Can I run ads if I only want to reach one city?

Yes. Target by state, DMA or zip code so only your metro sees the ad.

Will my ad run next to big-brand commercials?

Yes. Your :30 spot can run in the same break as a national brand. You spend a fraction of what they do.

What results should I expect from a first campaign?

Treat it as a test that sets your benchmarks. Run 4 to 6 weeks and aim to reach your audience at least three times per week.

Can I advertise on TV without a big budget?

Woman wearing sunglasses holds a cardboard sign asking about advertising on TV without a big budget on a city street.

Published:

June 23, 2026

With a self-serve platform like Universal Ads you can start at $100, skip long contracts and agency fees, and run on premium video inventory from top publishers. You set the budget and can pause any time.

You do not need a production company or a network sales rep. You need a goal, a small budget and a video.

How much does it cost to advertise on TV?

Streaming TV is bought by cost per thousand impressions (CPM), so your spend sets how many people you reach. You only spend what you set. There is no minimum commitment, no upfront contract and no agency fee taking a cut.

Starting Budget

What It Is Good For

$100

Seeing how the platform works and checking your creative

$1,000

A real test. See how to test streaming TV ads with $1,000

More, as results prove out

Scaling what works

Self-serve vs. traditional TV buying

Factor

Self-Serve (Universal Ads)

Agency or Sales-Rep Buying

Starting budget

From $100

Set by the seller or agency

Contract

No upfront contract

Often required

Fees

No agency fee

Agency or management fees are common

Speed

Launch in minutes

Planning and negotiation first

Control

You change the budget and audience at any time

Changes go through the seller

Do I need a creative agency?

No. You have three low-cost options:

Reuse your best social video. A free tool like Canva can help you meet TV specs.
Use the in-platform artificial intelligence (AI) Video Generator, which builds ads from your website and social assets.
Work with one of Universal Ads creative partners such as Creatify, Lemonlight or Waymark.

Can I target like I do on paid social?

Yes. Choose from demographics (age, gender, household income), geography (state, designated market area (DMA) or zip code), viewing behavior, device type and your own customer lists. Stick to one or two targeting layers so your ad keeps delivering.

How to pick a platform on a small budget

Ask: What is the minimum spend? Is there a contract? Are there fees on top of media cost? Is the inventory premium? Can I get creative help? Universal Ads is built for yes to all five: start at $100, no contract, no agency fee, premium inventory, and creative support.

What makes Universal Ads a good fit for brands of all sizes?

Universal Ads is a self-serve ad-buying platform, built to make premium TV accessible to brands of any size.

Starting budget: From $100, daily or total budget
Contracts and fees: No minimum commitment, no upfront contract, no agency fee
Inventory: Premium video alongside professionally produced content
Targeting: Demographics, geography, viewing behavior, device, customer lists
Creative: Social video, AI Video Generator, creative partners
Results: Universal Ads Pixel and real-time reporting

Launch a $100 TV Test with Universal Ads

Create your Universal Ads account and launch a $100 test this week. Prefer help? Request a demo.