30-Second Commercial Cost Estimator
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Estimated Cost Range
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Breakdown:
- Production:
- Media Buying:
- Contingency:
30‑second commercial is a short advertising spot that runs for thirty seconds, designed for TV, online video platforms, or social media. If you’ve ever wondered how much you need to set aside for one, you’re not alone. The price tag can swing wildly depending on where it airs, who creates it, and how polished the final edit is. Below we break down every major cost driver, give you current 2025 price ranges, and hand you a simple checklist so you can budget with confidence.
What influences the price of a 30‑second commercial?
Understanding the variables helps you predict the final bill instead of being surprised by a hidden fee. Here are the seven biggest factors:
- Media channel: TV national spots cost more than local cable, and a YouTube pre‑roll is usually cheaper than a prime‑time TV slot.
- Production quality: High‑end cinematic production, drone footage, or custom animation adds premium charges.
- Talent & crew: Professional actors, voice‑over artists, and crew rates (director, cinematographer) vary by market.
- Location & permits: Shooting in a studio vs. an outdoor location (Sydney Harbour, for example) can change costs dramatically.
- Post‑production: Editing, color grading, motion graphics, and sound design each carry separate fees.
- Licensing & music: Royalty‑free tracks are cheap; a popular song can add tens of thousands of dollars.
- Media buying & placement: The agency that purchases the airtime takes a commission, and rates differ by rating point (GRP) and market size.
Each of these items can be sourced from different providers, so you may end up with multiple invoices. The key is to map them early and decide where you can trim without hurting the message.
Typical cost ranges in 2025
Below is a snapshot of what most Australian advertisers reported in Q22025. Figures are in Australian dollars (AUD) and represent total spend-including production and media placement-for a single 30‑second spot.
| Channel | Low‑End Range | Mid‑Range | High‑End Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local TV (regional) | $5,000 - $12,000 | $12,001 - $25,000 | $25,001 - $45,000 |
| National TV (prime time) | $30,000 - $55,000 | $55,001 - $120,000 | $120,001 - $250,000+ |
| Digital (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram) | $1,500 - $4,000 | $4,001 - $9,000 | $9,001 - $20,000 |
| Streaming platforms (pre‑roll on services) | $3,000 - $7,000 | $7,001 - $15,000 | $15,001 - $35,000 |
Notice the gap between production‑only costs (often $2,000‑$30,000) and full‑run costs that include airtime. If you only need an online video, you can stay on the lower end. TV, especially national, quickly pushes you into six‑figure territory.
Breaking down the budget: line‑item checklist
Use this checklist when you request quotes. Mark each item as "required", "optional", or "nice‑to‑have" to keep the budget in check.
- Production company: concept, story‑boarding, direction.
- Talent: actors, voice‑over, on‑screen extras.
- Location & permits: studio hire, location fees, city council permits.
- Equipment rental: cameras, lighting, drones.
- Post‑production: editing, VFX, colour grading, sound design.
- Music & licensing: royalty‑free library, custom composition, popular track rights.
- Media buying agency: airtime purchase, audience targeting, campaign reporting.
- Contingency (5‑10% of total) for unexpected reshoots or rate changes.
Tip: If you’re a small business, negotiate a bundled package where the production house also handles media buying. That can shave 10‑15% off the total.
How to keep costs under control
There’s no magic formula, but these tactics have saved marketers up to 30%:
- Reuse existing footage: Many agencies keep a stock library of generic cityscapes, product shots, or lifestyle clips. Using them avoids a shoot.
- Limit talent fees: Opt for local actors or emerging voice talent. In Sydney, a mid‑tier voice‑over artist charges $500‑$800 per spot, versus $2,500 for a celebrity.
- Choose off‑peak airtime: TV networks offer discounts for slots after 10pm or on weekends. You can still reach a sizable audience at a fraction of prime‑time costs.
- DIY post‑production: Simple cuts and lower‑third graphics can be handled in‑house using software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
- Negotiate flat‑fee media buys: Instead of CPM, request a fixed price for a set number of GRPs. This eliminates surprise cost spikes.
Remember, cutting corners on production can damage brand perception, so always weigh the creative impact against the dollar savings.
Quick cost calculator (example)
Plug your numbers into the table below to get a rough estimate. All figures are averages for 2025 Australian market.
| Item | Low Estimate (AUD) | High Estimate (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Concept & script | 1,000 | 3,000 |
| Production (crew, equipment) | 2,000 | 12,000 |
| Talent | 500 | 5,000 |
| Location & permits | 300 | 4,000 |
| Post‑production | 800 | 6,000 |
| Music/licensing | 200 | 8,000 |
| Media buying (TV regional) | 5,000 | 25,000 |
| Media buying (Digital) | 1,200 | 4,000 |
| Contingency (7%) | ~500 | ~3,500 |
| Total (regional TV) | ≈11,500 | ≈66,500 |
| Total (digital only) | ≈5,000 | ≈25,500 |
Use the totals as a starting point when you talk to agencies. Adjust each line based on your specific needs, and you’ll quickly see where the biggest levers are.
Bottom line
The 30‑second commercial cost can vary from under $5,000 for a modest digital spot to well over $250,000 for a national TV prime‑time extravaganza. By dissecting the budget, choosing the right channel, and negotiating smartly, you can align the spend with the return you expect. Keep this guide handy, run the calculator, and you’ll avoid nasty surprises when the invoice arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to produce a 30‑second commercial?
Using existing stock footage, a local voice‑over artist, and handling editing in‑house can keep production under $3,000. Add a modest digital media spend and the total stays under $5,000.
How much should I budget for media buying on national TV?
For a single 30‑second slot during prime time in Sydney, expect $55,000-$120,000 for the airtime alone. Adding production pushes the total toward $150,000‑$250,000.
Can I get a discount if I buy multiple spots?
Yes. Networks often offer bundled rates for a series of 3‑5 spots, delivering 10‑15% savings. Digital platforms provide volume discounts based on total impressions.
Do I need a separate budget for royalties if I use popular music?
Popular tracks can cost $10,000-$30,000 for a 30‑second sync license in Australia. If the budget is tight, consider royalty‑free libraries where a one‑off fee of $200‑$500 gives perpetual rights.
Is there a rule of thumb for allocating budget between production and media?
A common split is 40% production, 60% media buying for TV campaigns. For digital‑only efforts, the balance often flips to 70% production, 30% media because CPM costs are lower.