Anyone Get on a Times Square Billboard Today!

Times Square is renowned for being one of the most iconic places in the world. Each year, millions of tourists and locals alike visit it to take in its feeling of glamor and possibility. The Big Apple is known for its magic, with Times Square creating a captivating atmosphere that draws people in and makes every visit feel special. (For context, Times Square’s district-level pedestrian counts are commonly reported in the 200k–250k/day range, with peak days reaching ~330k in recent years.)

However, renting an ad space in Times Square can require a significant budget—especially for the most iconic, premium “spectacular” screens that dominate the Bowtie. Those marquee assets are often controlled by the media owner or an exclusive sales rep (and are not always available through open marketplaces). Times Square attracts international people from all walks of life, making it a hub for big dreams and global connections.

Fortunately, advances in technology have made it possible for any company – or even individual – to advertise their products or services without having to break open their wallets. Today, small businesses can leverage Times Square’s unmatched visibility to reach large audiences on a daily basis, making high-impact advertising accessible to all.

This is where Blindspot comes in. We provide an affordable and easy way for anyone to get their message out there on a Times Square billboard. We take care of all the production costs and give you a list of reputable insurance companies to choose from so that you can be covered. Our service is designed to support small businesses and individuals, providing opportunities to create special moments and lasting memories in one of the world’s most famous locations.

Our turn-key solution means that all you have to do is provide us with your message and we take care of the rest. So if you’ve always wanted to advertise in Times Square but thought it was out of your budget, think again!

Quick note (because Times Square is confusing): “Times Square billboards” can mean everything from iconic building-wide LED spectaculars to shared-loop digital boards, street-level kiosks, and even personal “15 seconds of fame” photo/video placements sold as packages. Different products = different buying paths, approvals, and minimums. Many people use Times Square billboards to celebrate special moments such as a birthday, anniversary, marriage proposal, or a simple declaration of love to their loved ones.

Times Square Billboards

In the heart of New York City, Times Square is one of the world’s most iconic and lively destinations. Billboards in Times Square are seen by millions of people from all over the world, making it an incredibly valuable advertising space. As a key advertising market in America, Times Square offers unmatched opportunities for brands to reach both domestic and international audiences. However, the cost of renting a billboard campaigns in Times Square can be very expensive, prohibitive for many businesses.

However, we’re making Times Square billboards more affordable for everyone at Blindspot.

We specialize in providing affordable billboard advertising in Times Square. We offer a variety of packages that fit any budget, starting as low as $0.50 per ad play. Advertising in Times Square helps brands establish a strong brand presence and maximize visibility by leveraging the area’s high foot traffic, cultural significance, and popularity as a social media hub.

With Blindspot, you can get your message out to the world in one of the most prime locations possible, without breaking the bank. If you’re interested in reaching a global audience with your marketing message, reach us!

Advertise in Times Square

Advertising in Times Square is one of the most effective and affordable ways to reach a large audience. With over 50 million visitors each year, Times Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. A billboard in Times Square will ensure that your message is seen by a vast number of people, including both tourists and locals. Digital billboard advertising in Times Square can serve as a key component of a successful billboard campaign, allowing you to leverage advanced technology and real-time content updates to maximize your marketing impact.

If you are interested in reaching a large audience with your advertising campaign, Times Square is an ideal location.

What “Times Square Billboard Advertising” Actually Includes (Types of Screens)

Before you book anything, decide which kind of Times Square exposure you want:

1) Iconic digital spectaculars (premium screens)

These are the famous building-scale LED canvases (the ones you see in New Year’s Eve coverage and brand stunts). They’re typically managed by the media owner or an exclusive rep and can involve higher minimums and longer lead times.

2) Large-format digital billboards (shared loop)

Many Times Square digital boards run in loops (your creative rotates with other advertisers). This is often the best balance of impact + accessibility.

3) Street-level DOOH (kiosks/totems + urban panels)

These placements win on frequency and proximity (people are close enough to read and act).

4) Transit + hubs around Times Square

Port Authority, Penn Station, and nearby corridors bring strong commuter repetition and huge throughput. Airports are also key locations for digital billboard advertising, capturing audiences during travel and wait times.

