Advertising plays an integral role in marketing products and services to consumers. In the world of television, commercials and infomercials are two methods employed by brands to reach potential customers.
Although both are forms of advertising on television, there are several key differences between a commercial and an infomercial. As a piece of advice, it’s best to hire a reliable brand marketing video production company to get the best results, whichever you use.
What exactly is a commercial?
A commercial can be defined as a short advertisement—often lasting around 30 seconds—that is broadcast during traditional programming, such as TV shows or movies. Designed to grab viewers’ attention quickly and effectively, it contains succinct information about a product or service.
The main aim of a commercial is simply to draw awareness to the product being advertised, while also providing an attractive presentation for viewers to remember it later when they decide to make a purchase.
What exactly is an infomercial?
An infomercial, on the other hand, is far more in-depth. It usually lasts for at least two minutes, and may even run for as long as half an hour. Unlike a commercial, which only provides basic information about the product being advertised, an infomercial goes into more detail. It provides viewers with information about how the product works, what its benefits are, how it compares to competing products from other brands, how much it costs and where it can be bought from.
During an infomercial segment, actors or presenters will often demonstrate how to use the product in question or showcase success stories of customers who have already bought it.
So, what are the differences between a commercial and an infomercial?
The main differences between a commercial and an infomercial are the length of time the advertisement runs and how much information they provide. Commercials get to the point more quickly, often employing humour or bold graphics to make sure they stick to viewers’ minds. Infomercials take more of a narrative approach, making use of presenters and demonstrations to bring their message home.
TV advertising can get really expensive, mainly because of its reach. It makes sense that an extended segment like an infomercial would be pricier than a 30-second commercial spot.
Which one is better?
Ultimately, it depends on the product or service you intend to advertise and what you hope to achieve. Although both commercials and infomercials have their advantages, you should consider which one is better for achieving your specific goals.
If you need to deliver in-depth information about how a product works or its benefits, then an infomercial may be the more suitable choice. However, if you simply want to raise awareness of your offering without going into too much detail, then a commercial could be more effective.
There are distinct differences between a commercial and an infomercial that you must take into account when planning advertising campaigns on television. The length of each ad, along with the level of detail necessary can make all the difference in ensuring your brand’s message resonates with viewers.