How to Amplify Realism in Advertising

The advertising industry is evolving, pushing brands to rethink how they communicate with people. As technology, especially AI, is driving things in a colder, robotic direction, consumers crave more humanity in their media. This includes the ads that they engage with, and advertisers are coming up with ways to address this.

Let’s take a look at the ways advertisers are infusing their projects with realism in this ever-changing world.

In this article

1. What is realism in advertising?
2. The Power of Realism in Advertising
3. Ways to Amplify Realism in Ads
4. Diversity and Inclusion
5. Social Causes and Values
6. Embracing ASMR and Foley Effects
7. Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Advertising
8. Final Thoughts

What is realism in advertising?

Creating media that connects with people in a real and relatable way is at the heart of realism in advertising. By portraying common, everyday situations, it encourages consumers to relate on an emotional level.

Brands are embracing diversity and connecting with social causes and values through authentic portrayals in their campaigns. They’re also exploring new ways to create effective ads that reach target audiences. Advertisers would target customers through traditional media like print, radio and television. With the rise of digital culture, advertisers are turning to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

The Power of Realism in Advertising

Following years of advertisers presenting unrealistic standards, they’re recognizing the value of realism. A sense of inclusion is replacing idealized scenes, models and airbrushing. Brands connect with consumers by embracing social values and answering the call for diverse representation. Also, they’re using things like ASMR and Foley sound effects to enhance advertising efforts.

Ways to Amplify Realism in Ads

Here are the key ways that brands are amplifying realism in their ads, along with some examples:

Diversity and Inclusion

Brands are more conscious of diverse and inclusive representation in their advertising campaigns. Their ads include people from different backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, religions and abilities. For example, a Swiffer campaign featured Zack Rukavina, an amputee, with his interracial family.

Another example is the Vanish stain remover campaign created by the UK advertising agency, Havas London. Their goal was to respectfully represent both visible and hidden disabilities. The ad featured an autistic girl and her relationship with her preferred items of clothing. This ad not only served its merchandising purpose, but it also celebrated tolerance and acceptance.

By featuring and engaging audiences from different backgrounds, brands can create more inclusive promotional opportunities. Seeing real people in advertising fosters a sense of belonging.

Social Causes and Values

Brands have progressed from simply following trends to fully promoting social causes and values in their ads. With more people aware of political and social issues, consumers expect companies to take a stance. By doing so, brands create trust with customers who share similar ideals.

By aligning with social causes and values, advertisers can also raise awareness about specific topics. This has the power to influence or create a sense of loyalty among their existing customers. They may attract a new customer base, too.

Embracing ASMR and Foley Effects

ASMR stands for “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response.” It’s the pleasant, tingling feeling some people get when they’re exposed to certain sounds, images, or textures. It typically starts at the scalp and moves down the neck and spine to the rest of the body.

ASMR videos use a variety of sounds to trigger these sensations, including whispers, tapping, scratching and brushing. Some people find ASMR relaxing and use it as a way to reduce stress or help them fall asleep. Many ASMR influencers on social media have millions of followers and their channels generate a lot of revenue.

Brands are finding creative ways to incorporate ASMR into their ads. For example, the Ikea Oddly Satisfying campaign targets students through a YouTube video that uses ASMR. It not only features the products but also emphasizes the sounds that these items make. The crisp sheets share equal billing with the sound that they make when you put them on your bed.

Foley effects go hand-in-hand with ASMR. It’s challenging to create those soothing sounds while on set or in a recording booth. That’s where Foley comes into play. Foley sound effects are sounds created and added in post-production to enhance the audio experience.

The sounds of rustling leaves, a waterfall or other ambient noises will enhance the realism in your audio and video projects.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations in Advertising

Creating advertising campaigns requires some ethical considerations. Advertisers need to find a balance between what’s realistic versus utopian. Don’t reinforce stereotypes to achieve realism. Present people in a positive yet human light.

Brands can achieve their goals by crafting engaging and considerate ads.

Final Thoughts

Brands must create campaigns tailored to their target audiences to stay competitive. Engage customers with ads that amplify realism in meaningful ways.

• Align with social causes.
• Embrace diversity and inclusion.
• Use effects like ASMR and Foley that emphasize humanity and the natural world.