What does infomercial mean?
An infomercial is an extended advertisement that resembles an informational programme while remaining firmly focused on selling a product or service. It may combine demonstrations, factual claims, explanations of features, customer testimonials, special offers, and direct appeals to viewers. Although the format became particularly recognizable through late-night American television, comparable presentations now also appear on radio and online video platforms. The word often carries a mildly humorous or critical connotation, suggesting that the presentation is unusually long, repetitive, or insistent. Despite the blend of information and promotion, an infomercial is not a neutral explainer: its educational content serves a persuasive commercial purpose. The term is therefore useful for describing media that occupies the boundary between public information, entertainment, and direct-response advertising.
nounA long-form television, radio, or online commercial that presents product information, demonstrations, endorsements, or offers in an extended presentation designed to persuade viewers to buy or subscribe.
- A long, information-rich television, radio, or online commercial designed to promote a product or service.
"The company launched a humorous infomercial featuring a former athlete who demonstrated the product in unusual ways."
"We watched an infomercial about a kitchen appliance that combined demonstrations with enthusiastic testimonials."
"The charity turned the local radio station into an infomercial for its emergency appeal."
The standard plural is used when referring to multiple advertisements of this type.
"The channel broadcasts infomercials throughout the night."
An infomercial has the patience of a lecture and the persuasion of a salesperson.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does infomercial come from?
The word was formed in the early 1980s by blending “information” with “commercial,” combining the authority of factual presentation with the purpose of advertising. “Information” ultimately comes from Latin informare, meaning “to inform” or “shape,” while “commercial” derives from Latin commercium, associated with trade or commerce. The resulting form reflects the characteristic structure of the format: informative material presented as a sustained sales appeal.
How infomercial is actually used
The term is especially associated with American television and is often mildly humorous or critical because infomercials tend to be lengthy, repetitive, and unusually direct in their appeals. Although primarily a broadcast format, it can also describe a long promotional video online.
Easily confused with infomercial
A commercial is a general advertisement, whereas an infomercial is a notably long-form presentation that combines detailed information and demonstrations with salesmanship.
A documentary primarily presents factual or exploratory material, while an infomercial remains explicitly promotional and is designed to generate sales.