Adams Outdoor Advertising Reveals the Story Behind the Yellow Rubber Duck Billboards

Adams Outdoor Advertising digital billboard showing the teaser campaign with a bright yellow rubber duck peeking playfully, part of a creative out-of-home advertising display.
Adams Outdoor

For months, drivers in all 18 Adams Outdoor Advertising markets across the country have been spotting something strange: billboards, posters, and digital displays covered in bright yellow rubber ducks. No logo. No slogan. No clue who put them there. The citywide takeover sparked online chatter, in-person conversations, and plenty of wild guesses about the ducks' meaning.

Adams Outdoor Advertising poster billboard featuring the "We Make Brands Huge" campaign with a giant yellow rubber duck reveal.
Adams Outdoor

Today, the mystery is solved. The ducks were part of a bold, company-wide "tease and reveal" campaign designed to showcase the unique power of outdoor advertising. Adams' AdLab - our in-house, award-winning creative team - designed every facet of the campaign, which included storytelling, custom creative, unique billboard extensions, and the production of more than 1,500 real-life rubber ducks.

"Outdoor advertising works because it's part of people's everyday lives," said Josh Scharfberg, Chief Revenue Officer. "When you pair strategic placement with a creative hook, you can create a viral campaign that everyone is talking about. The ducks proved just that. Our goal was simple: if we can create this kind of buzz for rubber ducks, imagine what we can do for your brand."

Now entering its "reveal" phase, the 12-week campaign's copy is being updated to further spread awareness. Customers and communities can expect real-life "duck drop-offs" and client shout-outs over the coming weeks, keeping the momentum - and the fun - going strong.

Adams Outdoor Advertising (adamsoutdoor.com) is the nation's fourth largest out-of-home advertising company and the largest privately held. Across key U.S. markets, Adams transforms everyday spaces into unforgettable brand moments with a premium network of static and digital billboards. Fueled by creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of audience behavior, Adams helps brands stand out, spark conversation, and drive results.