How to Do Ads on Times Square Billboards from India

October 9, 2024

Last Updated on October 9, 2024

Times Square, the dazzling intersection of Manhattan, New York City, has seen a growing number of Indian companies putting ads on the billboards. And for all good reasons. After all, you can expect nearly 1.5 million impressions a day with Times Square ads.

But can you do Times Square billboard advertising from India?

In this article, we’ll see how to do billboard advertising in Times Square and make your brand the talk of the town. It’s possible to get on the billboards of Times Square right from India and get unparalleled visibility for your brand.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

5 Ways to Get on a Times Square Billboard

1. Look for outdoor ad agencies

Outdoor advertising agencies can be your best buddies when trying to do Times Square ads from India. These agencies have the deets of Out of Home (OOH) advertising, and they have contacts. They can help you navigate the process of having your brand up at this intersection.

Some agencies like Posterscope India and Simca Advertising offer Times Square advertising services. From brainstorming your ad concept to handling the nitty-gritty of putting your ad up, they’ve got it all covered.

Laqshya Media Group, Madison World and Global Advertisers might also be able to help. They’re known for their OOH advertising expertise. Then, there are global outdoor ad agencies like JCDecaux India, Kinetic India and Rapport Outdoor Advertising. They can be your bridge to Times Square.

2. Contact billboard operators

Another way to put ads on Times Square is to contact the individual signage holders who manage the digital screens and billboards. The official website of Times Square has a list of such billboard operators. They have the rights to the prime real estate you’re eyeing.

Working with billboard operators directly can sometimes be more beneficial than going through an agency. You might be able to negotiate better deals and customize your ad space better. However, it’s a more hands-on process and can be overwhelming.

3. Use online booking platforms

If you want a more convenient and hassle-free option, check booking platforms like TSX.live, TimesSquareBillboard.com and BillboardsIn.com. They offer an easy way to get your brand up on the iconic billboards of Times Square without dealing with operators or agencies. It’s like booking a flight or hotel room – straightforward and transparent.

An unconventional option for smaller brands and startups is to check with trip organisers and event managers. They might be able to book some screen presence for you as “memory.” This can be a great way to enter the Times Square scene without much complexity.

4. Engage a media-buying service

For a more specialised approach to getting your brand on Times Square billboards, consider enlisting a media-buying service. They’re like the savvy shoppers of the advertising world who know where to find the best deals. They’re the most economical option if you’re planning an extensive, multi-channel advertising campaign.

Some US-based media-buying agencies are Capitol Media Solutions, Outdoor Media Buyers and American Guerilla Marketing. These folks are pros at purchasing advertising space across various outdoor media, including those coveted Times Square billboards.

5. Partner with US marketing firms

Then you can also try partnering with marketing agencies in the US. They understand the New York advertising scene inside out. After all, what works in Mumbai might not fly in Manhattan. Plus, they can help you stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly missteps.

One Day Agency, Outfront Media and Clear Channel Outdoor are some prominent names in outdoor advertising. They have access to many NYC Times Square billboards and screens, helping you make the big splash smooth.

FAQs about Putting Ads at Times Square

1. Can you buy an ad on Times Square?

Yes, you can buy an ad on Times Square. You can get in touch with the billboard operators or talk with media-buying agencies to book a space.

2. How to get on a billboard in Times Square?

You can be on Times Square billboards from India through various means. For a small-scale project, you can try online booking platforms. For larger, professional campaigns, you can work with media-buying services or outdoor ad agencies in India and the US.

3. How much does it cost to advertise in a Times Square billboard?

The cost of billboard advertising in Times Square can vary depending on how you approach the billboard owners and what ad services you need. A 15-second spot on a loop with other advertisers for four weeks can cost you anywhere between $50,000 and $300,000.

4. How much is a 15-second ad in Times Square?

You can book a 15-second ad starting at $40 using online platforms. However, traditionally, a space is rented for several 15-second ads over a few weeks.

5. How long does a billboard stay up in Times Square?

The digital billboards in Times Square stay up 24/7. An ad usually runs on them for a few seconds (or minutes) every hour, as per the contract.

Wrapping it up

There you have it – a short guide to doing ads on Times Square billboards from India. These digital billboards provide a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with global giants. Whether you work with an agency or use online platforms, there are several ways to get up there.