Magic, however you choose to define it, is universally encapsulating. Coca-Cola has embraced magic as celebrating the unexpected moments of connection that upgrade everyday moments into thrilling significances.
The Coca-Cola brand recently announced a new global platform for the Coke Trademark titled “Real Magic.” This new platform includes a new design identity across Coke Trademarks, including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light/Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Additionally, the new “hug” logo, conceptualized by Wieden+Kennedy London, adds a bit of charm to the branding system.
And while “Real Magic” might first appear simply as a tagline, the brand ensures that it’s a philosophy for the brand moving forward. Because the brand has always been about sharing, it’s fitting that they share the magic, and the hug logo is visual proof of this magical experience.
Coca-Cola is inviting the world to celebrate the real magic of humanity in its first new global brand platform for the Coke Trademark in five years.
The “Real Magic” brand philosophy is rooted in the insight that magic lives in unexpected moments of connection that elevate the everyday into the extraordinary—a timeless learning that feels more relevant than ever in today’s hyperconnected yet divided world. Real magic happens when people get together and when what we share in common is greater than what sets us apart.
The “Real Magic” platform includes a new design identity for the Coke Trademark—which includes Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light/Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar—anchored by a fresh expression of the Coca-Cola logo. The “Hug” logo, inspired by iconic Coca-Cola packages wrapped with our signature trademark, was conceptualized by Wieden+Kennedy London. Coca-Cola engaged KnownUnknown, a global network of independent talent, to craft the visual identity, including all photography, animations and illustrations.
In addition, a group of photographers, artists and illustrators will bring the “Real Magic” concept to life. Their different styles will provide a variety of campaign imagery, with some artists creating more realistic depictions and others offering more abstract variations.
The goal of “Real Magic”, Arroyo said, is to significantly increase the Coca-Cola consumer base through an ecosystem of experiences anchored in consumption occasions, such as meals and breaks, and merged with consumer passion points like music and gaming.
“‘Real Magic’ is not just a tagline. We see it as a philosophy that transcends advertising and embodies all that is special about the brand,” Arroyo said, noting that it supports The Coca-Cola Company’s purpose to refresh the world and make a difference. “It will serve as our North Star by shaping all expressions of the Coca-Cola trademark in its next chapter.”
The “One Coke Away From Each Other” campaign represents the first creative experience under the “Real Magic” platform. Blending real and virtual worlds, “One Coke Away From Each Other” is a metaphor that celebrates our common humanity. The film, which launched digitally on Sept. 27, asks what if Coca-Cola, as a symbol of togetherness, could bridge universes meant to be apart to create “Real Magic.” The film features three well-known gamers: DJ Alan Walker, Team Liquid’s Aerial Powers and Average Jonas.
Coca-Cola partnered with advertising agency BETC London to create the “One Coke Away From Each Other” campaign, as well as leading film director Daniel Wolfe and gaming and CGI specialist production partner Mathematic.
The campaign also features social, digital and out-of-home executions. In select markets, Coca-Cola is running a code hunt beginning Oct. 11 where fans can win prizes, including gameplay sessions with celebrity gamers. There are 25 codes hidden within the film. Through collaboration with the Brand Partnership Studio at Twitch, the interactive livestreaming service, gaming creators on Twitch will unlock another 10 codes with viewers during livestreams on their Twitch channels.
As a part of the campaign, Coca-Cola will award prizes to consumers who find and enter the hidden codes on a Coca-Cola micro site, in participating countries. Winners can receive their share of one of the largest-ever prize pools of Bits, a virtual good used to show support for Twitch streamers, as a part of the sweepstakes administered by Coca-Cola.
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