TV Ad Pricing: What It Costs to Run a Commercial in 2025

When you think about TV ad pricing, the cost businesses pay to broadcast commercials on television networks. Also known as television advertising cost, it’s not just about slapping a 30-second clip on air—it’s about reaching the right people at the right time, and that’s where the real value (and expense) comes in.

Not all TV ads are created equal. A spot during the Super Bowl can cost over $7 million, while a local cable ad in a small market might run under $50. What’s the difference? Audience reach, how many people are likely to see the ad is the biggest factor. Then there’s time slot, when the ad airs—prime time, morning shows, or late-night reruns. Ads during evening news or hit reality shows cost more because more people are watching. And don’t forget ad length, whether it’s 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Longer ads cost more, but they also give you more room to tell your story.

It’s not just about the network either. Regional channels, streaming TV services, and even local PBS affiliates have different pricing structures. Some buyers pay per impression, others pay flat rates for a set number of airings. And if you’re targeting a niche audience—say, homeowners in Noida Extension—you might find better deals on local channels than national ones. The key is knowing who you’re trying to reach and where they actually watch TV.

There’s also a big difference between buying ads directly from a station and going through a media buyer. Some companies handle everything for you—negotiating rates, scheduling, even creating the ad—but they take a cut. Others let you buy directly, which can save money but requires more work. If you’re a small business owner, you might be surprised how affordable local TV advertising can be. A few well-placed spots over a week can outperform a month of social media ads if your audience still watches TV.

And yes, the rise of streaming has changed things. More people are skipping traditional TV, but that doesn’t mean TV ads are dead. Many streaming services now run ads too, and advertisers are shifting budgets to include both. The smartest campaigns mix traditional TV with targeted digital ads to cover both audiences. But if you’re still using TV as your main channel, knowing the real cost per viewer is critical. You don’t want to spend $10,000 on a spot that only reaches 500 people.

What you’ll find below are real examples and breakdowns of how TV ad pricing works in different markets, what drives up the cost, and how to get the most out of your budget—whether you’re running a local real estate campaign in Noida Extension or trying to go national. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what you need to know before you spend your next dollar on a commercial.