The Zomato ad campaign was expected to make waves like many of its past marketing hits. But this time, something feels off. From clever social media posts to laugh-out-loud ads, the brand has carved a strong voice in India’s food delivery space. But its latest ad campaign, Fuel Your Hustle, doesn’t quite hit the mark.
Why the Zomato Ad Campaign Feels Off
The ad shows a montage of people hustling. From early risers to late-night grinders, the visuals aim to capture raw determination. A voiceover connects their hard work to Zomato as the fuel behind it. On paper, it sounds inspiring. In execution, it feels like something we’ve seen a hundred times before.
Nike and Apple have done this format well. Their ads bring fresh perspective. Zomato’s version feels like a copy without a twist. It lacks surprise, personality, and that clever edge we expect from the brand.
The Disconnect Between Zomato’s Brand Voice and This Campaign
Zomato’s voice is its biggest strength. The brand has built a reputation for sharp, funny, and self-aware content. This campaign doesn’t sound like Zomato at all. It sounds like any other generic motivation ad.
The visuals are slick. The tone feels serious. But where’s the charm? Where’s the spark that made Zomato fun to follow?
Also, the timing feels off. With many people still recovering financially and emotionally, an over-glorified hustle narrative can seem out of touch. The ad might aim to inspire, but it risks sounding disconnected from reality.
What Brands Can Learn from the Zomato Ad Campaign
At Creatore, we help brands grow without losing what makes them unique. The Zomato ad campaign shows what happens when a brand moves too far from its core voice. You can try new directions, but you need to carry your identity along with you.
In India, cultural and emotional context shapes how people receive your message. If your campaign feels forced or borrowed, your audience will feel it. And they’ll scroll right past it.
Final Thoughts
The Zomato ad campaign may have missed the mark, but the lesson here is valuable. Don’t chase a trend just because it works for others. Build around what makes your brand stand out.
Zomato has shown before that it knows how to connect with people. This time it slipped. But with the right reflection, it can bounce back and come out sharper than ever.