Peacock Ads: Ultimate Guide for Advertisers

11 min read·Jan 03, 2025

If you’re an advertiser, marketer, or business owner, you’ve probably heard about the buzz around streaming ads. 

Platforms like Peacock have opened up exciting opportunities to connect with audiences right where they are—watching their favorite shows, sports, and movies.

So, what makes Peacock ads special? They’re part of a growing wave of ad-supported streaming, offering brands a chance to showcase their message on a platform filled with premium content. 

Whether you’re looking to drive brand awareness, reach niche audiences, or expand your reach, Peacock provides a flexible and powerful space for your campaigns.

Here’s why you’ll want to stick around for this guide:

  • I’ll explain exactly what Peacock ads are and how they work.
  • You’ll learn the costs and budgeting needed to get started and whether it fits your business goals.
  • We’ll look at the pros and cons of Peacock ads, so you know what to expect before starting.
  • And most importantly, you’ll discover how Vibe.co can simplify and supercharge your campaigns, saving you time.

By the end of this blog, you’ll have a detailed understanding of Peacock ads, their potential advantages, and how to set up and manage campaigns effectively.

So, if you’re interested in exploring the potential of streaming advertising, this guide is your perfect starting point.

Let’s get started and uncover what makes Peacock a must-know platform for advertisers like you!

What Are Peacock Ads?

Peacock ads are the commercials you see while watching shows, movies, or sports on the Peacock streaming platform. 

Peacock uses an ad-supported model, which means viewers can watch content for free or at a lower subscription cost, but they’ll see ads during their shows. For businesses, this is a chance to show ads to millions of people who use Peacock.

Peacock homepage

Peacock is part of OTT advertising (Over-the-Top). This means ads are delivered directly through the internet, not through traditional TV channels like cable or satellite.

If you’ve watched ads on platforms like YouTube or Hulu, Peacock works in a similar way.

There are a few types of ads you can use on Peacock:

  • Video Ads: These are short ads that play before or during shows or movies. For example, if someone is watching a popular series, your ad might appear during a break, just like a commercial on regular TV.
  • Screensaver Ads: These show up when the app is idle or when someone pauses their content. The ad covers most of the screen, so it’s hard to miss.
  • Home Screen Banner Ads: These are static images that appear on the home screen when viewers are browsing for something to watch. They can help grab attention before the viewer chooses a show or movie.

Most Peacock users choose the ad-supported plan. This means the majority of viewers are comfortable seeing ads while streaming. 

Compared to other platforms like Hulu or Disney+, Peacock has a higher percentage of ad-supported users, giving you more chances to reach them.

With different types of ads to choose from, you can match your message to what your audience is most likely to see.

Peacock ads give you a simple way to share your message with a wide and diverse group of viewers. 

Understanding these ad options will help you choose the one that works best for your goals.

How Does Peacock Advertising Work?

Setting up ads on Peacock is simple. 

  • You start by creating an account on the NBCUniversal Ad Manager, which serves as your platform for managing campaigns. 
  • If you want a smoother process, you can use Vibe.co, a tool that simplifies campaign setup and management across platforms. 
  • Once your account is ready, you’ll set goals, like boosting brand awareness or driving sales, and allocate a budget that fits your needs. 
  • After that, you design your ad—whether it’s a video, screensaver, or banner—and upload it
  • Peacock allows you to target specific audiences based on location, interests, or viewing habits, ensuring your message reaches the right people. 
  • When your campaign is live, Peacock places your ads during shows, movies, or pauses, and you can monitor performance. 

Costs of Peacock Ads

Advertising on Peacock works on a cost-per-thousand impressions (CPM) model. This means you pay a fixed amount for every 1,000 views of your ad. 

Here’s a breakdown of how costs and budgeting work:

  • CPM Rates: On Peacock, CPM rates typically range from $38 to $44. This is competitive compared to traditional TV ads, which can reach $70 for prime-time slots.
  • Flexibility for Budgets
  • Small businesses can set daily budgets to control spending day by day.
  • Larger campaigns can use total campaign budgets to distribute spending over the entire duration.
  • Cost Comparison:
  • Traditional TV ads often cost more and lack precise targeting options.
  • Streaming platforms like Peacock provide more affordable and targeted solutions, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes.
  • Budget Caps: Peacock Ad Manager allows you to set caps on daily or total spending. This ensures you stay within your financial limits and avoid overspending.

Overview of Peacock Ad Formats and Costs

Ad FormatDescriptionCPM RangeBest For
Video AdsShort, non-skippable ads that play during content.$38–$44 per 1,000 viewsDriving engagement during popular shows or movies.
Screensaver AdsFull-screen ads shown when the app is idle.Typically part of bundled CPMBrand visibility when viewers pause or browse.
Home Screen Banner AdsStatic images placed on the Peacock home screen.Lower CPM within bundlesAttracting attention during content selection.

By understanding how CPM works and using budget caps, you can effectively manage your spending on Peacock while reaching the audience you care about most.

Pros and Cons of Peacock Ads

Peacock's ad experience has received mixed feedback from users. Here’s a breakdown of what people like and dislike about it:

Pros of Peacock Ads:

Here are the pros and cons of Peacock ads:

  • Ads Before Movies: Many users appreciate that Peacock places ads before the movie starts, rather than interrupting the movie itself.  One user said, “You’ll watch a couple minutes of ads at the beginning, then the rest of the show is ad-free.”
Peacock ads review
  • Less Intrusive Than Competitors: Compared to other platforms like Hulu, Peacock’s ads are seen as less disruptive. Another user commented, “Peacock is the least intrusive when it comes to advertisements.”
Peacock ads review
  • Reasonable Placement: Ads are strategically placed to minimize interruptions. For instance, one user mentioned that for TV shows, ads are placed between episodes or scenes rather than mid-action.
  • Best Among Ad-Supported Tiers: Users often compare Peacock favorably with other services. One user noted, “Probably the best of the ad-tier streamers.”

