TV Ads vs. Digital Video Ads (What's the Cost?)

With so many marketing campaigns going digital, it's hard to price traditional marketing methods such as TV, magazine and radio advertising. The traditional methods are still relevant, it just depends on your business and who you're targeting. For example, if your target audience is Boomers living in more spread-out cities or rural areas (such as San Antonio or Austin, TX), TV ads are still valuable. If you want to reach Gen X, Z, or Millennials, however, you might steer clear of the traditional methods.

According to data findings, 61% of young adults in the United States say the primary way they watch TV is through streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and HBO Go. Just 5% of millennials watch TV through a digital antenna. Reaching a younger demographic will be best through social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

How Much Does it Cost for a TV Ad?

For local television stations, advertisers can expect to pay a minimum of $5 per 1,000 viewers for a 30-second commercial. Based on data provided by Adage, a 30-second spot broadcast nationally averages around $115,000 in 2019. The average cost placements for 30-second Super Bowl ads can go for upward of $5.25 million.