TV Ad Pricing: What It Costs to Run Commercials on Indian Television

When you think about TV ad pricing, the cost of broadcasting a commercial on Indian television networks. It’s not just about how long the spot is—it’s about when, where, and who’s watching. A 10-second ad during prime time on a top channel can cost ten times more than the same spot late at night on a regional station. That’s the reality of television advertising cost, the total expense of placing and running a commercial on broadcast or cable TV. It’s not a flat fee. It’s a complex mix of viewership, time slot, channel reach, and even the season—think Diwali, wedding season, or cricket tournaments.

Who sets these prices? Networks, yes—but also media buying, the process of negotiating and purchasing ad space across TV channels to maximize audience reach. Agencies don’t just pick channels randomly. They track ratings, analyze viewer demographics, and compare cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM). A brand selling baby products won’t pay the same for a 9 PM slot on a sports channel as they would for a 7 PM slot on a family-oriented show. And if you’re a small business? You can still get noticed. Regional channels, local cable networks, and even non-prime slots offer affordable entry points. commercial airtime, the specific minutes or seconds when an advertisement is scheduled to air on TV isn’t just for big corporations. It’s about smart targeting, not just big budgets.

What you’re really paying for isn’t just airtime—it’s access to attention. A 30-second spot during a popular reality show can reach millions in minutes. But if your product doesn’t match the audience, you’re wasting money. That’s why many brands test ads on smaller platforms first, track engagement, and then scale up. The best TV ad campaigns don’t just spend—they strategize. They know that a well-placed ad during a cricket match can outperform ten generic spots. And with more viewers shifting to OTT, traditional TV ad pricing is under pressure. But it’s not dead. It’s evolving. The key is knowing when to use it, where to use it, and how to measure if it actually worked.

Below, you’ll find real-world examples, breakdowns of costs across Indian markets, and insights from brands that nailed their TV campaigns without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a small business owner, a startup, or just curious how those ads get made, these posts cut through the noise and show you what actually matters.