Coinbase's Super Bowl Ad Sparks Mixed Reactions with Nostalgic 90s Lyrics
February 9, 2026
Coinbase rolled out a karaoke-style Super Bowl 60 ad that uses familiar 90s lyrics to create a participatory moment and normalize crypto as approachable.
Marketing chief Catherine Ferdon says the goal was to boost brand recall and showcase the growth of the crypto community rather than push immediate user signups.
Reaction online was mixed, with some viewers embracing the nostalgia and others questioning Coinbase’s visibility and understanding among different audiences.
Analysts note that reach and chatter don’t guarantee conversions, underscoring the gap between engagement metrics and actual signups.
The piece emphasizes editorial standards and careful sourcing, with editors ensuring accurate, unbiased reporting.
Critics warn the format could create audience disconnect or blur brand messaging, though it also draws heightened attention.
A Twitter/X user and a brand executive (Lucy McLellan of T-Mobile) illustrate mixed reception and emphasize benefits and transparency in marketing messaging.
keypoints.
Panel sentiment suggests the spot succeeded in sparking conversation and memorability, though opinions vary on effectiveness and clarity of payoff.
The campaign signals a willingness to test brand familiarity as a path to trust and recall in a skeptical market, rather than relying on product-specific messaging.
The broader market context includes regulatory scrutiny and shifting consumer attitudes toward digital assets that influence how crypto brands balance reach, compliance, and trust.
Analysts highlighted the emphasis on community and accessibility, with some attendees finding it approachable, while critics say mass-media stunts don’t replace transparent risk disclosures.
Summary based on 25 sources
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Sources

USA TODAY • Feb 9, 2026
Coinbase 'bought a vibe' with Backstreet Boys Super Bowl ad years after epic flop
Business Wire • Feb 9, 2026
Everybody: Coinbase Is Back Again, with a Karaoke Ode to Crypto in Sunday’s Big Game
Variety • Feb 9, 2026
Coinbase Bets On Karaoke-Themed Super Bowl Commercial