Advertising and propaganda are terms that are often used as synonyms, however, they are not. Each of them responds to a different objective and message in marketing. In this article you will learn the similarities, but mainly the difference between advertising and propaganda .
Advertising and propaganda are two concepts that people often confuse with each other. Although they share some things in common, they have specific objectives and differences that make each concept unique.
Both are communication actions that aim to make known and distribute a message. And with this, to persuade an audience to react (for example, with advertising, buying a product) or change a behavior (through propaganda).
However, there are more aspects that differentiate them and it is key to identify them in order to successfully address your audience.
In this article you will learn the difference phone library between advertising and propaganda , and the characteristics of each, along with historical examples so that you have no doubts.
6 differences between advertising and propaganda
In this comparison table you will be able to see in a clear and summarized way the differences between advertising and propaganda.
Comparative table of the differences between advertising and propaganda.
Let's analyze in detail the most important aspects to differentiate between advertising and propaganda.
1. Name
The most basic one lies in its meaning and where each word comes from . Propaganda comes from “to propagate”, in the case of this type of communication, it would be to spread an ideology, for example.
Advertising, on the other hand, is associated with “advertising” or making public certain information, branding or characteristics about a brand or product and generally has a commercial focus.
2. Objectives
Another marked difference between advertising and propaganda is their objectives. Advertising seeks to persuade consumers to buy a product or service, or to improve the image of a brand. Propaganda, on the other hand, seeks to influence people's beliefs or attitudes by promoting an ideology, a value system, or a cause.
In short: while advertising generates commercial transactions, propaganda attempts to provoke social, political or cultural change.
3. Dimension
Companies can advertise, but they do not have the possibility of making propaganda , since it is very difficult for them to have the necessary means to activate a mechanism that results in a change of consciousness on its own, since this type of communication involves a significant change in people's mentality or beliefs.
Propaganda is more common in government institutions, political organizations, or religious groups . Advertising, on the other hand, is more related to a tangible objective: increasing sales or strengthening the brand in a given market.