Amazon’s “Mind Reader,” starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost, is arguably the most expensive Super Bowl Commercial ad ever, costing a reported $26 million.1
The Most Expensive Super Bowl Commercials of All Time
Super Bowl ads are famous for their high production costs and star-studded casts. While there’s some debate about the most expensive Super Bowl ad ever, here are two top contenders:
1. Amazon’s “Mind Reader” (2022) – $26 Million
This 90-second commercial starred Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost, showcasing a humorous take on what would happen if Alexa could read minds. It aired during Super Bowl LVI and cost a staggering $26 million.
2. Google’s “Loretta” (2020) – $26 Million
A heartwarming 90-second ad that told the story of an elderly man using Google Assistant to remember moments with his late wife. This emotional ad also reportedly cost $26 million when it aired during Super Bowl LIV.
Why Are Super Bowl Ads So Expensive?
The cost of Super Bowl commercials has been rising every year. In 2024, a 30-second spot costs over $7 million! Several factors contribute to these high prices:
✅ Celebrities – Famous faces drive up production costs.
✅ Special Effects – High-quality visuals and CGI make ads more expensive.
✅ Longer Runtime – A 90-second ad costs three times more than a 30-second one.
The Most Expensive Super Bowl Ads of All Time (Reordered)
| Ranking | Company | Super Bowl Ad | Year | Original Cost | Cost, Adjusted for Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon | “Mind Reader” | 2022 | $26,000,000 | $28,011,912 |
| 2 | Cadillac (tie) | “ScissorHandsFree” | 2021 | $22,000,000 | $25,599,225 |
| 2 | General Motors (tie) | “No Way Norway” | 2021 | $22,000,000 | $25,599,225 |
| 4 | 84 Lumber (tie) | “The Journey Begins” | 2017 | $16,200,000 | $20,838,268 |
| 5 | Ford (tie) | “Go Further” | 2017 | $16,200,000 | $20,838,268 |
| 6 | Chrysler | “America’s Import” | 2014 | $16,000,000 | $21,309,881 |
| 7 | Google (tie) | “Loretta” | 2020 | $16,800,000 | $20,466,892 |
| 7 | Amazon (tie) | “Before Alexa” | 2020 | $16,800,000 | $20,466,892 |
| 9 | Samsung | “The Next Big Thing” | 2013 | $15,200,000 | $20,572,789 |
| 10 | Amazon (tie) | “Not Everything Makes The Cut” | 2019 | $15,600,000 | $19,239,433 |
| 10 | Kia (tie) | “Give It Everything” | 2019 | $15,600,000 | $19,239,433 |
| 12 | Toyota | “The Longest Chase” | 2016 | $14,400,000 | $18,917,508 |
| 13 | Amazon | “Alexa Loses Her Voice” | 2018 | $14,900,000 | $18,709,096 |
| 14 | Chrysler | “Born of Fire” | 2011 | $12,400,000 | $17,381,301 |
| 15 | Bud Light | “Up for Whatever” | 2014 | $12,000,000 | $15,982,411 |
How much do Super Bowl commercials cost?
Commercials frequently come in standard lengths of 15, 30, or 60 seconds. The average length of a Super Bowl ad is 30 seconds, so that’s how the price of a Super Bowl commercial is measured, regardless of actual length.
It’s cheaper to advertise before or after the game. Before kickoff, a 30-second commercial will cost $4 million. After the trophy is handed over and the confetti cannons fire, a commercial will cost $4.5 million. But to advertise during the big game? That will nearly double the price.
At the first ever Super Bowl in 1967, a 30-second ad slot cost only $37,500. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $352,195.73 today.
Prices have skyrocketed since. When the Eagles and Chiefs kick off Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, 30 seconds of advertising will cost at least $7 million, with some companies paying upwards of $8 million. No pressure, but that’s over $233,333 per second. Look away to scoop some buffalo dip and you’ll miss a couple hundred thousand dollars worth of advertising! It’s a staggering 21,233% increase from the price of an ad during the first Super Bowl.
How much did Super Bowl commercials cost in past years?
- Early Days: In the very first Super Bowl (1967), a 30-second spot was a relatively affordable $37,500 on NBC and $42,500 on CBS.1
- Steady Increase: Prices generally rose steadily over the decades.2 By 1995, we hit the $1 million mark for a 30-second ad.3
- Recent Years: In the 2010s, costs really accelerated.4 We saw the price tag break $5 million around 2017.
- Today: As we head into Super Bowl LIX in 2025, those 30-second slots are going for between $7 and $8 million!5
What is the most expensive Super Bowl ad ever aired?
Here’s why it’s a strong contender:
- Reported Cost: Sources like Qualtrics suggest this 90-second spot, featuring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost, cost a whopping $26 million to produce.
- Length and Star Power: 90 seconds is a long commercial by Super Bowl standards, and having A-list celebrities like Johansson and Jost definitely drives up the price.
What is the cheapest Super Bowl ad ever aired?
The cheapest Super Bowl ad ever aired is a fun piece of trivia! It’s believed to be a commercial by a startup company called LifeMinders.com that aired during Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.
Here’s why it’s considered so cheap:
- Low Budget: The 30-second ad was reportedly made for less than $5,000! That’s an incredibly low budget for a Super Bowl commercial, which usually costs millions of dollars.
- Internal Creation: The ad was created by just three internal freelancers at LifeMinders.com. They didn’t hire an expensive advertising agency.