(Photo by Deon Fosu)
In the 1400s, with the invention of the printing press, the first handbills may have emerged. By the late 1700s, eye-catching illustrations began to appear. In 1835, it is believed that Barnum & Bailey Circus released what could be the world’s very first billboard. Soon after that, more billboards began adorning skylines worldwide, displaying bold and captivating imagery from various brands.
The famous US Army recruitment poster, printed in 1917 featuring Uncle Sam.
Columbus Circle, Manhattan in 1938, featuring an outdoor Coca-Cola ad.
Sydney, Australia in 1950, featuring an outdoor Kodak film ad.
Billboards have evolved into cultural icons in their own right. Consider the legendary Glico running man billboard in Osaka, Japan, erected in 1935. It has become a symbol of the city’s vibrant energy and a popular spot for tourists to capture photos. Similarly, places like Piccadilly Circus in London, UK, and Times Square in New York City, US, have also gained a reputation for their brilliant OOH ads.
Since 1935, the Glico running man has become a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.
The ad-filled scenes of Times Square, with its first outdoor ad tracing back to 1904.
The first Piccadilly Circus OOH ad aired in 1908 in the UK. Today, it’s a landmark for some of the world’s best outdoor ads.
As technology progresses, OOH ads are embracing the cutting edge with 3D billboards. These dynamic displays don't just sit idly by; they leap into action, creating a spectacle that demands our attention. It completely transforms any urban landscape into a creative playground, revolutionising advertising with eye-catching displays.
A 3D Nike OOH ad featuring different Air Max shoes to commemorate Japan’s Air Max Day.
The first-ever BMW XM making its 3D appearance in Times Square.
Lastly, we have Augmented Reality (AR) - it’s captivating and absolutely mind-boggling. It immerses its audience into a world of fantasy, creating a false universe with engaging content that feels almost as real as life. These ads redefine how we view our real world in the way it seamlessly interacts with us and our surroundings.
Pepsi’s cheeky and creative “Unbelievable Bus Shelter” made with augmented reality.
The world of outdoor advertising has seen tremendous changes throughout its lifetime. And with it, only one thing is for sure; it’s only set to get even better. So, the question is, are you ready to evolve with the new era of OOH advertising?
Roy Lee