Ah, the Super Bowl commercial—the holy grail of marketing. Every year, brands drop eye-watering amounts of cash to grab 30 seconds of America’s undivided attention. In 2025, a national Super Bowl spot will set you back $8 million dollars—which, for context, could also buy you a private island in the Caribbean, a fleet of luxury yachts, or a penthouse in Manhattan. Priorities, right?
There’s also local and regional Superbowl ads which are quite a bit less. Last year, a regional ad in South Dakota cost $950,000, still a pretty penny.
Why You Probably Shouldn’t Make a Super Bowl Ad
Listen, we get it. The idea of running a Super Bowl ad is exciting. But before you sell your car and take out a second mortgage, consider these points:
- It’s insanely expensive. Even local spots aren’t cheap, and that money could go a lot further in a more strategic, long-term campaign.
- The audience is distracted. Super Bowl viewers are refilling nacho bowls, debating halftime performances, and waiting for the real ads from brands with billion-dollar budgets. Will they really remember your spot?
- One-and-done marketing isn’t great. A single ad—no matter how clever—probably won’t move the needle unless it’s supported by a larger campaign.
But Maybe It’s a Good Idea?
That said, sometimes a Super Bowl ad does make sense. Here’s when you might want to go for it:
- You’re a local business with a broad customer base. If your brand serves the entire region and you want mass exposure, this could be a solid move.
- You’ve got a killer concept. If your ad is so good that people actually talk about it afterward, then it might be worth the investment.
- You have a strategic follow-up plan. A Super Bowl ad shouldn’t be a standalone stunt—it should tie into a broader marketing effort that keeps people engaged after the game.
Red Canary Super Bowl Ads
We’ve dipped our toes into the Super Bowl ad world a few times—mostly for Harris Personal Injury Lawyers. Our commercials focused on branding, the regional community, and sometimes a little humor. This was one of our favorites:
So, should you make a Super Bowl ad? Maybe. But only if you’ve got the right budget, the right strategy, and something worth saying. Otherwise, that money might be better spent elsewhere—like on a campaign that lasts longer than 30 seconds.
Either way, if you need help making a great ad (Super Bowl or not), you know where to find us.