As more and more content becomes developed specifically for streaming services, many companies have reached a crossroads regarding their advertising plans: should you place a bigger focus on TV ads or streaming ads?
Fortunately, though, there’s a handful of attributes to consider before making your decision.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
So, What’s The Difference Between Streaming and Television?
Conventional television service is provided through equipment that communicates with home TVs through a device known as a transmitter, which allows people to receive the audio and visual signals that comprise TV content. For context, TV service can be thought of as always ‘on,’ meaning content is delivered in a predetermined schedule.
So, you’ll only be able to watch the shows you want to if you tune in at the right time.
Streaming operates a bit differently. Rather than continually receiving a signal from a transmitter, content is played directly from the Internet at the viewer’s convenience.
Streaming services function very similarly to YouTube in the sense that you can use your home’s Internet connection to watch available content whenever you’d like.
What About Advertising?
As you may expect, the most lucrative platform would be the one that has the highest number of consistent viewers.
As of 2019, subscriptions to streaming services have surpassed cable TV subscriptions. This is a direct result of the fact that streaming services offer more convenience to the viewer and are also often available at a lower cost.
From this metric, streaming ads would typically be more favorable.
There’s another factor to consider, though, in the form of personalization.
Television ads are displayed based on previously-made marketing decisions. They require extensive research of a particular demographic in order to display content that’s relevant to the viewer.
Streaming ads (like the rest of online ads) are based on the viewer’s previous behavior.
The ads you see on YouTube, for example, will be unique to you based on your general browsing activity and previously watched content.
Although you and someone you know may watch the same video on your respective devices, the ads you each receive could vary drastically.
The Verdict
If you could only choose one, streaming services are the superior advertising option due to a growing user base and the element of personalization.
But, your decision doesn’t always have to include one or the other. It’s a perfectly feasible strategy to allocate your advertising budget to include both.
For instance, your budget could include 20% TV ads and 80% streaming ads to great effect.
Deciding Between TV Ads and Streaming Ads Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about whether to focus your marketing on streaming or TV ads in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making the decision that’s best for you and your company.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.
