YouTube UK has released its Christmas ads leaderboard, showcasing the most-watched festive campaigns of 2024, with Waitrose topping the bill.
The Google-owned platform’s ranking, current as of 6pm on 20 November, highlights the fierce competition among retailers to capture the hearts and minds of British consumers.
The top five Christmas ads on YouTube UK are as follows: Waitrose & Partners with 9.4 million views, Smyths Toys Superstores with 7.8 million, JD Sports with 6.9 million, Debenhams with 6.8 million and Look Fantastic with 6.6 million.
“The festive season is upon us, Mariah is defrosting and warming up her vocal cords. This can only mean one thing: the battle of the Christmas adverts has begun,” said Sophie Neary, MD, Retail & Consumer Packaged Goods at Google.
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She added, “With the immense reach that YouTube and Google’s AI provides, the platform’s value for brands and audiences alike is undeniable – so it’s no wonder that cultural moments like the Christmas advert launches, have viewers flocking to YouTube to search for the ads and connect with the brands that make this an even more magical time. This month’s John Lewis ad launch was such a cultural moment that the Verve even started trending on Google Search!”
This year’s top ads feature familiar faces, including influencer Molly-Mae, actress Elizabeth Hurley, comedian Ellie Taylor, footballer Trent Alexander-Arnold and musician Central Cee.
As the competition heats up, the jury is still out on whether Waitrose will maintain its top spot or if last year’s winner, Apple, will make a comeback.
