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“Advertisement” vs “Commercial”
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(What Is The Difference?)
We’ve already gone over the the differences and similarities between the words: “Ad” vs “Advert” vs “Advertisement” in a previous post. Today we’ll tackle the topic of the differences & similarites between the words: “Advertisement” vs “Commercial”.
These two terms are thought by many to be virtually the same — and are often used inter-changeably. However — this is only the case when we are talking about the “Advertisements” and “Commercials” which we see on TV; and which we hear on the Radio.
. When it comes to the internet, and things like: Magazines, Newspapers, Fliers, and the Posters we may see around town — we (should) only use the term, “Advertisement”.
So What Is The Difference?
The root-word of, “Commercial” is “Commerce” — which is: “the buying and selling of things”. While, (to) “Advertise”, is merely: “to draw attention to something”. So — though all “Commercials” ARE “Advertising” “things” — an “Advertisement” can be used for other purposes than to simply try to “sell” you some… “thing”.
So… all “Commercials” ARE types of “Advertisements”. But not all “Advertisements” are “Commercials”… A “Commercial” is a specific type of “Advertisement” — which is seen on TV, or heard on the radio — and is specifically used to get you to buy something; used for the purpose of “Commerce”.
Advertisement vs Commercial…
The Breakdown
- If it is in a magazine, newspaper, or flier – or if it is on the internet, it is an “Advertisement”
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- If it is on TV or the radio and is selling something, it is a “Commercial”
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- If it is on TV or the radio and it is simply providing information (and not selling a product or service) it is an “Advertisement”
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Examples:
- The first two examples (0:00 – 1:40) are “Advertisements” (despite the title of the video) because they are not selling a product
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- The rest of the examples are “Commercials” because they are selling products or services
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However…
- From 7:37 – 8:12 – ? — No Idea… but it’s funny 😀
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- From 9:13 – 9:32 — This is probably an “Advertisement” because there are Heineken bottles on the table, but really, it’s just annoying
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Have An Excellent Day!
😉
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1 Response
[…] Basically all of these terms mean the same thing. They are all a form of marketing and/or propaganda, which is used to either sell a product or to persuade people to a certain way of thinking. (See Also: “Advertisement” vs “Commercial”) […]