Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Infomercial Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📺
Add to dictionary

infomercial

[ˈɪn.fəˌmɜr.ʃəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

television advertisement

An infomercial is a television program that acts as a long-format advertisement. It typically showcases a product or service in a way that engages the viewer, often including testimonials, demonstrations, and a call to action to purchase. Infomercials generally run for 30 minutes to an hour and are created to provide detailed information to potential buyers.

Synonyms

advertorial, long-form advertisement, product demonstration, promotional program.

Examples of usage

  • The infomercial for the new kitchen gadget was very persuasive.
  • She stayed up late watching infomercials about exercise equipment.
  • Infomercials often feature limited-time offers.
  • He worked on a new infomercial showcasing beauty products.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Media Influence

  • Infomercials often run late at night when traditional programming is less popular, capturing an audience seeking entertainment.
  • They can be as long as 30 minutes, allowing for detailed demonstrations that traditional ads do not provide.
  • The success of infomercials has led to the creation of dedicated television channels, solely focusing on these programs.

Psychology

  • These commercials leverage emotional storytelling to connect with viewers, making products seem vital to solving problems.
  • They often use testimonials and real-life success stories to establish credibility and persuade viewers.
  • The design of infomercials aims to create urgency, frequently using phrases like 'limited time offer' to encourage quick purchasing.

Cultural Impact

  • Infomercials have birthed notable products like the George Foreman Grill and the Snuggie, turning them into household names.
  • They often reflect societal trends, adapting to consumer interests such as health, fitness, and convenience.
  • Parodies of infomercials have become a popular element in comedy, highlighting their distinctive style and approach.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • There are regulations governing the claims made within infomercials to protect consumers from false advertising.
  • Some infomercials have faced scrutiny for using overly dramatic representations of results, prompting calls for clearer disclosures.
  • The rise of the internet has transformed how infomercials are created, allowing for more interactive consumer engagement.

Origin of 'infomercial'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'infomercial' is a blend of 'information' and 'commercial,' reflecting its purpose to inform while promoting.
  • The word gained popularity in the 1980s as television programming started to include longer ads.
  • Many early infomercials featured fitness products, setting a trend that continues today.

The term 'infomercial' is a blend of the words 'information' and 'commercial.' It originated in the late 20th century, primarily during the 1980s, when television began to offer new formats for advertising. Traditional advertisements consisted of short segments, but with the advent of infomercials, marketers began to utilize longer formats to effectively convey more information about their products. This provided a unique opportunity for companies to engage audiences in a direct and informative manner, often directly addressing their needs and desires. As popularity grew, infomercials became common on cable television, often filling time slots during late-night programming and weekends when viewership was generally lower, allowing marketers to reach a specific target audience ready to engage with lifestyle-enhancing products.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,360, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.