A Brand’s Five Seconds Of Fame. Is It Enough?
Five seconds, is that enough for a brand to tell its story? While Todd Sampson says otherwise, Tyler Greer, head of strategy APAC, Exponential, believes it’s where the industry is heading.
I was recently watching Gruen and, like you, yelling at the TV that I know more than any of them and “where is my spot on the panel??”, when Mr. Sampson made a comment that made me pause. The discussion was around pre-rolls and whether delivering them in shorter bursts, given they often proceed short form content, might be wiser. Five seconds, for instance. Sampson suggested that five seconds was too short a format through which to deliver a brand story. This is a principle which needs exploring.
Pre-rolls are a strange beast in advertising – loathed by consumers, loved by media agencies, often misunderstood by creatives, worth a fortune to publishers, and arguably the driving financial force behind the fastest growing channel in the online world, video. Studies consistently suggest that pre-roll outperforms TV placement on a range of brand health metrics. This may or may not be true, but one thing is certain: they ain’t going anywhere. The question is whether or not the industry is using the space in the right way. It may be, in fact, that five seconds is actually the optimal way to go. The idea that TVCs can be shunted into the digital video space as a way to gain incremental reach presupposes that all screens operate the same way for consumers, and that reach trumps impact. Possibly right. But perhaps there are ways better suited to the boundaries of the medium.
Buying models often seek to address this. Cost per Completed View is a simple buying method, but it respects a format in which the user has the option of skipping, rendering the video of lesser value. User opt-in Cost per Engagement models also recognise that, the importance of charging only for those who elect to take a deeper brand journey.
Sampson’s idea that five seconds is too short a format through which to deliver a story is perplexing, particularly if this format is shown to carry less-annoyance, stronger impact, and offer a more efficient buying model for brands. Focusing on the limitations of the environment rather than the creative solution seems an unhelpful.
In fact, limitations are more often than not what fuels creativity – they foster a process that forces us to think our way through and problem solve. A canvas is static, so when the artist needs to convey movement he is forced to deploy technique and colour and brushstroke to achieve this. The limitations of the medium means he needs to find creative solutions. When it’s done well we call it genius. This applies to many of the great human achievements we admire; the ability to create something astonishing or functional with limited tools or parameters. We even have a saying for it: necessity is the mother of invention.
Outdoor advertising has known this for decades. Constricted to the short amount of time in which the freeway driver whizzes past and looks up, the medium found a way to deliver a brand message in a very short window. Boundaries are not always a barrier to creativity; rather a problem which must be solved using available techniques and tools. If five seconds is too short a format through which to tell a story, then change the story.
Edward de Bono, he of the ‘six thinking hats’ theory, speaks of being ‘blocked by openness’, a situation by which the easiest way forward robs us of experience and creative thinking. To illustrate this, he places a roadblock on the freeway you take to work every day, forcing you to take an alternative route. Along this route you see things you have never seen – houses, streets, shops – but also discover that the path is a more effective way to reach your destination. The openness of the freeway precluded this exploration in the first place.
Why does this matter? Because right now the industry is faced with an ever expanding array of formats through which to speak with audiences, and few adhere to traditional creative structures. Some are text based, some only image and some video, some aural and others interactive; in each case they differ and so too will the creative solutions brands must bring to them. The ability of a brand to connect with its audience will require each channel be taken on its merits and, if need be, the story telling method altered accordingly. This is the most critical challenge in media and advertising today.
This is no doubt a challenge, and if you’re reading on for an answer as to the best way forward here’s a spoiler alert: I don’t have one. Traditional advertising has sculpted our thinking around story-telling of 30 second TVCs supported by outdoor, magazine and radio. And it has also defined how we measure success and the attribution models we bring to these – reach, awareness, brand health, etc. All are up for re-evaluation because consumer touchpoints are so varied. It is the most interesting and exciting time in history to be working in media. So many channels, so many ways to tell brand stories, and so many ways for creative exploration.
Before the various comments question my right to discuss creative matters, consider that this comes first and foremost from a media consumer who is, like everyone else, inundated daily with a multitude of messages. Some work, most don’t, but the ones that have the best chance of achieving their goals are the ones whose creative approach is in harmony with the channel and format into which it is placed. It’s a rule that will never change but one to which we must all constantly adapt.
Latest News
Sydney Comedy Festival: Taking The City & Social Media By Storm
Sydney Comedy Festival 2024 is live and ready to rumble, showing the best of international and homegrown talent at a host of venues around town. As usual, it’s hot on the heels of its big sister, the giant that is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, picking up some acts as they continue on their own […]
Global Marketers Descend For AANA’s RESET For Growth
The Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) has announced the final epic lineup of local and global marketing powerhouses for RESET for Growth 2024. Lead image: Josh Faulks, chief executive officer, AANA Back in 2000, a woman with no business experience opened her first juice bar in Adelaide. The idea was brilliantly simple: make healthy […]
Is Meta’s New AI Chatbot Too Left-Wing?
Meta's chatbot accused of being left-wing after being caught wearing a Che Guevara T-shirt & listening to Billy Bragg.
TV Ratings (23/04/2024): Why Did No One Tell Angela That Farmer Wants A Wife Is Set On A Farm?
As wonderful as this headline is, let's face it, we all know an 'Angela', don't we?
PubMatic Unveils New AI Partnership To Turn Social Posts Into Ads For Any Digital Channel
Here's some nifty tech for turning social posts into ads. Assuming said posts aren't one-star character assassinations.
Intuit Mailchimp Makes A Splash With Its First Australian Brand Campaign
Ever laugh along at a gag you didn't get so as not to appear dumb? Get ready for more feigning with this new work.
