Television commercials are a form of advertising that use short videos to promote a product, service, or idea. They are one of the most common and influential types of media in our society, reaching millions of viewers every day. But how did they start and how have they changed over time? Here’s a brief history:

The first TV commercial in the world was aired in 1941 in the United States, before a baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. It was a 60-second spot for Bulova watches, showing their logo and slogan “America runs on Bulova time“. The company paid only $9 for this historic ad.

In 1955, TV advertising began in Britain, with the first commercial being for Gibbs SR toothpaste. It was broadcast on ITV, the first commercial television network in the UK. The ad featured a catchy jingle and a smiling man brushing his teeth.

In the 1960s, TV commercials became more creative and sophisticated, using catchy slogans, jingles, celebrities, and humor to attract viewers’ attention. Some of the most iconic campaigns of this decade include Coca-Cola’s “Things Go Better with Coke“, Volkswagen’s “Think Small“, and Avis‘ “We Try Harder“.

In the 1970s, TV commercials became more diverse and socially conscious, reflecting the changing values and attitudes of society. Some of the ads that addressed social issues such as racism, sexism, and environmentalism include Coca-Cola’s “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing“, Virginia Slims‘ “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby“, and Keep America Beautiful’s “Crying Indian“.

In the 1980s, TV commercials became more competitive and aggressive, using comparative advertising, testimonials, and endorsements to persuade viewers to buy their products. Some of the ads that used these strategies include Apple’s “1984“, Pepsi’s “The Choice of a New Generation“, and Nike’s “Just Do It“.

In the 1990s, TV commercials became more interactive and engaging, using technologies such as digital effects, animation, and computer graphics to create stunning visuals and stories. Some of the ads that used these innovations include Budweiser’s “Frogs“, Energizer’s “Bunny“, and Reebok’s “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker“.

In the 2000s, TV commercials became more integrated and personalized, using platforms such as social media, online video, and mobile devices to reach targeted audiences and create viral campaigns. Some of the ads that used these channels include Dove’s “Real Beauty“, Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like“, Burger King’s “Subservient Chicken“, “Puppy Love” by Budweiser, and “The Force” by Volkswagon.

Today, TV commercials are still evolving and adapting to the changing media landscape and consumer preferences. They are using new formats such as interactive, addressable, and native ads to deliver relevant and customized messages to viewers. They also use new metrics such as engagement, sentiment, and conversion to measure their effectiveness.

TV commercials have come a long way since their humble beginnings in 1941. They have become an integral part of our culture and society, influencing our tastes, opinions, and behaviors. They have also become an art form in their own right, showcasing creativity, innovation, and storytelling.