Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik (JISIP)
Vol 15, No 2 (2026): August

Decoding Digital Eco-Persuasion: Semiotic Strategies and Brand Identity in Honda’s Hybrid YouTube Campaigns

Dindin Saepul Kholik (Sakarya University)
Ismail Dursun (Gümü?hane üniversitesi)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Aug 2026

Abstract

 The growing global adoption of hybrid electric vehicles, including in the Turkish market, has intensified competition among car manufacturers to effectively communicate technological sophistication and environmental responsibility via social media, particularly YouTube, as this increasingly shapes consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions in the automotive sector. Understanding the semiotic strategies employed in this context is therefore of paramount importance. This study analyses marketing communication in YouTube advertisements through a case study of four Honda e: HEV adverts published on the official Honda Türkiye channel. Using Roland Barthes’ qualitative semiotic approach, the analysis covers the denotative, connotative, and mythical levels to identify the signs, codes, and green narratives used to convey the marketing message. The findings indicate that the Honda e: HEV relies on a combination of visual symbols, technological features, and narrative structures to build an environmentally conscious brand identity, position hybrid technology as a clean solution for the future, and shape the audience’s perception of eco-friendly automotive innovation. In theory, this study extends Barthes’ framework beyond its traditional print and image-based context by demonstrating its application to short-form digital video, a temporally sequential, multimodal format applied to eco-friendly product campaigns. In practice, this study offers recommendations for advertising practitioners seeking to create more targeted promotional messages for hybrid and green technology products on social media platforms.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

fisip

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

JISIP Journal of Social and Political Science is published three times a year (April, August and December). Article published in JISIP is an article based on the results of research (priority), and articles on scientific reviews of contemporary phenomena in the field of Social and Political Science, ...