated the product and campaign. For Ed, it introduced him to new demographics and associated his rising brand with an elite audio company.
Marks & Spencer Food Commercial (2020 – UK)
In 2020, Ed Sheeran appeared in a commercial for the British department store Marks & Spencer promoting their food products.
The lighthearted ad shows Ed joining a video conference call while cooking a meal with M&S food items. As he chops vegetables and prepares ingredients, Ed slips into singing “Perfect” with the lyrics changed to reference the company’s products.
The remake of his smash hit into an impromptu jingle humorously highlights the quality of Marks & Spencer foods. Sheeran’s cheeky personality shines through, crafting a charming ad fans resonated with.
Apple Music Commercial (2017)
In 2017, Apple tapped Ed Sheeran to be the face of a global campaign for their Apple Music streaming service.
The anthemic TV commercial shows Ed performing an intimate rooftop gig intercut with concert footage. As his song “Shape of You” plays, we see visuals of people around the world singing and dancing to Ed’s music thanks to Apple Music’s accessibility.
The uplifting ad promoted Apple Music’s ability to unite people through the joy of music. Sheeran’s soaring popularity at the time made him the perfect artist to deliver this message of connectivity and community.
USDish Campaign (2017 – US)
USDish, a US satellite TV provider, launched a series of ads in 2017 starring Ed Sheeran along with other top artists like Sting and Shakira.
The commercial with Ed shows him performing and chatting during a living room concert. Interspersed are product shots of USDish’s Hopper DVR service, letting viewers record shows hands-free using voice commands.
Sheeran’s laidback appeal makes him relatable while still being an aspirational celebrity. Having a down-to-earth superstar endorse a practical product like USDish made sense for increasing appeal across demographics.
“Jumpers for Goalposts” Video Game (2015)
In 2015, Ed teamed up with video game developer Three Flip to create “Jumpers for Goalposts” – a mobile game incorporating Ed’s music.
To promote the game’s release, they put out a humorous commercial structured like a video game trailer. It shows Sheeran accomplishing heroic feats like lifting boulders and battling giant monsters. The exaggeration pokes fun at Ed’s real-life unassuming nature.
The ad’s parody style generated buzz and aligned with the offbeat tone of the game itself. Sheeran also promoted it organically through his social media, resulting in over 200 million plays of “Jumpers for Goalposts.”
Pizza Hut Australia Commercial (2019)
Also in 2019, Ed Sheeran starred in a Pizza Hut commercial in Australia advertising their “Land Down Under Box” for Aussie-themed pizza toppings.
The video features Ed giving a pep talk in a locker room before a concert, comparing it to prepping for a big football game. It likens getting pumped up for an epic performance to getting excited for Pizza Hut’s new menu items.
The tongue-in-cheek soccer analogies let Ed show his comedic side. Pizza Hut tapped into the sports obsession ingrained in Australian culture for an effective localized campaign.
Norton Antivirus Commercial (2021)
In 2021, Ed Sheeran composed and recorded an original song for a Norton Antivirus software commercial aired globally.
The ad shows Ed singing and playing guitar next to a campfire talking about how Norton protects devices from cyber threats. The catchy lyrics humorously cover topics like firewalls, malware, and encryption in Ed’s signature quirky style.
The chorus goes: “Clicking bad links, oh what you doing? Don’t worry I got Norton AntiVirus woohoo!”
Writing a jingle from scratch showed Ed’s creative flexibility. Norton tapped into his talent and worldwide fame for a fun, engaging, and memorable commercial song that effectively communicated their brand message.
Ed Sheeran Nutrafol Commercial
In 2021, acclaimed singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran was announced as an investor and brand ambassador for Nutrafol, a company that produces hair growth supplements. Sheeran has been open in the past about his struggles with hair loss and maintaining his iconic red locks, so the partnership makes natural sense.
In Nutrafol’s advertising campaign, Sheeran appears in a series of commercials speaking sincerely about his personal experience using the supplements over a three year period. He credits Nutrafol with noticeably improving his hair thickness and growth, claiming the products have made a significant difference. The commercials show Sheeran enthusiastically endorsing the brand’s hair wellness line, which includes shampoos, vitamins, and scalp serums designed to provide essential nutrients for optimal hair health.
With Sheeran’s global popularity and relatability, his endorsement gives significant credibility and exposure to Nutrafol. His reputation as an authentic artist aligns well with the brand’s all-natural ingredients and commitment to hair revitalization.
