14 best 3D billboard ads – from Times Square To Tokyo

3D billboard ads are designed to stand out, both in crowded city streets and in audiences’ minds. Studies even show that 3D billboards elicit greater attention and ad recall compared to conventional ones. So if you’ve been thinking of using 3D billboards in your advertising campaigns, this might just be your sign to make it happen.

In this article, we’re going to check out the best 3D billboards that stopped passersby in their tracks. We’ll get a good, close look at each example so you can pick up a bunch of creative inspiration along the way.

Let’s go.

1. House of the Dragon by HBO

Times Square 3D Billboard | House of the Dragon (HBO) - YouTube

HBO created this 3D billboard to advertise the release of House of the Dragon, the highly-anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones. And what better way to grab attention than with a gigantic fire-breathing dragon towering over New Yorkers’ heads?

2. Masterpiece by Coca-Cola

COCA-COLA'S REALITY BRIDGING 3D BILLBOARD - YouTube

As part of the brand’s wider Masterpiece campaign, it turned classic art (like the “Girl with a Pearl Earring”) into interactive posters. This digital display showed a Coke bottle being passed through the poster and into the hands of stunned passersby at Guarulhos Airport in São Paulo.

3. The Wheel of Time by Amazon Prime

There's a Trippy Wheel of Time Billboard in Piccadilly Circus! 😱 - YouTube

Next on the list, we’ve got this trippy advertising billboard in London Piccadilly (and other locations around the world). The 3D billboard was created to showcase The Wheel of Time series and its upcoming release on Amazon Prime.

4. XM by BMW

Experience the BMW XM in Times Square 3D - YouTube

The BMW XM is a hybrid electric SUV that’s built on innovation. So it’s pretty fitting that the automaker chose a sleek, futuristic 3D billboard ad to advertise its release.

5. Safer Safekeeping by WhatsApp

Private Messaging Takes Over Piccadilly Square in London | WhatsApp - YouTube

WhatsApp could have played it safe when advertising its end-to-end encryption. But instead, it used DOOH advertising to create something totally unique.

6. The Pleasure Express by Magnum

MAGNUM HERO SHOT FINAL CUT - YouTube

Magnum created its own delicious world for this outdoor marketing campaign, advertising two new flavors.

7. Interactive Mario Kart ride at Super Nintendo World

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ 3D Billboard - YouTube

This 3D billboard for Nintendo World shows just how much movement and action you can pack into a single outdoor ad.

8. Wish for the Extraordinary by Meta Quest

Piccadilly Circus 3D billboard takeover | Meta Quest - YouTube

This billboard design is a great example of just how mind-bending the visual effect can be, featuring the sharpest visuals that make each scene pop off the screen.

9. Google and Samsung’s Galaxy Flip4

Google x Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip4 3D Billboard - YouTube

3D billboards can only be made better by cute pooches, in my humble opinion. This digital billboard also uses some playful storytelling to showcase the range of features you’ll get if you buy the Galaxy Flip4.

10. Create your own Sub with Subway

Subway interactive 3D billboard - YouTube

This piece of billboard advertising didn’t stop at 3D effects; it also used an interactive element to boost brand engagement.

11. Nike + RTFKT collab

RTFKT x NIKE 3D Billboard - YouTube

This fantastical 3D billboard ad, created in collaboration with digital fashion brand, RTFKT, showcases the collab’s new sneaker range.

12. ESPN and NFL

ESPN - Divisional Teams Reveal 3D Billboard - YouTube

Digital 3D advertising is a great medium for sports advertising as it can be used to ramp up the drama around the whole event.

13. DreamZzz by LEGO

LEGO DreamZzz Billboard UK - YouTube

LEGO’s brand is built on creativity. Its recent 3D billboard campaign – featuring a team of dream creatures taking over major cities – is a jaw-dropping example of how digital advertising can take creativity to the next level.

14. Resistant phone by Vivo X80

Naked Eye 3D LED Display Vivo X80. DOOH advertising billboard 2022. Anamorphic. suesha.pov@gmail.com - YouTube

This immersive ad needed no claims or salesy copy to let its audience know just how tough the device is.

Final thoughts

3D advertising offers new and exciting ways for brands to grab customers’ attention and create a more memorable experience.