What’s Behind the $8 Million Price Tag for Super Bowl Ads?

The 2025 Super Bowl is fast approaching, and with it comes a hefty price tag for advertisers looking to reach the massive audience of over 120 million viewers. According to Peter Bray, founder and executive creative director at ad agency Bray & Co., the average cost of a 30-second spot during the broadcast has risen to close to $8 million.

This is a significant increase from previous years, with Super Bowl ads costing as little as $37,500 in 1967. The high cost is due to several factors, including the importance of the Super Bowl as an advertising event, the difficulty of reaching a large audience on social media platforms, and the need for brands to create cultural moments that resonate with viewers.

To achieve this, advertisers are using celebrities, humor, and emotional storytelling in their ads. The cost of these celebrity appearances can range from less than $50,000 to millions of dollars, depending on the star’s level of fame. Dunkin’, for example, has paid big bucks for its Super Bowl ads, with Ben Affleck reportedly earning nearly $10 million for his role.

While some may view the high cost of Super Bowl ads as a waste of money, others see it as an opportunity to connect with a massive audience and create memorable marketing moments. As Bray notes, “the immensity of this event” makes it a unique opportunity for advertisers to reach their target audience in a meaningful way.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-much-do-2025-super-bowl-commercials-cost-heres-the-price-tag-on-ads-this-year