Over the past decades, there have been countless debates over the best length for commercials. When television first reached the mainstream in the 1950s, TV commercial length was patterned after the 60-second radio commercials which were the standard during those times. The 1970s ushered in media inflation that left advertisers no choice but to shorten their ads to 30 seconds. Soon after, the cost of 30-second ads started to rise rapidly, and it didn’t take long for the 15-second spot to rise to fame after that.
So what, then, is the best length for a TV/radio ad?
15-second commercials – If you just want to remind your customers about your brand, then a 15-second spot is a good option. They cost less than 30-second commercials, so you can buy more spots and have your ad aired more often, making it more likely that viewers/listeners will remember your brand. 15-second commercials are also good for short messages that are easy to understand and products that are already popular.
30-second commercials – For decades, 30-second ads were advertisers’ favorite. They give you more time to tell a story, they’re more memorable, and they’re best to use for brand-building campaigns. They’re more expensive than 15-second spots, but you can do a lot more with them: you can include your brand’s image, give information about your brand, tug on emotions, and call to action all in the space of half a minute. You can also split them into two 15-second blocks: show the first half at the beginning of a commercial block, and show the second half at the end.
60- and 120-second commercials – For new brands, new products, and new concepts, 60- and 120- second spots are ideal. They give you more time to introduce and explain what you’re advertising: you’ll be able to tell your story and persuade your audience without having to worry about which details to keep or cut in order to fit. They also give your viewers enough time to listen, understand, and get interested in your brand or product.
So what is the most effective length for a TV/radio commercial? The bottom line is, there isn’t a clear, one-size-fits-all answer: the most effective length depends on what you need and what you’re willing to pay for!
If you have any questions about TV or radio advertising, feel free to give us a call.