Super Bowl Karaoke: Coinbase Ad Sparks Mixed Reactions
Coinbase rolled a shocking throwback into Super Bowl evening: a karaoke advert that turned a well-known Backstreet Boys hook right into a mass singalong.
It was easy, loud and intentionally odd — no product demo, no lengthy clarification — simply lyrics on display and a crowd-ready refrain.
Reports say the spot ran early within the recreation and unfold rapidly to Times Square screens and social posts.
Super Bowl: Nostalgia As A Marketing Play
Reports have disclosed that the Super Bowl advert leaned on reminiscence greater than mechanics. It used “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” and invited viewers to affix a singalong about crypto, a daring transfer after Coinbase’s 2022 QR stunt that aimed for viral stares.
The concept was clear: make individuals really feel one thing first. Whether that feeling interprets into signups is one other matter. Some individuals have been amused. Others have been baffled. Many remembered the tune and sang alongside with out altering the channel.
Public Reaction Split
Social feeds lit up nearly instantly. Some posts praised the levity — a welcome break from heavy monetary messages — whereas critics argued the spot failed to clarify why Coinbase issues.
If you’re speaking about it, it labored.
Crypto is for everyone. https://t.co/1YMn6ShdTP
— Coinbase
(@coinbase) February 9, 2026
Conversations on-line have been as a lot in regards to the selection of tune for the Super Bowl occasion as in regards to the knowledge of utilizing a pop hook to promote an alternate.
the way in which your entire room burst into groans and shouts of “fuck you” on the finish of the backstreet boys coinbase advert
— Andrew Solender (@AndrewSolender) February 9, 2026
Reports observe the advert’s attain, however additionally they level out that attain isn’t the identical as conversion. A business may be talked about and nonetheless go away the viewer uncertain what to do subsequent.
The Coinbase advert was lowkey genius, suppose everybody shitting on it doesn’t perceive advertising and marketing in any respect lol.
Just watch the movies of individuals singing alongside doing karaoke to it. Ppl who watched it is going to 100% keep in mind Coinbase in the event that they ever need to purchase crypto
— Petrify (@PetrifyTCG) February 9, 2026
That headline minimize throughout crypto chatter through the recreation. While Coinbase chased nostalgia on TV, merchants have been watching funds and flows.
Market strikes have been combined and a focus was break up between spectacle and the numbers that truly transfer wallets. In different phrases, the singalong competed with real-time buying and selling headlines for a viewer’s focus.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong took to X to defend the advert, emphasizing that standing out requires a novel method since most viewers solely give commercials partial consideration in noisy, crowded settings.
I liked the concept for our Super Bowl advert as quickly because the crew confirmed it to me. It’s distinctive, similar to our QR code advert in 2022.
Most individuals half watch commercials (buzzed, in a loud room, with numerous individuals). It takes one thing distinctive to interrupt by way of.
Turning 100M+ screens into… https://t.co/tWIgK8Xpwa
— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) February 9, 2026
The Creative Trade
There is a case for this sort of stunt. A plain product spot may be ignored; a tune you hum later is sticky. Coinbase’s advertising and marketing leaders framed the advert as a neighborhood second, one thing to unify followers and skeptics in a single, barely bizarre shared motion.
The spot’s boldness was additionally of venture: it may grow to be a meme, or it may disappear as a curious footnote. Both outcomes drive dialog, however just one leads new clients to the platform.
Room For Questions
Reports say the advert deliberately prevented explaining crypto fundamentals or safety features. That left some viewers wanting extra.
They wished to know what Coinbase does, the way it protects customers, and why a singing spot ought to matter to somebody weighing the place to maintain cash. Those are sensible considerations that music and lyrics don’t reply.
Seahawks Beat Patriots In Super Bowl LX
The Seattle Seahawks received Super Bowl 60 (LX) on February 8, 2026, defeating the New England Patriots 29‑13 within the championship recreation at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Featured picture from CNN, chart from TradingView

(@coinbase)