What commercial is Kate McKinnon in?
Exploring the commercials that feature the beloved Saturday Night Live star
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Kate McKinnon’s Commercial Presence
Kate McKinnon, best known for her time on Saturday Night Live, has also made waves in the world of commercials. She’s appeared in several high-profile campaigns, the most notable being her series of Verizon Wireless commercials. These ads capitalize on her signature wit, quirky charm, and ability to blend humor with relatability.
In the Verizon spots, McKinnon acts as a spokesperson who playfully explains why Verizon’s 5G coverage and reliability stand out in a competitive market. Her comedic timing and approachable delivery make the ads memorable, reinforcing her brand as both a comedian and cultural figure.
The Verizon 5G Campaign
Verizon selected McKinnon as part of their push to distinguish themselves in the 5G race. The ads, which began rolling out in 2022, feature her walking audiences through complex technical advantages while still keeping things lighthearted.
One campaign showed her interacting with everyday people and poking fun at “confusing” tech jargon—something McKinnon excels at translating into comedy. Verizon understood her unique blend of intelligence and humor could transform dull subjects into engaging stories.
These ads also highlighted Verizon’s strategy of using recognizable celebrities to cut through the clutter of telecom marketing, which is often full of statistics, numbers, and claims. McKinnon’s ability to connect with audiences made the campaign more approachable.
Other Brands Featuring Kate McKinnon
While Verizon is her most prominent commercial partnership, Kate McKinnon has also appeared in advertising for other brands:
Pepsi (SNL collaboration/spoof ads): During her time at SNL, McKinnon often parodied commercials, some of which blurred the line between sketch and real promotion.
MasterCard Campaigns: She briefly appeared in promotional tie-ins that showcased her comedic range.
Film Tie-in Ads: As part of blockbuster films like Ghostbusters (2016) and Barbie (2023), McKinnon participated in cross-promotional commercials that aired on TV and digital platforms.
Each of these projects highlights her versatility, showing she can fit into both comedic and serious advertising narratives.
Why Brands Choose Kate McKinnon
Kate McKinnon brings several key strengths to advertising campaigns:
Recognizability: After nearly a decade on SNL, audiences instantly recognize her face and voice.
Comedy Timing: She can deliver complex lines while making them funny and memorable.
Trustworthiness: Despite her quirky persona, McKinnon projects honesty and relatability—essential traits for a spokesperson.
Wide Appeal: She resonates with diverse demographics, from young adults to older viewers.
These qualities make her ideal for campaigns that want to balance credibility with humor. Verizon’s use of her persona showcases how brands leverage celebrity credibility for high-stakes industries like telecom.
Audience Reaction to McKinnon’s Ads
Public reception of Kate McKinnon’s commercials has been largely positive. Fans appreciate seeing her outside of sketch comedy, bringing the same wit to mainstream advertising. Social media platforms lit up with praise when her Verizon spots first aired, with viewers noting her ability to make corporate ads actually entertaining.
However, some critics argue that celebrity-heavy ads risk overshadowing the product itself. In Verizon’s case, though, the gamble seems to have paid off. McKinnon’s delivery helped drive recognition for their 5G push and reinforced their brand positioning.
Kate McKinnon’s Career Beyond Commercials
Of course, commercials are just one part of McKinnon’s career. She gained national fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 2012 to 2022, where she became one of the show’s most celebrated performers. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards and received eight nominations.
Her film work includes:
Ghostbusters (2016) as Jillian Holtzmann.
The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018).
Bombshell (2019).
Barbie (2023), where she played “Weird Barbie,” one of the most talked-about characters in the film.
Her broad career portfolio ensures that when audiences see her in a commercial, they already associate her with professionalism, humor, and cultural relevance.
Conclusion: The Commercials That Stand Out
So, what commercial is Kate McKinnon in? Most notably, she’s the face of Verizon’s 5G campaign, where her humor, relatability, and sharp timing make the ads memorable. She’s also appeared in tie-ins and other promotional projects, but the Verizon series has become her signature presence in advertising.
Her journey from Saturday Night Live to national ad campaigns shows how versatile she is—able to transition seamlessly between comedy sketches, blockbuster films, and corporate endorsements. For brands, McKinnon isn’t just a celebrity spokesperson; she’s a cultural icon who adds both trust and entertainment to their message.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.