Benchmark
Is Pepsi Dead to Gen Z? How to Save the Brand
sharanya@sharanya00

A creator explains why Pepsi is losing its cultural impact with Gen Z and proposes a hypothetical rebrand strategy. She suggests shifting from traditional ads to 'playable' experiences, like turning a bowling alley into a Pepsi-themed social event based on iconic brand gestures.

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Is Pepsi Dead to Gen Z? How to Save the Brand

A creator explains why Pepsi is losing its cultural impact with Gen Z and proposes a hypothetical rebrand strategy. She suggests shifting from traditional ads to 'playable' experiences, like turning a bowling alley into a Pepsi-themed social event based on iconic brand gestures.

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Analysis

The hook — as said out loud
If I was the brand manager at Pepsi, I would panic.
The script — as said out loud
If I was the brand manager at Pepsi, I would panic. I think that Gen Z has lowkey forgotten Pepsi. Like where is it even seen? Maybe in movie halls. So here is exactly what I do. I take that iconic yo gesture by Salman Khan and turn it into an experience. Because that yo is exactly how you hold a bowling ball. And that is the entire campaign. I'd partner with a place like Smash Game, Palacio or Glued. And I'd turn the entire bowling alley into Pepsi. I'd modify every bowling pin into a Pepsi bottle. Bowling balls exactly like the Pepsi logo. This way people n naturally use the yo sign. I wouldn't invite random celebrities. I'd invite friend groups. Ananya, Shanaya, Janhvi, the iconic three same. Ranveer and Apoorva. And of course the ye Jawani Adiwani Gang. Because people don't copy random celebrities. They copy feelings. Because that's the shift that Pepsi needs today. From watchable to playable. From drink this to actually experience this. Because honestly, our generation do not want another ad. We want a moment. A moment with friends that we cannot forget. Because someone once said this would make Pepsi a moment again. Comment down below and tell me how you like it.
How it's built11 beats
  1. 01
    The Stakes Hook

    Establish a position of authority and identify a major problem for a well-known entity.

  2. 02
    Identifying the Blind Spot

    Point out where the entity is currently failing to reach people.

  3. 03
    The Solution Promise

    Pivot to your actionable plan.

  4. 04
    The Creative Pivot

    Take an existing cultural element and turn it into a physical or digital experience.

  5. 05
    The Visual Transformation

    Detail how you would physically alter an environment to match the brand.

  6. 06
    The Natural Result

    Explain how this leads to organic behavior.

  7. 07
    The Community Strategy

    Specify who you would involve to make the idea go viral.

  8. 08
    The Strategic 'Why'

    Explain the psychological reasoning behind the choices.

  9. 09
    The Transformation Goal

    Summarize the shift in value proposition.

  10. 10
    The Demographic Truth

    End with a powerful insight about what the audience actually wants.

  11. 11
    Call to Action

    Invite the audience to provide feedback.