Cons of Peacock Ads:

Now, here are the cons of Peacock ads:

  • Long Ads at the Start: Some users find the pre-movie ads too long. One person said, “There’s 3 minutes of commercials before the movie starts, which seems long.”
  • Occasional In-Movie Ads: While rare, a few users reported exceptions where movies like John Wick had ads spread throughout, disrupting the experience.
  • Volume Issues: A common complaint across streaming platforms is ad volume being louder than the content. As one user stated, “Commercials definitely seem to be louder than the shows.”
  • Ads During Certain Content: For older WWE pay-per-views and similar programs, ads are placed mid-content. A user commented, “They break up old WWE pay-per-views with ads instead of putting them at the beginning.”

Peacock ads have their benefits, but managing campaigns can still be a lot of work. Creating ads, targeting the right audience, and tracking results can take time and effort. 

On top of that, keeping ads fresh and making changes based on performance can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re running campaigns on multiple platforms.

But what if there was a tool that could make all of this easier? 

For advertisers and businesses, these challenges highlight the importance of having tools that can simplify the process. This is where Vibe.co comes in as a game-changer. 

A tool like Vibe.co streamlines campaign management and optimizes performance by providing real-time analytics, automating repetitive tasks, and ensuring engaging content.

But why should you consider using a dedicated tool for Peacock ads?:

Here are a few reasons how Vibe.co can help.

How Vibe.co Enhances Your Advertising Strategy On Streaming Platform

Vibe homepage

Vibe.co is a simple tool that helps you manage and improve your advertising campaigns. 

It works with Peacock and other streaming platforms, giving you everything you need in one place. 

Here’s how it can help:

  • With Vibe.co, you can create and track your campaigns in one place. You don’t need to switch between tools or platforms, making it easier to stay organized and save time.
  • Vibe.co shows you how your ads are doing with real-time data. For example, you can see which ads are performing best and make changes to improve your results.
  • Showing the same ad too often can turn people away. Vibe.co helps you avoid this by rotating your ads, so your audience always sees something fresh.

Why Vibe.co works for Peacock Ads:

  • It automates small tasks, giving you more time for the important stuff.
  • It keeps your ads fresh by rotating content automatically.
  • It gives you a clear picture of your results, so you know what’s working and what needs to change.

With Vibe.co, you can make your Peacock ad campaigns easier to manage and more effective. It’s a great way to save time and get better results.

Best Practices for Peacock Ads

Running ads on Peacock can give you great results if you follow some key practices. 

Here’s what you should focus on:

  • People watching streaming platforms prefer quick messages. Try to keep your ads between 15 and 30 seconds. This gives you enough time to share your message without losing the viewer’s attention.
  • Make sure your ad feels like it’s part of your brand. Use the same colors, tone, and message your audience is familiar with. 
  • Showing the same ad too many times can annoy viewers. Create a few versions of your ad and rotate them. For example, one version could highlight a product feature, while another could share a testimonial.
  • Peacock lets you target based on location, interests, and viewing habits. Use these tools to show your ad to the right people. For instance, if you sell sports gear, try targeting viewers of live sports events.

These simple steps can help you create better ads that connect with your audience. 

You can make your campaigns more impactful by keeping ads short, staying true to your brand, and targeting effectively.

Conclusion

Peacock ads are a great way to reach people while they watch their favorite shows, movies, or sports. 

With premium content and smart targeting, it helps you share your message with the right audience.

Still, running ads can take a lot of effort. You need to create ads, keep them interesting, and track how they perform. This can feel like a lot to handle, but the right tools can make it easier.

Here’s what we talked about in this blog:

  • Why Peacock Ads Are a Good Choice: They help you reach an engaged audience with options to target specific groups.
  • Best Tips for Better Ads: Keep your ads short, make sure they match your brand, use different versions to avoid boring your audience, and focus on the right people with targeting.
  • How Vibe.co Can Help: Vibe.co makes it easier to manage your ads, saves you time, and helps you improve results with useful insights.

If you want to make your Peacock ad campaigns easier and more successful, Vibe.co is here to help. 

Try Vibe.co today and see how it can make a big difference in your advertising!

Frequently Asked Questions about Peacock Ads

1. Can small businesses afford Peacock ads?

Yes, Peacock ads are cost-effective and work on a cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM) model, with rates typically ranging from $38 to $44. Small businesses can set daily or campaign budget caps to manage spending effectively.

2. What targeting options does Peacock provide?

Peacock allows advertisers to target audiences based on location, viewing habits, and interests. This helps ensure your ads reach the right people, whether you’re promoting a local service or a global product.

3. How do I measure ad performance on Peacock?

You can use Peacock’s Ad Manager to track key metrics like impressions, clicks, and engagement. Tools like Vibe.co offer deeper insights, helping you optimize your ads for better results.

4. What types of ads can I run on Peacock?

Peacock offers several ad formats, including video ads, screensaver ads, and home screen banners. Each format serves different purposes and can be used based on your campaign goals.

5. Are Peacock ads better than traditional TV ads?

Peacock ads are more affordable and provide advanced targeting options, unlike traditional TV ads that rely on broader audiences. This makes them a better choice for businesses looking for more precise advertising.

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