5) Personal “photo/video moment” billboards

There are package-style offerings that let you run a personal message, your favorite pic, or a video (often sold as “15 seconds every hour for 24 hours,” etc.) to celebrate special moments in Times Square. If you’re doing a brand campaign, treat these as a different category than media-owner placements—and always verify exact location/screen, proof, and policies.

How to Book a Times Square Billboard (3 Real Buying Paths)

Path A: Book direct with the media owner / rep (common for premium spectaculars)

If your target is a marquee asset (like Nasdaq tower packages), you’ll often book via the owner/rep directly.

Path B: Book with an agency (best for complex plans)

Agencies help when you want multi-format coverage, tight coordination, sponsorships, or you’re negotiating premium inventory.

Path C: Book programmatic / self-serve (best for flexibility + testing)

Programmatic DOOH is a real category: buyers use DSP/marketplaces like Blindspot to plan, target, and transact DOOH across many screens—often with faster iteration than traditional OOH.
Important nuance: programmatic can be great in NYC, but it doesn’t guarantee access during peak periods as it is often sold out during periods like the Christmas holidays, so you have to plan your campaigns in advance.

Where Blindspot fits

Blindspot is built for speed and flexibility—browse screens, pick times, upload creative, and launch without the old-school process overhead.

Steps to Advertising on Times Square Billboards (Simple Checklist)

1. Define your goal: PR moment vs real reach/frequency vs personal “I was on a billboard”
2. Pick your screen type: spectacular vs shared-loop vs street-level vs transit
3. Choose dates/dayparts: Times Square demand spikes around holidays and major events
4. Choose your booking method: direct / agency / programmatic / platform
5. Upload creative + follow specs: 10–15s spots are common for digital placements. Consider including QR codes in your creative for direct audience engagement and to track response by linking your billboard to digital content.
6. Approvals: category/content checks + quality review. Note that content restrictions apply—certain types of content, such as alcohol, tobacco, and adult material, may be prohibited or require special approval depending on location and regulations.
7. Insurance: many premium placements require COIs/liability coverage
8. Verify: proof-of-play logs + photos/video capture

Rules, Zoning, and Permits (What You Need to Know)

Times Square is a special signage district in NYC with specific zoning requirements around signage—this is one reason the area has such a distinctive “always-lit” look.

Good news for advertisers: you typically don’t personally file permits for existing, operating billboards—operators/owners handle that. But it’s still useful to understand the basics:

• NYC’s Department of Buildings provides guidance on sign permits and notes that signs must comply with NYC Construction Codes and the Zoning Resolution.
• NYC also has an Outdoor Advertising Registration Program framework for outdoor advertising businesses.

Practical takeaway: expect content policies (restricted categories), creative reviews, and lead times to vary by operator and screen.

Time Square Screens

In the heart of New York City’s Times Square, you will find some of the world’s most iconic digital screens. And now, with our new and affordable pricing structures, billboard advertising in Times Square is more accessible than ever before! Whether you are looking to reach a local, national, or international audience, Times Square is the perfect place to do it. With an estimated 50 million visitors each year, and an average of 286,000 pedestrians passing through daily, the visibility of your digital billboard is unmatched. This high average foot traffic ensures your message achieves maximum exposure and measurable effectiveness, making Times Square billboards a top choice for impactful campaigns.

And what could be more impactful than exhibiting your ad on one of the world’s largest video screens? At nearly 8 stories tall, the Coca-Cola Screen is one of the most popular attractions in Times Square. Imagine your ad playing on this massive screen for all to see! We also offer discounts for longer advertisement bookings, so the more you commit, the more you save. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your marketing goals at an affordable price.

Outdoor Digital Billboards in New York

Outdoor digital billboards bring your message to life with bright, vivid colors and high-definition visuals. Digital billboard advertising provides measurable results through tracking methods such as impression tracking and website traffic analysis, allowing you to assess the effectiveness of your campaign. Whether you are looking to promote a new product, service, or brand, outdoor digital billboards are an excellent way to get your message seen by millions of people each day. And with our new and affordable pricing structures, billboards are more accessible than ever before! Whether you are looking to reach a local, national, or international audience, we can help you find the perfect location for your ad.

