Is Pepsi Okay? How Pepsi Turned a Common Question into a Marketing Win

Ever ordered a Coke and heard the waiter ask, "Is Pepsi okay?" If you have, you’re not alone. This simple, everyday question has followed Pepsi for decades, making it seem like the second choice to Coke. But instead of ignoring it, Pepsi took the joke and flipped the narrative with one of the smartest marketing moves in recent years. Their "Is Pepsi Okay?" campaign, launched during the 2019 Super Bowl, transformed a seemingly negative perception into a bold statement of confidence.

Lil Jon brings energy to the "Is Pepsi Okay?" campaign with a lively billboard by a stadium, showcasing his excitement and a Pepsi can.

So, what made this campaign work? And what can brands learn from it? Let’s break it down

Turning a Weakness into a Strength

Most brands run away from negative perceptions. Pepsi? They ran straight into it—with a big, bold, and funny campaign. The "Is Pepsi Okay?" Super Bowl ad starred Steve Carell, Cardi B, and Lil Jon, three personalities known for their expressive and high-energy styles.

The ad opens in a restaurant, where a customer orders a Coke. The waiter, like many in real life, responds with the classic "Is Pepsi okay?" Before the customer can react, Steve Carell jumps in, hilariously questioning why Pepsi wouldn't be okay. He then goes on a passionate rant, building up to a high-energy moment featuring Cardi B’s signature "Okurrr!" and Lil Jon’s famous "Yeahhh!"—turning the moment into pure entertainment.

Pepsi took something that could be seen as a brand weakness and made it fun, relatable, and confident. The message? Pepsi isn’t just okay—it’s MORE than okay!

The Social Media & Merch Madness

Pepsi didn’t just stop at a Super Bowl ad. They extended the campaign across social media, influencer partnerships, and even branded merchandise.

They dropped limited-edition Pepsi merchandise with the phrase "Is Pepsi Okay?" printed on them. Fans went crazy over it, and soon, Pepsi turned what used to be an awkward restaurant exchange into a cultural moment. Social media played a huge role in making the campaign go viral. People started sharing their own "Is Pepsi Okay?" experiences, engaging in the conversation, and even debating over the whole Pepsi vs. Coke rivalry.

Beyond the Super Bowl, Pepsi made sure the campaign stayed relevant. They continued engaging with fans online, leaning into the humor and owning the narrative. This was not just an ad—it was a movement.

The Strategy Behind the Success

Pepsi’s marketing team knew they had to be bold. According to Todd Kaplan, Pepsi’s VP of Marketing, the brand had spent years playing second fiddle to Coke in restaurant orders. Instead of running from this reality, they decided to challenge it in a way that made people rethink their assumptions. The Super Bowl was the perfect stage to make this statement—because where better to make a cultural impact than the biggest advertising event of the year?

Why This Campaign Was a Masterclass in Branding

1. It Embraced Reality

Most brands shy away from what people say about them, but Pepsi did the opposite. They took the very thing people joked about and turned it into their narrative. That’s how you take control of brand perception.

2. It Used Humor & Pop Culture

Steve Carell’s comedic timing, Cardi B’s larger-than-life energy, and Lil Jon’s iconic catchphrase made the ad fun, engaging, and impossible to ignore. Humor in marketing works when done right, and Pepsi nailed it.

3. It Created a Viral Loop

People saw the ad, laughed, and started talking about it. Social media amplified the conversation, and Pepsi made sure to keep it alive with merch and online engagement. The result? A campaign that stuck with people long after the Super Bowl ended.

4. It Made a Bold Brand Statement

This wasn’t just about making people laugh—it was about repositioning Pepsi in the minds of consumers. No longer the second choice, but the bold, confident, and exciting alternative.

Lessons for Brands: How to Own Your Narrative

Pepsi’s "Is Pepsi Okay?" campaign is a lesson in self-awareness and confidence. If your brand faces a common stereotype, don’t ignore it—own it. Here’s how you can apply Pepsi’s strategy to your own brand:

• Identify what people say about you. Even if it’s negative, there’s an opportunity to turn it around.

• Use humor and relatability. If you can make people laugh, they’re more likely to connect with your brand.

• Extend the conversation beyond just one ad. Use social media, influencers, and creative branding to keep the momentum going.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Pepsi is More Than Okay!

Pepsi’s "Is Pepsi Okay?" campaign proves that the best way to deal with public perception is to take control of it. By embracing the question rather than avoiding it, Pepsi created one of the most memorable brand moments in recent years.

So, next time someone asks, "Is Pepsi okay?"—the answer is loud and clear: Pepsi is MORE than okay!