how much does it cost to advertise on tv?

Producers from a creative agency working on and advertisement.

TV ads are still one of the best ways to grab attention and make a brand stick in people’s minds. There’s just something about seeing a product in action, hearing a catchy jingle, or feeling the emotion in a great story that makes an impact. They build trust, too—people tend to take brands more seriously when they see them on TV. And with the right placement, whether during a big game or a hit show, you’re reaching tons of potential customers at once. Even with all the digital options out there, TV ads still drive sales, build loyalty, and make brands unforgettable. TV ads can definitely be an investment, but the cost really depends on factors like the network, time slot, and length of the ad. A prime-time spot on a major network or during a big event like the Super Bowl can be pricey, but local TV ads or off-peak slots are much more affordable. Plus, while the upfront cost might be higher than digital ads, the reach and credibility TV provides can make it well worth it. A well-placed TV ad can generate huge brand awareness and long-term customer loyalty, making it a smart move for businesses looking to scale.

What does it cost to advertise on TV?

Production costs for creating the commercial can also vary widely, from under £10,000 to over £250,000 and in to the millions, depending on the complexity and quality desired. The budget for a TV ad does not guarantee the ultimate success of a campaign, however the hard truth is that some of the most memorable advertisements do come with a substantial investment.

The cost of a 30-second TV commercial in the UK varies based on factors like the time of day, channel, and program popularity. For daytime slots on smaller digital channels, prices can start around £70 to £180, while peak times range from £160 to £330. Advertising during popular morning shows like "Good Morning Britain" or "Lorraine" can cost between £3,500 and £4,300 according to toasttv.co.uk

Prime-time slots on major channels, especially during high-demand shows, can range from £10,000 to £33,000 for a 30-second spot, and even higher if you're planning to show your advertisement during a high profile sporting event. impressvideo.co.uk

You're paying for Credibility

A TV commercial gives credibility to your brand by creating a sense of legitimacy and trust. Having a TV advertisement automatically signals to viewers that a company is established and serious about its business. The production quality, professional storytelling, and association with trusted networks add to that perception. People tend to believe that if a brand can afford the cost to advertise on tv, it must be successful and reliable. Plus, TV has been around for decades as a trusted source of information and entertainment, so when your brand appears alongside well-known shows or major events, it benefits from that built-in trust and authority.

TV advertising tells consumers, “We’re the real deal.” It separates established brands from smaller, less recognizable ones by creating a level of trust that online ads often struggle to match. People naturally associate TV ads with reliability because they’re aired on trusted networks, often alongside respected programming. When your brand appears on the same platform as major global brands, it benefits from that association.

The value of this credibility is huge. It leads to higher consumer confidence, which directly impacts sales and long-term brand loyalty. TV commercials don’t just sell a product—they build reputation.

"Your brand is what other people say about you when you're not in the room." – Jeff Bezos

How Just one TV advertisement can be a game changer for your business.

There have been several TV ads throughout history that completely transformed a brand’s success, turning them into household names almost overnight.

One of the most famous examples is Apple’s “1984” Super Bowl commercial. Directed by Ridley Scott, it introduced the Macintosh computer with a dramatic, cinematic ad that positioned Apple as the rebellious alternative to the corporate status quo. It only aired once during the Super Bowl, but it created such a buzz that it changed the way people saw the brand, cementing Apple’s reputation for innovation.

Another game-changer was Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign. In 1988, Nike was struggling against Reebok in the sneaker market. Then came their now-iconic TV ad featuring an 80-year-old marathon runner, accompanied by the simple but powerful “Just Do It” tagline. That campaign didn’t just boost sales—it turned Nike into a global leader in sportswear.

A more recent example is Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” ad in 2010. Before that, Old Spice was seen as outdated, but the humorous, fast-paced commercial instantly modernized the brand and made it cool again. The ad went viral, sales skyrocketed, and Old Spice became a leader in the men’s grooming industry.

Your TV advertisement should be quality over quantity.

It's better to have a single, well-crafted commercial that makes a strong impression than to air multiple, less memorable ads. The power of a high-quality ad lies in its ability to capture attention, create an emotional connection, and stick in people's minds. If the ad is creative, engaging, and aligned with your brand, it can have a lasting impact on viewers and build trust, even with fewer airings.

Spamming the airwaves with too many ads can sometimes overwhelm your audience or lead to ad fatigue, where people stop paying attention altogether. Instead, focus on producing an ad that stands out—one that people want to talk about, share, and remember. A well-executed ad aired at the right times can do more for your brand than multiple less polished ones.

If you think a well-rounded tv ad may be the right direction for your business, get in touch with us today to see how we can help your brand get to TV.