How Much Does a 30-Second TV Ad Cost?

The price tag for TV commercials can vary wildly, based on a variety of factors – mainly production and broadcasting costs. Even a 30-second tv ad cost a bit, but just how much? Depending on the complexity of the shoot and the editing required, production costs for a 30-second ad may range from $1,000 to more than $50,000.

Broadcasting costs, however, make up the bulk of the price, averaging just under $105,000 for a 30-second commercial on network television. Keep in mind that more competitive markets will charge more to air TV ads because they boast bigger viewership. For instance, a 30-second commercial during NBC’s Sunday Night Football costs over $811,000!

Don’t let these statistics scare you though! Here at Motivated Marketing, we produce eye-catching ads for every budget. Whether you’re looking for a simple shoot or an Oscar-worthy production, we’ve got you covered. Next, your media buyers will get to work placing your ad – and ensuring you get the most viewers for your buck!

Pros and Cons of TV Advertising

How much does it cost to produce a tv commercial?

On average , it can cost $1,000-$50,000 to produce a tv commercial. 

What is the average cost-per-thousand for a tv commercial in 2023?

According to source, the average cost-per-thousand for a tv commercial in 2023 is $47.17

How much do companies pay for a Super Bowl commercial?

Indeed, we all know that ads run during the Super Bowl are notorious for being enormously expensive. For example, the cost of airtime for a 30-second spot in the 2020 Super Bowl LIV was, on average, $5 million. Not surprising, considering it is the highest viewed televised event in the world.

How much do big companies pay for tv commercials during NBC’s Sunday Night Football?

Companies can pay nearly $800,000 to air a commercial during NBC’s Sunday Night Football.

How much does it cost for an ad on a tv streaming service?

On average, it can cost $30 per-thousand-impressions to place an ad on a tv streaming service (also known as OTT ads).

What is OTT?

OTT stands for “over-the-top,” and it’s like taking streaming to a whole new level beyond what you see on platforms like YouTube or social media. With OTT, you can stream content not just on your computer or phone but also on other savvy OTT devices.

What makes OTT special is that it offers “premium” content and experience. It’s like getting the best of the best delivered right to you over the Internet. So, if you want that extra level of awesomeness in your streaming, OTT is the way to go!

What does OTT mean in advertising?

OTT stands for “over-the-top”. Simply put they are ads on streaming platforms. 

OTT ads are the advertisements delivered to streaming viewers within the actual video content. It allows advertisers to reach new audiences at large scales streaming platforms continue to grow substantially alongside traditional cable and broadcast TV. 

What are some examples of OTT?

Some examples of OTT platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, Netflix, Disney+, Pluto TV, and other tv/movie streaming platforms.

How much does over-the-top (OTT) cost to place ads on tv streaming platforms?

Over-the-top (OTT) advertising can cost anywhere between $25 and $75 per 1,000 impressions.

What are some things to consider when managing tv broadcasting costs?

Some factors to remember when managing a tv broadcasting budget include: 

• Knowing how often you want your tv ad to show because this can raise your total broadcasting costs pretty quickly.
• Understanding the importance of reach over frequency of ad placements. You don’t want to overdo the messaging or have the wrong audience seeing your ad and eat at your budget.

What are some key factors that determine how much it costs to advertise on TV?

• Popularity of Network and TV show
• Airtime (ex. the length of your commercial)
• Broadcast vs cable
• Location (ex. Airing your commercials in large, densely populated urban areas allows you to reach more viewers with one commercial, so the cost to advertise in New York City is far greater than the cost of TV advertising in a rural region)
• Demand (ex. The demand of time slots amongst other competition seeking the same slot)
• Time of year
• Time of day

How long are most TV commercials?

Most TV commercials come in three main lengths: 15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds. These are the standard times for ads you see on TV.

To make the most of your commercial, you can edit it into these different lengths. This way, you can use the same ad in various places and reach more people.

A skilled commercial director will plan the shoot with these lengths in mind, ensuring your message gets across effectively.

Are simple TV ads or more high budget commercials more profitable? 

For instance, simple TV ads can be more cost-effective, but they may not be appealing enough to outdo the competition.

On the other hand, high-budget commercials may look impressive, but they can be too costly, resulting in a lower return on investment.

