The streets are lit up all night long
If anyone has ever set foot on Ta Hien Street in Hanoi at night, it will be hard to forget the bustling and vibrant atmosphere here. Ta Hien Street, the heart of the Old Quarter, is not only a cultural gathering place but also a center for entertainment and night tourism. In the shimmering light of street lamps and small shops, billboards of all shapes and technologies compete to attract the eyes of tourists.
Billboards are not only a means of communication but have become an indispensable part of urban identity. In tourist and entertainment areas such as Ta Hien, they reflect the diversity and creativity of the modern advertising industry. LED signs are brightly lit with colorful lights, dynamic displays, and even 3D billboards that seem to want to touch passersby. The competition between businesses has turned the streets here into a "stage" for creative advertising ideas.
Not only stopping at Ta Hien, brightly lit streets can also be found in many major cities around the world, where billboards have become cultural and tourist highlights. Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a typical example. Shinjuku district or Shibuya area with its famous intersection has become a global symbol of prosperity, where thousands of electronic billboards, large LED screens and animated billboards light up brightly every night.
In Shibuya, these signs are not only a means of promotion but also play a role in creating an identity for the area. The multi-colored neon lights combined with the constantly changing advertising content create a lively space that attracts millions of tourists every year. Different from the ancient and cozy atmosphere of Hanoi's Old Quarter, Tokyo offers a modern experience where technology blends with urban culture. The large screens here not only display advertisements but also regularly broadcast art videos, sporting events and even live music performances.
Tokyo is also a pioneer in the use of high-tech in outdoor advertising. Many billboards are equipped with sensors and integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), capable of displaying customized content based on the time, weather, or even the recognition of passersby. It is the perfect blend of advertising art and technological advancement, turning the brightly lit streets into symbols of a city that never sleeps, where all eyes are drawn to creative and energetic messages.
The involvement of technology
Technology has revolutionized the outdoor advertising industry. One of the biggest advances has been the emergence of digital billboards. Unlike traditional static billboards, LED panels or digital screens not only display images but can also rotate content flexibly. This allows businesses to quickly change advertising messages, keep up with trends or respond to current events. For example, a beverage brand can easily change content to promote products in accordance with weather conditions or festive seasons, creating an instant connection with consumers.
Beyond display, data analytics has taken outdoor advertising to the next level. By using location, consumer behavior, and demographic data, businesses can pinpoint their target audience. Imagine a coffee shop placing a billboard at a busy intersection during the morning rush hour, targeting commuters looking for a hot cup of coffee. This precision not only increases campaign effectiveness but also reduces wasted budget.
Augmented reality (AR) is another example of how technology is changing the way we experience advertising. Interactive billboards that allow passersby to use their smartphones to interact with content are becoming increasingly popular. A fashion brand, for example, could use AR to let customers virtually “try on” clothes on the street. Not only do these experiences attract attention, they also encourage social sharing, naturally expanding brand exposure.
Programmatic advertising is also changing the way businesses buy and use advertising space. Automation platforms help businesses book and optimize advertising campaigns in real time, ensuring that messages appear at the right time, in the right place, and to the right audience. Interactive billboards with touchscreens or gamification elements are also a staple of modern outdoor advertising. They provide opportunities for consumers to engage directly, such as playing a short game or entering a sweepstakes. These elements not only increase interactivity but also collect customer data organically.
The Future of Advertising
In the future, the advertising industry in general and outdoor advertising in particular will continue to witness the explosion of advanced technologies. Artificial intelligence (AI) promises to bring "automated" billboards that can learn and react in real time. An advertising screen using AI can recognize the age, gender or emotions of passersby to display the most appropriate content, personalizing the consumer experience to the highest level. In addition, green energy billboards will also become a trend as the industry faces pressure to protect the environment. Billboards using solar energy or environmentally friendly materials not only minimize negative impacts but also create sympathy with environmentally conscious consumers.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will continue to evolve, creating unprecedented experiences. “Immersive” advertising spaces can feel like another world, where customers can not only see but also “feel” the product. Technology will also help businesses measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns more accurately. Advanced sensors and tracking systems will provide detailed data on how many people were exposed to an ad, how long they interacted with it, and even their next actions.
In short, technology is not only changing the face of advertising but also opening up endless possibilities. In this race for innovation, businesses that know how to leverage technology will not only attract attention but also build lasting relationships with customers in an increasingly competitive world.
