A Brief History of Subway Advertising

Last updated on June 23rd, 2022 at 04:23 am

It’s no secret that subway systems are a marketing goldmine. With millions of people passing through every day, businesses have the opportunity to reach a large and diverse audience. But how did subway advertising become so popular?

In this blog post, we will take a brief look at the history of advertising on transit systems. From early forms of advertising to the digital age, we will explore how subway advertising has evolved over time!

What Is Subway Advertising?

Subway advertising is a form of out-of-home advertising that uses the transit system to reach consumers. Businesses can purchase ad space on subway cars, trains, platforms, and other areas of the transit system. When commuters see these ads, they are exposed to the brand or product being advertised.

Subway advertising is an effective way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time. Because subway systems are used by millions of people every day, businesses can be sure that their message will be seen by a wide audience.

How Does It Work?

Subway advertising works by using the transit system to reach consumers. Businesses can purchase ad space on subway cars, trains, platforms, and other areas of the transit system. When commuters see these ads, they are exposed to the brand or product being advertised.

This form of advertising is an effective way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time. Because subway systems are used by millions of people every day, businesses can be sure that their message will be seen by a wide audience.

The History of Subway Advertising

Subway advertising has a long and fascinating history. Let’s take a look at how this form of advertising has evolved over time!

Early Forms of Advertising on Transit Systems

One of the earliest forms of advertising on transit systems was seen in London in the late 1800s. Businesses would place ads on the sides of horse-drawn carts that transported goods around the city. These early ads were simple and straightforward, often featuring just a logo or slogan.

As transit systems began to modernize, so did the advertising. In the early 1900s, electric trolleys and buses became popular in cities across America. Businesses took advantage of this new form of transportation by placing ads on the sides of trolleys and buses. These ads were often more complex than those seen on horse-drawn carts, featuring illustrations and even short stories!

The Rise of Subway Advertising

Subway advertising really came into its own in the mid-1900s. As transit systems became more popular, businesses began to see the potential of advertising in these spaces. Subway ads were seen as an effective way to reach a large number of people in a short amount of time.

In the 1960s, subway advertising really took off. This was due in part to the introduction of vinyl ad wraps, which could be applied to the sides of subway cars. These wraps allowed for more complex and eye-catching ads, which helped to increase their popularity.

The Digital Age

In recent years, subway advertising has entered the digital age. Businesses can now purchase digital ad space on subway platforms and inside trains. These digital ads are often interactive, allowing commuters to engage with the brand or product being advertised.

Digital subway advertising is an effective way to reach a large and diverse audience. By using this form of advertising, businesses can ensure that their message will be seen by millions of people every day!

How To Get Started With Subway Advertising

If you’re interested in subway advertising, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to purchase ad space from the transit authority. This can be done through an advertising agency or directly through the transit authority.

Once you’ve secured your ad space, you’ll need to create your ad. This can be done with the help of a graphic designer or an advertising agency. Once your ad is created, it will be placed in your chosen location and will be seen by millions of people.

More FAQs About Subway Advertising.

Q: How much does subway advertising cost?

A: The cost of subway advertising varies depending on a number of factors, including the size and location of your ad. Generally speaking, larger ads in high-traffic areas will be more expensive than smaller ads in less trafficked areas.

Q: How long does a subway ad campaign run?

A: The length of a subway ad campaign depends on the transit authority’s rules and regulations. In most cases, campaigns can run for one month or longer.

Q: How do I choose the right location for my ad?

A: When choosing a location for your ad, it’s important to consider the type of audience you’re trying to reach. If you’re targeting commuters, you’ll want to choose a location that is highly trafficked. If you’re looking to reach a more general audience, you can choose an ad location that is less trafficked.

In Summary.

Advertising on the subway is a great way to reach a large and diverse audience. By understanding the history of this form of advertising, you can create a successful ad campaign that will grab attention and generate results. Thanks for reading!