Sheeran joins other major celebrities like Alicia Keys who have also invested in Nutrafol, clearly confident in its formulas and abilities to address hair loss concerns. For Sheeran and his many fans experiencing similar issues, his firsthand advocacy for Nutrafol provides a compelling motivation to try the supplements.
Bold.org Commercial (2022 – US)
In 2022, Ed Sheeran appeared in an ad for Bold.org, an education crowdfunding platform. It highlights their mission of helping students afford college through micro-donations.
The uplifting commercial shows Ed surprising a local high school student named Anaya with a visit and scholarship check from Bold.org. As Anaya gets emotional, Ed serenades her with an impromptu live performance of his hit song “Thinking Out Loud.”
Having Sheeran personally hand out the scholarship check added genuine star power. His heartwarming support for empowering students through education reflects Bold.org’s values beautifully.
American Express Commercial (2022 – UK)
For a 2022 UK ad campaign promoting American Express, Ed went undercover disguised as a street musician. He pretends to sing Ed Sheeran covers while accepting payments via Amex contactless cards.
The hidden camera-style commercial shows unsuspecting people dropping money into Ed’s guitar case. At the end, he reveals his true identity to their shock and delight. The feel-good reactions reinforce the reliability of paying securely and seamlessly with American Express.
Sheeran’s willingness to poke fun at himself shows his authenticity. The ad’s viral potential and interactive nature gained wide engagement from his fanbase on social media.
Conclusion
Throughout his award-winning career, Ed Sheeran has proven to be an in-demand celebrity for commercials and advertising campaigns. His unique blend of fame, talent, and relatability has made him a natural fit to endorse products across many industries around the world.
From clothing and food brands to tech and entertainment companies, Sheeran has partnered with major international corporations as well as local businesses. He often brings his characteristic charm and sense of humor to each ad he appears in. This overview of all the noteworthy commercials Ed Sheeran has starred in demonstrates the impressive breadth of his professional endeavors beyond just music.
It is a testament to his crossover appeal that everyone from multi-billion dollar firms to humble startups want Ed as the face of their brand. For advertisers, he represents someone who is aspirational yet accessible – an ideal mix for attracting consumers. As Sheeran continues breaking records and expanding his fanbase, we can certainly expect many more entertaining commercials from him in the future.
FAQs
What was Ed Sheeran’s first big ad campaign?
Ed Sheeran’s first major marketing campaign was teaming up with clothing giant H&M in 2017 to promote their “Divide” collection inspired by his album. The high-profile TV commercial marked the start of his prolific commercial work.
Has Ed Sheeran done commercials in the US?
Yes, Ed Sheeran has starred in several US advertising campaigns. Examples include Beats by Dre headphones in 2014, USDish satellite TV in 2017, Martin Guitars in 2020, and Bold.org crowdfunding in 2022.
What products is Ed Sheeran not likely to promote?
Given his family-friendly popstar image, Ed Sheeran probably would not promote controversial products like alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or firearms. He chooses brands that align with his accessible public persona.
How does Ed Sheeran show his personality in commercials?
Ed Sheeran often brings a sense of humor and self-awareness to his ad roles. His commercials for Heinz, Jumpers for Goalposts, and American Express all showed his willingness to poke fun at himself and not take things too seriously.
Has Ed Sheeran ever sang in a commercial?
Yes, Ed Sheeran has performed impromptu songs for several ads. Examples include rewriteing “Perfect” for Marks & Spencer Food and serenading a student for Bold.org. His voice adds a unique personal touch to campaigns.
What companies has Ed Sheeran done commercials for?
Ed Sheeran has appeared in commercials for a wide variety of brands, including H&M, Heinz Ketchup, Martin Guitars, Beats by Dr. Dre, Marks & Spencer, Apple Music, USDish, Pizza Hut Australia, Bold.org, and American Express.
Has Ed Sheeran done any video game promotions?
Yes, in 2015 Ed Sheeran collaborated with Three Flip video games to launch “Jumpers for Goalposts.” He appeared in a tongue-in-cheek commercial structured like a heroic video game trailer to promote the mobile game.
When did Ed Sheeran star in a Heinz Ketchup commercial?
Ed Sheeran appeared in a Heinz Ketchup commercial in 2019 specifically made for the UK market. The funny ad shows Ed recording a song praising a new ketchup variety called “Edchup.”
What guitars does Ed Sheeran promote in a commercial?
Ed Sheeran has an endorsement deal with the American guitar company Martin. In 2020, Martin launched a commercial starring Ed highlighting him composing songs on various Martin acoustic guitars.