Does Pete Davidson do the Verizon commercial?
Exploring the SNL alum’s surprising role in telecom marketing—and why his quirky charm works so well
(By Javier Guerra)
Yes, That’s Pete Davidson in the Verizon Commercials
If you’ve recently seen a Verizon ad and thought, “Wait, is that Pete Davidson?”—you’re not alone. The answer is a resounding yes. The former Saturday Night Live (SNL) star and stand-up comic is indeed the face (and voice) of a series of humorous and memorable commercials for the telecom giant.
Pete Davidson first appeared in Verizon advertisements in 2022, part of a broader campaign focused on the company’s 5G Ultra Wideband service. The ads leverage Davidson’s offbeat humor and self-deprecating style, which have become his signature since his breakout days on SNL.
In one particularly memorable spot, Davidson tries to explain the benefits of Verizon’s new network while joking about his own tech ineptitude:
“I don’t really understand how this stuff works,” he says. “But apparently, it’s super fast, and I look great saying that.”
The ads reflect Verizon’s strategic shift toward connecting with a younger, more entertainment-savvy audience—and Pete fits that role like a glove.
The Campaign: Humor Meets High-Speed Tech
Verizon’s campaign with Pete Davidson is part of their push to promote their 5G Ultra Wideband network. Rather than focusing solely on technical jargon, the company took a comedic and relatable route. Davidson, with his everyman persona and dry wit, helps bring 5G down to earth.
One popular ad features Davidson poking fun at himself while comparing Verizon’s 5G capabilities to his own limitations:
“I’m just a regular guy… with a 5G phone and no clue how to use it,” he says with a shrug.
The humor is intentional, designed to disarm viewers and make the concept of 5G more accessible. According to Verizon’s marketing team, the goal was to make the technology approachable, while keeping the message crystal clear: this is the fastest and most reliable network around.
Why Pete Davidson? The Marketing Strategy Behind the Choice
So why did Verizon choose Pete Davidson in the first place? It’s not just because he’s famous—it’s because he’s relatable. Davidson has always leaned into his status as a “regular guy” in an irregular spotlight. He’s openly discussed mental health, relationships, and his unfiltered perspective on life. That kind of authenticity resonates with audiences.
In a behind-the-scenes interview, Verizon’s VP of Marketing, Krista Bourne, said:
“Pete has a unique way of cutting through the noise. He’s funny, he’s real, and he doesn’t take himself too seriously. That’s the kind of energy we wanted for this campaign.”
Davidson’s appeal spans Gen Z and Millennials—two crucial demographics for Verizon. Unlike polished celebrities or overly scripted commercials, Pete’s raw style creates a stronger emotional connection.
Celebrity Endorsements in Telecom: A Trend That’s Evolving
Verizon is not new to using celebrities in its marketing. In the past, they’ve teamed up with figures like Paul Giamatti (in character as Einstein), Jim Carrey (reviving “The Cable Guy”), and even NFL stars. But Pete Davidson represents a slightly different approach—he’s not just there to inform; he’s there to entertain.
A 2023 Adweek article noted:
“Pete Davidson’s Verizon ads stand out because they’re not just endorsements—they’re mini-comedy sketches. They’re fun, memorable, and they don’t feel like traditional commercials.”
This shift in tone is aligned with broader advertising trends, where content increasingly mimics social media humor and viral video energy.
Real Reactions: What the Public Thinks of Pete’s Ads
Social media platforms lit up when the commercials first aired. Some fans were surprised by the collaboration, while others instantly embraced it. On Twitter, one user posted:
“I just saw Pete Davidson in a Verizon ad and honestly… it kind of made my day.”
Another user wrote:
“Verizon commercials starring Pete Davidson are the only commercials I don’t skip.”
The general consensus? Viewers appreciate the ads’ humor and Pete’s casual tone. It’s a refreshing break from overly serious commercials that try to sell you on specs and coverage maps.
Even on YouTube, the comments under Verizon’s official videos are surprisingly positive for corporate advertising. Many praise Pete’s comedic timing, calling the spots “funny,” “laid-back,” and “way better than most ads.”
Pete’s Career After SNL: From Sketch Comedy to Corporate Cool
Davidson left Saturday Night Live in 2022 after eight seasons, transitioning into a more varied career that includes film (The King of Staten Island), television (Bupkis), and now—national ad campaigns.
The Verizon deal shows how his career is expanding in unexpected directions. While some comedians shy away from commercial endorsements, Pete leans into it with a wink. As he joked in one sketch-style ad:
“Hey, if I’m gonna sell out, I’m doing it with ultra wideband.”
It’s this kind of self-awareness that keeps audiences from feeling like they’re being “sold to.” Pete remains in on the joke, making him a trusted face—even in the world of corporate advertising.
More Than Just a Face: Davidson’s Creative Input
Interestingly, Pete Davidson isn’t just reading from a script. According to Verizon’s creative team, he played an active role in shaping the tone and jokes of the ads. That might explain why the humor feels so natural.
In an interview with Variety, one campaign writer noted:
“Pete had tons of ideas during shooting. He improvised lines that ended up in the final cut. His comedic instincts really brought the concept to life.”
This collaborative approach helped the campaign feel less like a corporate pitch and more like something Davidson himself might post on Instagram or TikTok.
From Staten Island to Prime Time Ads: A Modern Brand Ambassador
Pete Davidson’s rise from Staten Island comedy clubs to prime-time television—and now national advertising—is a case study in the evolution of celebrity branding. He’s not the clean-cut spokesperson from yesteryear. He’s raw, real, and occasionally controversial.
But that’s exactly what makes him effective in the digital age. According to marketing analyst Jennifer Li:
“People don’t want perfection anymore. They want authenticity. Pete represents that perfectly, and Verizon was smart to tap into that vibe.”
From his tattoo-covered arms to his open-book personality, Pete Davidson brings something different to the world of telecom marketing: humanity.
Final Thoughts: The Unlikely But Perfect Match
So yes—Pete Davidson does the Verizon commercials. And he’s not just a celebrity face on a billboard; he’s an integral part of a bold new approach to tech advertising.
By embracing Davidson’s authenticity, humor, and broad appeal, Verizon has managed to make technical topics like 5G feel light, funny, and even enjoyable. It’s an unusual pairing on paper—but one that works remarkably well in practice.
As Pete himself might say:
“If this whole comedy thing doesn’t work out, at least I’ve got the 5G.”
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