In an innovative holiday campaign, McDonald’s is joining forces with Doodles, a vibrant media brand that began as a popular NFT project. The new partnership brings Doodles-inspired McCafé cups to stores on November 18, marking a unique blend of fast food, web3 culture, and art. The campaign, dubbed “GM Spread Joy,” celebrates Doodles’ appeal in the digital world and its broader growth as an entertainment franchise.
Limited Edition Cups and Digital Surprises
The “GM Spread Joy” campaign goes beyond simply releasing collectible cups. Customers will be able to enjoy Doodles-inspired art on McCafé cups and access exclusive digital wearables and animated content through the McDonald’s app. The app will feature a “pack ripping experience” akin to collectible card sets, adding a layer of excitement for McDonald’s patrons.
The McCafé Collectors’ Experience
To fuel engagement, McDonald’s has launched social media challenges under #GMSpreadJoy across TikTok and Instagram. Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s Chief Marketing Officer, noted Doodles’ unique community-driven approach: “They span beyond digital assets — an entertainment brand in itself with a fearless community we cannot wait to interact with.” The campaign aims to expand Doodles’ reach to a broader U.S. audience through interactive and visual engagement.
Doodles’ Road from NFT to Media Franchise
Doodles, which launched on OpenSea in October 2021, initially garnered widespread attention as an NFT collection, reaching a valuation of $704 million in 2022. Recently, Doodles shifted from an NFT-exclusive project to a media franchise, releasing an animated film, Dullsville and the Doodleverse, featuring music by Pharrell Williams and voices from artists like Lil Wayne and Lil Yachty. The McDonald’s partnership is a pivotal step in Doodles’ journey to becoming a mainstream entertainment brand.
McDonald’s Doodles partnership highlights the increasing presence of NFTs in popular culture. As part of a broader trend, Doodles has previously collaborated with brands like Arizona Iced Tea, Adidas, and Crocs. This McDonald’s collaboration underscores how traditional brands are increasingly integrating web3 art into physical products, engaging new communities in both digital and real-world experiences.