GumGum’s Rob Hall: Advertisers Can No Longer “Rely On Binary Descriptions” Of Consumers
If anyone's got their finger on adtech's pulse, it's Rob Hall. He also avoids using the good paper in the office printer
Mastercard Nabs Florencia Aimo From Marriott International
Marriott International's Florencia Aimo jumps from the hotel business to the exploitative credit card one.
Bastion Agency Appoints Cheuk Chiang As New ANZ CEO
Cheuk Chiang takes the reins over at Bastion Agency. But not the rains down in Africa.
Spotlight On Sponsors: Major Sponsorship Wins After A Disappointing Week In Sport
B&T continuing our deep dive into local sport sponsorships & that's despite not a single offer of a free ticket as yet.
Macca’s Marketing Director, Samantha McLeod On Big Mac Chant: “What Was Once Old Is Now Cool Again”
Macca's using the power of nostalgia in latest Big Mac campaign. Well, only for those who've ever eaten one sober.
World Premiere Of Midnight Oil: The Hardest Line To Open Sydney Film Festival 2024
Oil's biopic to open Sydney Film Festival. Here's hoping Molly Meldrum will take his pants down at the premiere.
Entries Are Now Open For The 2024 Brandies, IntelligenceBank’s Annual Brand Marketing Awards
The Brandies are, of course, a prestigious marketing gong and not the mystery tipple favoured by nannas everywhere.
The Fred Hollows Foundation Appoints Ardent For PR
Yes, we all like to have a joke at PR's expense. But sometimes it does important work, like this.
AI, eCommerce & Marketing Specialists Are In Increased Demand By Businesses, New Data From Fiverr Shows
Has your philosophy & anthropology degree left you with nothing but a huge HECS debt? Here's what you should've studied.
Perth’s First 3D Anamorphic Billboard Arrives Courtesy Of oOh!media
Do you love a buzzword? Now you can add anamorphic to the list as it relates to billboards, not a colleague's ears.
MasterChef Australia & Crown Resorts Launch Unique Dining Experience With ALUMNI
A pop-up restaurant staffed by MasterChef contestants! That's fine dining prices for first-year apprentice chef cuisine!
Amanda Laing Announces Resignation From Foxtel Group
Foxtel's chief commercial & content officer heads for the exits. Read nice things the bosses said about her right here.
The Lost Letters From Our Diggers: News Corp Unveils ANZAC Day Special
It's nice when brands respectfully acknowledge ANZAC Day.
Howatson+Company Acquires Akkomplice
Large indie acquires a slightly smaller indie. Much like a shark eating a tuna, just with less thrashing and blood.
Google Delays Third-Party Cookie Deprecation Again
In good news for the sale of picture library biscuit photos, Google continues to tease over the end of cookies.
Education A Low Priority For Aussies More Concerned With Cost Of Living Forethought Study Reveals
Study finds Aussies cutting back on education due to cost of living. Booze & Uber Eats sales remain largely unaffected.
“I’m Still The Same Person That I Was”: Rikki Stern Says “Fucc It” To Cancer Stereotypes
B&T always happy to promote the anti-cancer cause. Even brands that massively overdo it with the hot pink.
The Unapproved Climate Certification Allegedly Causing Mass Greenwashing
Are you left flummoxed in the canned tuna & free range eggs aisle? Just wait till this green certification gets up.
TV Ratings (22/04/2024): Fans Mock “Over The Top” Reaction To New MasterChef Judges
MasterChef returns for its 2024 season. B&T stands by putting peppercorns in Gravox & no one will be any the wiser.
Dentsu Restructure: Muddle, Harvey & Johnston Take Leadership Baton As Bass & Yurisich Exit
A large broom has swept through Dentsu's local ops this morning, taking with it some big names & the air con's cobwebs.
Industry Shares Trends Shaping The Industry This International Creators Day
B&T's asking adland creators to reveal their top trends. And it's not good news for your Jenny Kee cardigan collection.
Mable Extends HOYTS Sensory Screenings Partnership
Mable has extended its HOYTS sensory screening partnership. Vigorously defends its two-star Oppenheimer review.
Orphan Launches ‘They Need Our Help. We Need Yours’ For Children’s Cancer Institute
Anything to do with childhood cancers has B&T's 110% support. That said, we do ignore the red meat & alcohol warnings.
Smile Team Orthodontics & Keep Left Collaborate On Smile-Inducing Campaign
As parents would attest, given the cost of orthodontics you'd expect this campaign to be a lavish production indeed.
Opinion: How Video Calls Neglect Learning Diversity
Need an excuse to duck out of a video call this arvo? Show this to your boss.
DoubleVerify Achieves First-Of-Its-Kind Responsible AI Certification From TrustArc
DoubleVerify receives responsible AI certification. However, not its robotic vacuum that's been seen menacing the cat.
Smile For A Good Cause: The Social Media Campaign Giving Back To The Community
Are you known as the office Austin Powers? More for you teeth than shagability? Get snappy new fangs with this news.
Elon Musk Mocks Albo After ESafety Wins Court Injunction Against X
Albo's 2024 from hell continues - Rabbitohs in crisis, down in the polls and now feuding with world's richest man.
Real Estate Developer In Hot Water Over “Sexually Exploitative” OOH Campaign
Real estate agents again tops in the 'least trusted profession' polls, nudging used car salesmen & ad creatives.
Epsilon’s Shane Hanby: Post-Cookie Era Relies On “Teamwork” Between Brands, Marketers & Tech
This pro predicts more "teamwork" in a post-cookie era. Which spells bad news for the uncooperative or plain stubborn.