Types of commercials and how to use them in advertising

From radio to TV to billboards, the types of commercials available are endless. Whether it’s talking emus selling insurance for Liberty Mutual or dancing penguins promoting semiconductor chips for the Intel Corporation. Ultimately, advertising is essential – but just like different ice cream flavors appeal to different people, different types of commercials appeal to different customers. So, it’s important to consider which one will be most effective for your business.

And at Voice123, we understand the need for business success in audio and video advertising. So, in this post, we’ll explore what are the different types of commercials, how to use commercials in advertising, and 10 types of digital advertising. 

From concept to screen, it’s time to take your brand to center stage.

Types of commercials

1. TV commercials
2. Radio ads
3. Print ads
4. Online display ads
5. Social media commercials
6. Video ads
7. Interactive ads
8. Outdoor ads
9. Cinema ads
10. Infomercials

Here’s more on each one.

1. TV commercials

TV commercials are short 30-second to 1-minute commercials that air during traditional commercial breaks. They use storytelling, humor, or drama to capture attention and promote a product, service, or brand. For example, a fast-food restaurant can show a mouth-watering close-up of its new burger with sizzling sounds.

2. Radio ads 

Radio ads are audio-based commercials that play on radio stations. Advertisers rely on sound effects and music and hire pro voice actors like those on Voice123 to capture listeners’ attention in seconds. For example, Jennifer Garner’s funky voice over could say, “Tired of stress? Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at Serenity Springs. Book now and unwind!”

3. Print ads 

Print ads are hard-copy advertisements found in newspapers, magazines, brochures, or posters and use visuals, typography, and concise copy to communicate the message. For example, a full-page magazine ad for a luxury watch brand can feature a sleek, high-resolution image with the tagline: “Elegance in Seconds.”

4. Online display ads

Online display ads are banners and pop-ups that appear on websites, social media platforms, and mobile apps. They leverage eye-catching visuals, animations, and interactive elements. For example, a colorful banner ad for an upcoming music festival animated with dancing figures and a countdown urging users to buy tickets.

5. Social media types of commercials

Social media commercials are promotional content advertised on different social media platforms like sponsored posts, short video ads, stories, or carousel ads. For example, an Instagram-sponsored post by a fitness brand could show a short video of people working out to energetic music with the text: ‘Join our community and get fit today!’ 

6. Video ads

Video ads come in different formats like pre-roll ads (short videos that play before online videos), in-stream ads (ads that appear within streaming content), video ads on social media platforms, and skippable video ads and short, non-skippable ads on video platforms like YouTube. A pre-roll ad on YouTube could showcase a chef creating a delicious recipe using a particular cooking oil to demonstrate taste and quality. 

7. Interactive ads

Interactive ads are commercials that allow audiences to interact with the content by clicking on different elements, answering questions, or playing simple games. For example, an online game ad can let users click on different characters to explore the game’s world.

8. Outdoor ads 

Outdoor ads are billboards, transit ads (on buses or trains), or even video ads shown in public spaces. They rely on bold visuals and concise messaging to capture the attention of passersby. For example, a billboard on a busy highway can display a vibrant image of a tropical beach, advertising a travel agency’s vacation packages.

9. Cinema ads

Cinema ads are high-quality video commercials that are shown in theaters alongside movie trailers before the film starts. For example, in a movie theater, an ad for a luxury car brand can feature a sleek car gliding through scenic landscapes, emphasizing its elegance.

10. Infomercials

Infomercials are long-form commercials that provide detailed information about a product or service to educate and persuade audiences to make a purchase. For example, an infomercial host can enthusiastically demonstrate a multi-purpose kitchen gadget, showing how it simplifies cooking tasks.

How to use the different types of advertising

First, define your target audience and campaign goals. Second, use humor, drama, or relatable situations to create compelling narratives. Third, use clear messaging highlighting your product’s or service’s unique benefits. Fourth, choose the right platform based on your audience’s preferences. Fifth, use eye-catching visuals and captivating audio to leave a lasting impression. And finally, include a strong call-to-action to show audiences what step to take next. Let’s look closer at different types of digital advertising.  

10 types of digital advertising

1. Search engine advertising (SEA) – uses paid ads on search engine results pages (e.g., Google Ads) to target keywords and drive relevant traffic. 
2. Social media advertising – promotes content on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn through targeted ads, sponsored posts, and promoted trends.
3. Content marketing – creates valuable and relevant content (blogs, articles, and infographics) to attract and retain customers.
4. Affiliate marketing – involves partnering with affiliates who promote your products or services in exchange for a commission.
5. Email marketing – sends targeted emails to a subscriber list, sharing promotional content.
6. Influencer marketing – collaborates with influencers in a particular niche to promote products, leveraging their credibility and reach.
7. Retargeting/Remarketing – displays ads to users who previously visited your website but didn’t convert.
8. Gamification advertising – incorporates gaming elements into ads to increase user engagement and interaction.
9. E-commerce advertising – uses platforms like Amazon, eBay, and more to promote products directly to online shoppers.
10. Podcast advertising – includes sponsored messages in podcasts read by the host.

Tips for choosing the right types of commercials

First, research your target audience’s demographics and preferences. Second, define your commercial’s objectives, whether it’s to raise awareness, drive sales, or promote a new product. Third, tell a compelling story that engages audiences emotionally and intellectually. Fourth, highlight unique selling points (USPs) that differentiate your brand from competitors. Fifth, choose colors, aesthetics, and images that reflect your brand’s personality. Sixth, create memorable taglines, jingles, or catchphrases. Seventh, choose the right advertising format for your brand, and finally, complete any voice over project with professional vocal talent.

Final thoughts on types of commercials

Advertising is an essential component of business success, and different types of advertising mean that you have to make the right ad choice to create engaging commercials that drive sales or create brand awareness. Whether it’s TV, radio, print, online display, social media, video, interactive, outdoor, cinema, or infomercials, it’s time to take your commercials to a whole new level of success. 

So, whatever your next commercial, be sure to explore the talented pool of voice over artists on Voice123 to bring your commercial to life and make your brand come alive! 

Are you ready to make waves in the world of advertising? 

FAQs on types of commercials