Cost of a Billboard in Times Square

How much is a billboard in Times Square? Well, it can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and location of the billboard. However, overall, the cost of a billboard in Times Square is relatively affordable for everyone. For example, a small digital billboard (8 feet by 12 feet) in Times Square can cost as little as $4,500 per month. And while that may seem like a lot of money, it’s actually quite reasonable when you compare it to the cost of other forms of advertising. For instance, a 30-second television ad during prime time on a major network can cost upwards of $100,000. So when you consider the reach and impact that a Times Square billboard can have, the price is really not all that bad.

The costs for advertising on Times Square billboards can range from about $0.50 per play for personal features to over $2.5 million per year for major brand placements that are always on.

Times Square advertising costs range from $150 to $30,000 depending on the screens chosen and duration.

You can advertise in Times Square for less than at $150 per day on street totems like Link NYCs. Premium screens can cost up to $100 per play for a one-hour takeover in Times Square. Each advertising package typically includes basic reporting to help you track the success of your campaign.

Of course, if you want to go bigger and better with your Times Square billboard, you’ll have to pay more. But even then, the prices are still quite reasonable. For example, a larger digital billboard (20 feet by 40 feet) in Times Square can cost around $25,000 per month.

And while that may sound like a lot of money, it’s really not when you consider what you’re getting in return. With a larger billboard, you’re reaching more people and making more of an impact than you would with any other form of advertising.

So whether you’re looking for a small or large Times Square billboard, the cost is really not all that bad. In fact, when you compare it to other forms of advertising, a Times Square billboard is actually quite affordable.

Reality check (so you don’t get blindsided): Many premium Times Square placements are quoted as daily minimums and can move dramatically with seasonality, dayparts, and whether you’re buying a shared loop vs a takeover. Some industry reporting places top-end daily rates into the five-figures and even six-figures for the most iconic moments. Blindspot angle: Instead of locking into the classic “billboard/month/ad” model, Blindspot lets you buy digital time more flexibly—often by the play and by the hours you actually want.

Times Square’s “Most-Wanted” Billboards

#1. Midtown Financial billboard

Is one hell of a display beast. Standing tall next to Times Square One, the famous digital billboard that you’ve seen in every New Year celebration, a 30,000 square feet of HD LED video screens, and sky-high displays, this billboard is a guaranteed way to attract attention and make a statement. And now you can book it on our platform very fast!

Midtown Financial digital billboard in New York City with T-Mobile ad

#2. The Nasdaq LED display

Is another example of jaw-dropping-class digital displays. Standing at over seven stories tall, the Nasdaq LED attracts the eyes of all that pedestrian traffic that goes in and out of the USA’s number 1 tourist attraction. You could have your ad run up there in no time through our platform. Check for yourself here.

Blindspot ad on Nasdaq billboard in Times Square

#3. Times Square One Billboard

Is probably the most known digital billboard in the world. This is where the New Year’s Eve “Ball Drop” happens every year and has become a focal point in the capital of billboards. Boasting 310 foot tall LED, this spectacular display is designed to make sure you send a statement that won’t soon be forgotten. This screen is available for daily booking, not hourly. It reaches tens of millions of people each day and thus making it one of the most expensive displays we have connected in Times Square. But think of the impact you could make on such a monstrous screen. You can create a free account through our platform and book such a screen in only a few minutes.

Times Square One New York billboard

#4. The Beast

Placed right above the McDonald’s restaurant in Times Square, it is seven stories high and, with an audience of over 350.000 people daily, is definitely among the most spectacular and most popular displays in New York. It can display at 4K resolutions. You can book it on our platform at prices affordable for literally any pocket.

The Beast billboard in Times Square

#5. Polo 1540 Broadway Billboard

A billboard placed right across The Beast and the McDonald’s restaurant in Times Square. This screen reaches tens of thousands of people daily and can be booked on our platform at very accessible costs.

Sunglass Hut’s Blindspot billboard in Times Square

#6. 2 Times Square Billboard

This spectacular digital billboard is placed right below the famous Coca-Cola screen next to the iconic Duffy Square red steps. This screen attracts millions of people weekly and can be booked at very friendly prices only on our platform.

2 Times Square billboard

#7. LinkNYC Billboard

A network of over 1700 screens in New York, starting with Times Square and well placed in crowded and famous places that attract millions of people because they have free WI-FI. You can book them at outstanding accessible prices only on our platform.

