When we sit on the sofa, as the TV screen switches and the sound of advertisements sounds, do we really realize that we are being affected? Television advertising is not only a tool to sell goods, but also an important force in shaping consumer behavior and influencing social culture.
TV advertising is one of the first channels in every household to learn about the latest products, services and their brand image. Whether it is a funny sitcom-style advertisement or an emotional commercial video, they all have a subtle influence on the audience's psychology.
Since the first pay-TV commercials aired in the United States in 1941, this type of promotion has undergone significant changes. Advertising formats continue to evolve. With the rise of social media and digital platforms, the influence of traditional advertising is being challenged, while new advertising trends are also emerging. Especially targeting the behavioral patterns of younger audiences, advertisers must use various techniques more skillfully to attract their attention.
Many psychological studies have shown that television advertising can inspire emotions, change the mood of viewers, and even influence decision-making. Advertising often uses humor, drama, and storylines to grab the audience's attention. For example, using popular music as the background or using moving narratives to emphasize the features of the product are common techniques. The combination of these elements allows the ad to leave a lasting impression on the viewer's memory.
Music in ads not only increases immersion, but also makes viewers automatically think of the brand at some point in the future, a phenomenon known as "musical association."
In addition, Product Placement has become a serious form of advertising. By integrating it naturally into the plot, the audience will hardly notice that they are receiving an advertisement. For example, many stars use specific brands of products in upcoming movies, a tactic that attracts many followers to buy the same products.
Advertisers use different strategies to shape consumer choices and values. Rather than simply displaying products, they build a brand story that is emotionally relevant to consumers. When viewers can relate to the story or characters in an ad, they are more likely to want to buy the brand's products.
From emotional resonance to brand loyalty, advertisers drive purchasing decisions by building connections between consumers and brands.
Furthermore, advertising often uses social recognition and influence, such as promotion through influencers, which makes brands no longer rely solely on celebrity advertising to attract consumers. If a respected influencer recommends a product, many fans will quickly follow suit. This is what is called "influencer marketing".
As advertising formats evolve, consumer behavior is also changing. Many viewers have begun to resist traditional advertising methods, such as using digital video recorders (DVRs) to skip commercials. In this context, advertisers must continue to find innovative ways to engage audiences, such as shorter ad breaks and interactive ads. These trends not only show the continued vitality of advertising, but also bring new challenges to the advertising industry.
In general, TV advertising is a powerful marketing tool and its influence cannot be underestimated. Despite the rapidly changing media environment and consumer behavior, advertising continues to evolve to adapt to new needs. Against this background, we can’t help but think about how future advertising will further affect our consumption behavior and daily life?