UK Consumers Prefer Product Placement Over Traditional Ads, New Research Shows

A recent study by BENlabs, a leader in entertainment AI, reveals that 88% of UK consumers experience positive emotions after seeing products or brands featured in TV programs and films, with 34% making a purchase as a result. The findings underscore a shift in consumer behavior, highlighting the increasing preference for product placement over traditional advertising.

The Decline of Traditional Advertising

As ad-free streaming services grow in popularity and multi-screening becomes the norm, traditional ads are struggling to capture consumer attention. To address this challenge, BENlabs surveyed 503 UK consumers to explore how product placement may offer a more engaging alternative.

Key Findings: Product Placement Outperforms Traditional Ads

1. Consumers Prefer Product Placement Over Ads

  • Stronger Brand Connections: Product placement enhances brand recall and creates deeper emotional ties with audiences compared to traditional TV ads.
  • Purchase Impact: 34% of consumers reported making a purchase or engaging with a brand after seeing it in TV or film content.

2. Product Placement Converts Viewers Into Buyers

  • Positive Emotional Response: 88% of UK consumers feel emotions like interest and inspiration when they notice products in content.
  • High Conversion Rates: Among viewers who search for featured products, 51% make a purchase after searching online.

3. Boosts Brand Awareness and Perception

  • Discovery Tool: 47% of consumers discover new products via TV and film integrations.
  • Enhanced Opinions: Two in five consumers feel product placement improves their perception of a brand, adding authenticity and enriching the viewing experience.

Why Product Placement Works

“Product placement is an emerging yet powerful strategy in the UK,” said Erin Schmidt, Chief Product Placement Officer at BENlabs. “This research highlights its potential to drive brand awareness, influence perception, and increase sales. By enhancing the authenticity of content, it allows brands to connect with audiences more effectively than traditional ads.”

Product placement not only benefits brands but also enriches content, aligning with real-life consumer experiences. This authenticity encourages deeper viewer engagement.

What This Means for Marketers

In an era of fragmented attention spans, product placement offers a compelling solution for marketers. By integrating products naturally into entertainment, brands can:

  • Enhance brand awareness and perception.
  • Drive sales and conversions.
  • Foster memorable emotional connections.

 

This strategy aligns with consumer preferences for seamless, authentic advertising experiences that resonate with their daily lives.

Research Methodology

BENlabs conducted the survey in January 2023, polling 503 UK consumers. Excluding those in marketing or advertising roles, respondents were asked about their TV viewing habits and attitudes toward product placement. The results were consistent across demographics, emphasizing the universal appeal of this strategy.

Download the full report here.

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