So, finding the right balance between creativity and budget is crucial for the most effective results. A good option is to partner with a marketing agency that knows how to reach your audience and attract more customers within your budget. 

What is the best time of day to air a TV ad? 

Well, to begin with, airing TV ads during extremely early hours of the day may not be the most effective strategy since fewer viewers are watching television at that time. However, this could make commercial spots at 2:00 AM quite affordable.

On the flip side, it’s essential to consider the time frames when your target audience is most likely to be watching television. For instance, daytime television commercials are typically targeted at stay-at-home parents, retired people, or young children. 

On the other hand, prime-time commercials are often aimed at the sought-after 18-49 demographic. By understanding when your audience is tuning in, you can reach the right clientele for your TV ads and get the most for your money!

Which platform is most cost efficient to air a tv ad on broadcast tv, cable tv, or tv streaming service?

Ok, let us offer clarity. If you’re thinking about national prime-time TV programming, it can be quite expensive. The spots during these shows on cable TV can drive up the average cost of airing a 30-second commercial, reaching around $104,700 in the United States back in 2019. So, it’s not the most budget-friendly option.

Furthermore, you can save a lot using local TV advertising. On local TV, the average cost for a 30-second ad is much lower, ranging from $5 to $10 per 1,000 views (CPM). That’s a way more affordable option, especially if you’re aiming for a specific local audience.

Lastly, there are TV streaming ads. For better clarity on the cost for streaming ads, advertising on popular streaming platforms like YouTube can cost around $10 per 1,000 views (CPM). Then there’s Hulu, where it can be around $30 CPM. Still, these rates can be more cost-efficient than national prime-time TV ads.

All in all, if you are watching your advertising budget closely, your business should go local or consider TV streaming services for your TV ad!

Which time of the year is most expensive to air television ads?

In all honesty, the most expensive time to air TV ads is during the holiday season. The rates for television advertising go up during this time compared to other times of the year. So, if you’re planning to run a TV advertisement during the holidays, be ready to big up big time! 

Is it cheaper to show commercial ads on social media instead of television?

If your brand has an established social media presence, you can also market your commercial to your target audience through those channels. This can provide additional low-cost reach for your ad, though you should explore options like paid advertising on Facebook or Twitter to amplify your commercial if you determine it would be a good way to reach your target audience. If you have yet to establish your brand on social media, a paid ad campaign could help to build your presence.

Which offers a better ROI, running a tv ad nationally or locally?

In simple terms, running a TV ad nationally might not be the best idea for your business if your product or service is not known and used by people all over the country.

It is important to note, the United States is divided into different media markets with and each market covers a specific area with local TV channels. So, if your business caters to a specific region or city, it’s wise and more lucrative to narrow in on running TV ads locally, where your potential customers actually are.

Is TV advertising still effective?

You might be wondering if TV ads still pack a punch in today’s digital world. Well, recent studies show that people actually trust ads from traditional media sources, like good ol’ TV commercials, more than those flashy digital ads. Plus, TV ads manage to hold the audience’s attention better, leading to more sales. So, yup, TV advertising is still doing its thing!

How can I reach my target audience through TV advertising?

If you want to make sure your TV ads hit the bullseye, it’s all about doing your homework! Take some time to research the viewers of different TV networks and shows, both local and national. Find the audience that matches your target market the best. Once you’ve got that down, bid for the time slot when they’re most likely to be glued to their screens.

Can a production team make GIFs of TV commercials for other purposes? 

Yes! If you want to get the most value for your money, ask your production company if they can create still images and GIFs for other marketing purposes as well. That way, you can use the same content for different marketing materials and make the most impact with your ad campaign.

How do I create a television commercial?

Creating a TV commercial might seem like a big task, but it’s totally doable! First, you need to come up with a plan for your ad and decide how you want to produce it—either by yourself or with the help of an agency. Then, get creative! Develop the concept and all the elements, like the copy, scripts, and visuals. Don’t forget to hire the right talent too.

At Motivated Marketing, we have a long history of delivery innovative and enticing tv commercials for auto dealerships, healthcare offices, law firms and so many other happy clients. Interested? Take a look at some of our work here.

Or reach us directly to chat, IT’S FREE!  

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