LinkNYC billboard network in New York with Blindspot

#8. PABT Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Located at the Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal’s southeast corner at 8th Avenue and 40th Street, very close to Times Square. This screen can be seen all the way from Madison Square Garden, and Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station has over 1,000 square feet and thousands of impressions each hour. It is for sure a great digital billboard to have your ad on it, and it’s one of the most competitive spectaculars in Manhattan only through our platform.

PABT Midtown Manhattan billboards with Blindspot

Bonus billboards we love:

Broadway Plaza Digital
This digital billboard is placed right just outside H&M’s prime location at the southeast end of Times Square. It’s a 1,674 square feet spectacular billboard that reaches tens of thousands of people each hour. You will definitely make a statement if you could have your ad run here. And now you can, at an amazing and very accessible price only through our platform.

Broadway Plaza billboard with Blindspot

Broadway & 50th
Placed on the famous Broadway street, this spectacular billboard attracts the views of thousands of people each hour and is also placed right before Times Square in New York. In a city that never sleeps, you need to do a lot of things just to get your business seen by the target audience. So choosing this amazing unit is for sure a start to your success and you can book it at an unbeatably affordable price only on our platform.

Broadway & 50th digital billboard in New York

Bryant Park
If you’re looking for a billboard outside Times Square that is also placed in a high-traffic area you can choose Bryant Park. Located between 6th Avenue and Broadway dominating the busy area between Bryant Park and Times Square, with an estimated weekly reach of over 3 million people, is for sure one of the best billboards to advertise on. You can book it very fast and easy at an unbeatable friendly price on our platform.

Bryant Park’s digital billboard in New York

Penn Station
This is the main intercity railroad station in New York, serving more than 600.000 passengers per weekday. Located beneath Madison Square Garden, you could book this spectacular billboard on our platform at such affordable costs you won’t believe it.

Penn Station billboard Fibswap ad by Blindspot

Creative Specs + High-Impact Options (What Works Best in Times Square)

Most Times Square digital placements use short spots (often 10–15 seconds) that rotate in a loop. For premium owners, there may be options like synchronized multi-screen executions or special creative formats (e.g., anamorphic-style creative) depending on the operator and unit.

Times Square creative rules of thumb

• 1 message, 1 product, 1 CTA (readable in 1–2 seconds)
• Big typography, high contrast, minimal fine print
• Design for photos/video (your ad will be filmed)
• Make your ad stand out in the vibrant Times Square environment to maximize visibility and impact

Liberalizing the Times Square Digital Billboard Market

Outdoor advertising hot spots such as New York are prime locations for brands to deploy their ads and boast their creative prowess. Naturally, outdoor advertisers are taking advantage of that and are charging big bucks for their screens, playing alongside the big media agencies to protect the market.

If you’d buy the classic way, a billboard/month/ad will easily set you back over $100.000/month, not to mention the agency fees that you would be putting on top of that.

With Blindspot’s tool, you can bypass the old model of media-buying and just buy hourly slots on digital billboards, smartly programming your ads to activate your audience precisely at the right time, exactly where you want it. This way, you’ll not be spending a fortune on outdoor ads. Instead, you’ll have access to a media channel that was previously locked down by big spendings while also getting some kick-ass ROI to go with it.

Outdoor advertising and digital billboards in Times Square aren’t the playgrounds of big-budget brands anymore. Anyone in your marketing department, heck, even your grandma, can now buy Times Square Ads just by making a few clicks and putting up some nice content. The Blindspot team is dedicated to helping clients navigate the Times Square advertising landscape, ensuring expert support and guidance every step of the way.

We ❤️ New York too.

If you love New York as much as we do, you’ve probably had a fun time reading through this. You probably enjoyed it even more if you’re also an advertising fan. If you’re considering advertising on a billboard in New York, you can sign-up right now and have your ad running on a screen in Times Square in no time. The Blindspot team will respond promptly to any inquiries or requests for assistance, ensuring you get the support you need.

Times Square Billboards FAQs

How much does it cost to be on a billboard in Times Square?

The pricing of billboards in Times Square is more flexible than you might think! A billboard can range in cost from $0.50 for one play to over $300 per play for bigger, spectacular billboards.

Typically, the minimum amount of money required to advertise for a short amount of time 1-3 days ranges between $200-$50,000. Famous Times Square billboards like the NASDAQ board are normally the most expensive ones in the world but Blindspot offers a more flexible way to get your message up on them.

