Trello’s “Feels Like Magic” ad leans into a surreal, whimsical tone as it takes us through a productivity portal—literally. A woman opens a glowing wardrobe door and steps into a world where teams are aligned, work flows effortlessly, and nothing gets lost in translation. It’s a visual metaphor for how Trello simplifies project management across teams.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):
Visual Metaphor = Instant Understanding
The wardrobe-to-workflow portal is a clever nod to fantasy classics like Narnia, but it’s used here to symbolize how Trello transforms chaos into clarity.
→ Lesson: A strong visual metaphor helps abstract software feel tangible and relatable.
Whimsical Worldbuilding = Viewer Delight
From floating task cards to seamless team collaboration, the alternate universe feels magical. It paints Trello not just as a tool, but as an experience.
→ Lesson: Transport your audience—making your product feel like a whole new world creates emotional buy-in.
Real-world Frustration, Fantastical Solution = Emotional Hook
The contrast between the dreary, disconnected pre-portal office and the vibrant, collaborative Trello-world highlights the before/after benefit of using the product.
→ Lesson: Contrast is key. Dramatize the pain, then show your product as the dream scenario.
Minimal Jargon = Maximum Accessibility
Instead of bogging viewers down with feature lists, the ad shows how it feels to use Trello. It’s all about intuitive value, not technical specs.
→ Lesson: Sell the outcome, not the tech. Especially in B2B, emotion can outshine functionality.
Humor Breakdown:
There’s subtle, situational humor in how the magical world is accepted without question—like coworkers casually gliding in on floating chairs or tasks rearranging themselves. It’s playful without trying too hard, bringing levity to workplace software.
Final Verdict:
Trello’s ad is a masterclass in creative storytelling for SaaS. By turning productivity into a magical experience, it delivers a memorable metaphor that sticks. With a soft touch of humor and beautiful visuals, Trello positions itself as not just useful—but kind of enchanting.
BRAVE-o-meter Score:
B-8 | R-8 | A-9 | V-9 | E-9
BRAVE – 8.6/10
Watch the full ad & learn more:
Website: Trello.com
LinkedIn: Trello
