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History of Advertising Timeline
(Ancient times - Present)The history of advertising dates back thousands of years, with early forms including painted signs and oral announcements. Over time, advertising has evolved and become more sophisticated, incorporating print, radio, television, and digital media. Today, advertising plays a crucial role in business and consumer culture. More Less
Print Advertising
First newspaper advertisement
Mar 1, 1704
The first newspaper advertisement was published in the Boston News-Letter, promoting an estate sale. This marked the beginning of print advertising as a medium for reaching a wider audience.
Image source: Advertising
First billboard advertisement
Jul 1, 1835
The first billboard advertisement was displayed in New York City, promoting a circus. This marked the beginning of outdoor advertising as a prominent medium.
Image source: Billboard
Birth of modern advertising agencies
1841
Volney B. Palmer opened the first advertising agency in Philadelphia, pioneering the concept of a specialized firm that helps clients create and place advertisements.
Creation of the Associated Press
May 22, 1846
The Associated Press was formed as a cooperative news agency, providing newspapers with a reliable and cost-effective source of news content, leading to increased advertising opportunities.
Image source: Associated Press
Launch of the Marlboro Man campaign
Jan 1, 1955
Marlboro introduced the iconic "Marlboro Man" campaign, transforming the brand's image and establishing a successful association with rugged masculinity.
Image source: Marlboro
Launch of the "Got Milk?" campaign
Oct 29, 1993
The "Got Milk?" campaign, featuring celebrities with milk mustaches, aimed to increase milk consumption and became a cultural phenomenon.
Image source: Got Milk?
Launch of the "Share a Coke" campaign
Jun 2011
Coca-Cola's "Share a Coke" campaign replaced its logo with popular names, encouraging consumers to find and share personalized bottles, creating a social media frenzy.
Image source: Share a Coke
Broadcast Advertising
Introduction of the radio
Nov 2, 1920
The first commercial radio station, KDKA in Pittsburgh, began broadcasting, opening up a new medium for advertisers to reach a mass audience.
Image source: Radio
Creation of the first advertising jingle
1926
The Wheaties cereal brand aired the first-ever advertising jingle, "Have You Tried Wheaties?", introducing a catchy musical element to advertising.
First televised commercial
Jul 1, 1941
Bulova Watch Company aired the first-ever television commercial, lasting only 10 seconds, during a baseball game broadcast.
Image source: Television advertisement
Key Facts
- The first recorded advertisement was a papyrus poster in ancient Egypt around 3000 BC.
- The printing press revolutionized advertising in the 15th century, allowing for mass production of printed materials.
- The first paid advertisements appeared in newspapers in the late 17th century.
- The emergence of radio in the early 20th century brought a new platform for advertising.
- The first television commercial aired in the United States in 1941.
Source
This History of Advertising timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.
We strive to make these timelines as accurate as possible, but occasionally inaccurates slip in. If you notice anything amiss, let us know at [email protected] and we'll correct it for future visitors.
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