McDonald’s has once again demonstrated its ability to craft relatable campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences. In a Brand Advertising Reinvented: McDonald’s ‘Order Like Stormzy’ Campaign
McDonald’s has once again proven its mastery in brand advertising with the launch of its “Order Like Stormzy” campaign. In collaboration with British music icon Stormzy, the fast-food giant has created a cultural moment that blends celebrity influence with relatable, everyday rituals. Developed by Leo Burnett UK and Red Consultancy, this campaign showcases how brand advertising can be both innovative and deeply personal, fostering connections through shared experiences.
At the heart of the campaign lies Stormzy’s signature McDonald’s order—9 McNuggets, fries, a Sprite, an Oreo McFlurry, and BBQ sauce. This simple yet iconic meal has been officially dubbed “The Stormzy Meal,” offering fans a chance to enjoy the same combination as their favorite artist. By spotlighting something as universal as a favorite menu choice, McDonald’s taps into the shared experience of having a “go-to” order, making the campaign both personal and widely relatable.
Transforming Personal Choices into Cultural Connections
A captivating film directed by Paul Hunter of PRETTYBIRD brings the campaign to life with humor and heart. The video opens with Stormzy casually walking into a McDonald’s to place his signature order. What follows is a playful twist: customers across the UK begin mimicking his deep South London accent while ordering the same meal. From families in the drive-thru to students and even a group of knitters, the campaign showcases how food can unite people from all walks of life.
Adding an extra layer of charm is a surprise cameo from beloved actress Alison Steadman, who declares The Stormzy Meal her new favorite. The film also highlights emerging British content creators, reflecting Stormzy’s ongoing commitment to uplifting homegrown talent—a nod to the importance of collaboration and teamwork in creative projects.
Crafting a Distinct Visual Identity for Brand Advertising
To elevate the campaign, McDonald’s has introduced a unique visual identity for The Stormzy Meal. Nationwide out-of-home (OOH) placements feature striking black-and-white photography of Stormzy enjoying his meal, reinforcing the campaign’s authenticity. Limited-edition merchandise, including branded tumblers, pin badges, and posters, has been created exclusively for MyMcDonald’s Rewards app users, adding an element of exclusivity to the brand advertising strategy.
As a tribute to Stormzy’s roots, his local Croydon branch has been temporarily rebranded as “Big Mikes,” giving CR0 residents early access to The Stormzy Meal 48 hours before its nationwide release. The campaign will culminate in a special meet-and-greet event in Croydon, where fans and McDonald’s crew can connect with the artist personally—a testament to the brand’s focus on fostering meaningful interactions.
Social-First Strategy and Immersive Activations
Breaking away from traditional TV advertising, McDonald’s has embraced a social-first approach with this campaign. A standout feature is an interactive Snapchat activation—the first of its kind—where users can engage directly through ‘Sponsored Snap’ messages encouraging them to try The Stormzy Meal. This innovative tactic not only amplifies reach but also creates an immersive brand advertising experience that feels modern and engaging.
Stormzy expressed his excitement about the campaign, saying, “I’m so gassed that my McDonald’s order is the first-ever ‘Famous Order’ in the UK and Ireland. Never thought I’d see my own order on the official menu. That’s wild.”
Matthew Reischauer, McDonald’s UK & Ireland marketing director, added, “The Stormzy Meal isn’t just about the food. It’s about taking something we can all relate to—having a favorite McDonald’s order—and turning it into a cultural moment. From the film and the merch to the events in Stormzy’s hometown of Croydon, we’re giving fans a chance to share in an experience only McDonald’s can deliver.”
Why This Campaign Resonates
The “Order Like Stormzy” campaign stands out as a masterclass in brand advertising. By leveraging Stormzy’s cultural significance and personal story, McDonald’s has crafted a campaign that feels both intimate and universal.
James Millers and Andrew Long, executive creative directors at Leo Burnett UK, summed it up perfectly: “Everyone has their ‘go-to’ order at McDonald’s. And who better to bring that idea to life than one of the most iconic voices in British culture—Stormzy? This campaign celebrates a powerful collaboration between two icons as we invite the nation to ‘Order Like Stormzy.’”
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