Designing Content for a Video Billboard

At Apex Digital Displays, we have a ton of experience when it comes to designing both OOH outdoor advertising, broadcast ads, and social media content. In fact, our co-founder Drysen’s background is in motion graphics & design!  That experience has taught us that not all content is created equal when displayed on a rental video screen. It takes careful consideration to ensure maximum impact on your viewers. Here are some tips to make your designs better. 

Sizing - Our billboard is 13x7, but plays a standard 1920x1080 video file. When designing content, it’s important to set up your Photoshop, InDesign, or Illustrator document to 1920x1080. Keep a little bit of space around the edges to ensure your image doesn’t get clipped. In an outdoor billboard, negative space is not your friend - fill the space with your logo, text, or message. But follow these additional tips to make sure your design is perfect.

Simplicity and Clarity: Billboards are typically viewed from a distance and for a short duration. Keep your message clear, concise, and easy to understand. Use minimal text and avoid clutter. A few well-chosen words can have a greater impact than a paragraph.

Big and Bold Fonts: Choose fonts that are easily readable from a distance. Bold, sans-serif fonts tend to work best. Avoid intricate or decorative fonts that might be hard to decipher. Remember, billboards don’t have the same resolution as a regular TV. The fine details will likely be lost. 

High Contrast Colors: Use colors that have a strong contrast to make your message stand out. High-contrast combinations like black on white or yellow on black tend to work well.

Visual Hierarchy: Organize your content with a clear hierarchy. The most important information should be larger and positioned prominently, while secondary information can be smaller.

Images and Graphics: If using images, make sure they are high-resolution and easily recognizable. A single, impactful image can often convey more than words alone.

Branding: Incorporate your brand's logo and colors to maintain consistency with your overall branding strategy. However, don't let branding overpower the main message.

Message Legibility: Test your design by viewing it from a distance that matches the typical viewer's perspective. Ensure that the message remains legible and impactful.

Location Consideration: Understand the location of the billboard and the traffic flow. Tailor your message to the audience that will be passing by.

Avoid Complex Details: Billboards are not the platform for detailed information. Avoid small text, intricate designs, or too many elements that can be easily lost in the distance.

Limited Copy: Keep your copy to a minimum. Remember that viewers have only a few seconds to absorb the message. The more words, the smaller the text, which means it’s harder to read! 

Humor and Creativity: A clever or humorous approach can make your billboard memorable, but ensure it's relevant to your message and target audience.

Remember that the main goal of a billboard is to capture attention and deliver a memorable message quickly. By focusing on simplicity, clarity, and impact, you can create a successful billboard design that effectively communicates your message to your target audience. If you need help designing the content for your rental screen, we can help through our partnership with Hyperfocus Motion. If you need a screen for your event, festival, trade show, or tailgating party - Apex Digital Displays delivers our “Big TV” from Sioux Falls to all over Southeastern South Dakota.

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