Product placement is a marketing strategy[1] that involves incorporating branded products or services into various forms of entertainment, such as films, TV shows, music videos, and even comic books. This technique first emerged in the 19th century and has since evolved with advancements in media and advertising[2]. Product placements can be paid or unpaid, with the latter involving the donation of products to productions. They may be subtly woven into the narrative or prominently displayed, and can take the form of visual or audio cues, or a combination of both. Despite certain criticisms and controversies, product placement remains a prevalent practice in various industries, including music, sports, and fashion, due to its potential to reach a wide audience and influence consumer[3] behavior.
Product placement, also known as embedded marketing, is a marketing technique where references to specific brands or products are incorporated into another work, such as a film or television program, with specific promotional intent. Much of this is done by loaning products, especially when expensive items, such as vehicles, are involved. In 2021, the agreements between brand owners and films and television programs were worth more than US$20 billion.
While references to brands (real or fictional) may be voluntarily incorporated into works to maintain a feeling of realism or be a subject of commentary, product placement is the deliberate incorporation of references to a brand or product in exchange for compensation. Product placements may range from unobtrusive appearances within an environment, to prominent integration and acknowledgement of the product within the work. Common categories of products used for placements include automobiles and consumer electronics. Works produced by vertically integrated companies (such as Sony) may use placements to promote their other divisions as a form of corporate synergy.
During the 21st century, the use of product placement on television has grown, particularly to combat the wider use of digital video recorders that can skip traditional commercial breaks, as well as to engage with younger demographics. Digital editing technology is also being used to tailor product placement to specific demographics or markets, and in some cases, add placements to works that did not originally have embedded advertising, or update existing placements.