How do you get on a billboard in Times Square?

It’s actually pretty easy! Create a free account on the Blindspot platform. Browse the billboards available in Times Square for the dates and times you’re looking for, select the one you you want, upload your creative, and hit “Publish.” Campaigns are usually approved in two days or less, and after that, your campaign will be up and running.

How much is a 15-second ad in Times Square?

A 15 second play in Times Square can cost anywhere from $0.14 to $100 depending on the location and timeframe. Booking digital billboards on Blindspot is the best way to optimize your budget due to our platform’s smart scheduler which allows you to select specific days and hourly slots in which you wish to run your ad. Our full transparency philosophy enables you to see the cost upfront and adjust it as you see fit. Please note each location has a unique minimum scheduling requirement, and typical Campaigns can range anywhere from $40-50,000+ in Times Square.

What is the iconic billboard in Times Square?

Times Square itself is the most iconic place when it comes to billboards. But the icon of the icon is definitely the NASDAQ billboard. It’s huge, has a unique shape and advertises to millions of people each day. Obviously, such a billboard commands a pretty hefty price but Blindspot can help provide you with the most dynamic ways to advertising on the NASDAQ billboard if you want your ad seen by a truly massive audience.

What is the most expensive billboard in Times Square?

There are many spectacular billboards in Times Square. The cost is relative as it varies depending on the campaign period, and frequency of plays. But as a rule of thumb, the large iconic digital billboards in Times Square are the most expensive (for example Nasdaq, MiFi, The Beast, among others.)

How much is the biggest billboard in Times Square?

Well, that would be Times Square One, one of the world’s biggest and most iconic billboards, which starts at $60,000 for 720 plays ($83.33/play)! You can create a free account on our platform and check many spectacular digital billboards, select the campaign time period and see the pricing specific to your requirements.

Are Times Square billboards worth it?

It all depends on what you’re looking for. When it comes to commanding attention on your brand, reaching millions of people every day, and creating a spectacle with your ad, it’s hard to beat a Times Square billboard. However, there are also plenty of other billboards and DOOH mediums with which to do all of the above. You can check out available Times Square billboards and other avenues on the free Blindspot digital platform.

How long do billboards stay up in Times Square?

Most Times Square billboards are lit up and running 24/7. If your ad is part of a typical 3-minute loop, it will show up at least 20 times per hour. So by the end of the day your ad will have been displayed 400 times!

Can anyone advertise on Times Square?

The only things you need to advertise in Times Square are access to the internet, Blindspot’s URL, and a great idea for an ad. In fact, with Blindspot’s free platform, you can have your idea booked in Times Square in less than five minutes. Crypto, NFT, Cannabis, Alcohol, and Political are subject to higher minimums if allowed.

How much does it cost to rent a billboard in Times Square for a day?

Billboards in Times Square, NYC range in cost from $40 for a 1 day to well over $50,000. Typically, the minimum amount of money required to advertise for a short amount of time (1-3 days) ranges between $200-$50,000.

For example, LinkNYC Totems in Times Square start at $40 for 300 plays on 1 side. Spectacular units start between $5,000 – 50,000 per location.

How many billboards are in Times Square?

With Blindspot, you have access to tens of thousands of digital Times Square billboards from the iconic NASDAQ board to sidewalk totems, LED trucks, urban panels and more. And that’s not even counting the LED trucks and LinkNYC totems that cover Times Square either. Check out the Blindspot platform and create a free account to see details like screen format, size, and resolution of each available Times Square billboard.

How much does it cost to post a video on Times Square billboard?

Whether your campaign creative is a static image, or a video, a 15 second play in Times Square can cost anywhere from $0.14 to $100 depending on the location and timeframe. Please note each location has a unique minimum scheduling requirement, and typical Campaigns can range anywhere from $40 – 50,000+ in Times Square.

Why is Times Square so famous?

If you’ve seen any TV show or movie set in New York City, you may already know the answer. Everyone from Justin Bieber to Spider-Man to Post Malone to Carrie Bradshaw has found their way to Times Square and it’s easy to see why. After WW1, it became a cultural hub of theaters, music halls, restaurants, hotels and, of course, the spectacle of lights that are the Times Square billboards. It’s one of the most iconic tourist locations in the world and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon.