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Why Digital Restroom Ads Beat Billboards Every Time (No, Really)

  • Writer: nochum gorman
    nochum gorman
  • Feb 12
  • 2 min read

Let’s face it—we’re all drowning in ads these days. Billboards? They’re like that one friend who still thinks Vine was cool. But what if I told you there’s a sneaky-good ad space where people actually want to look at your message? Enter digital restroom ads—the underdog of advertising that’s quietly crushing billboards. Let’s break it down.


“LEAKD digital ad screen in a gym restroom, showcasing a vibrant Nike ad above a urinal—capturing the attention of a captive audience.”
“LEAKD digital ad screen in a gym restroom, showcasing a vibrant Nike ad above a urinal—capturing the attention of a captive audience.”

1. Engagement: You’ve Got Their Full Attention (No, Really)


Fun Fact: People spend 30+ seconds staring at restroom ads (hey, they’ve got nothing else to do) compared to the 2-5 seconds they might spare for a billboard whizzing by at 60 mph.

  • Translation: Restroom visitors aren’t juggling traffic, TikTok, or their screaming kids. They’re captive. Literally.

  • Source: The Out of Home Advertising Association (OAAA) found restroom dwell times are prime time for ad retention.



2. Cost: Why Burn Cash on Billboards?


Let’s Get Real:

  • Billboards: Cost you 5–5–15 per 1,000 eyeballs. And half those “eyeballs” are squinting to see if that’s a typo.

  • Restroom Ads: As low as $2.50 per 1,000 impressions. Plus, your ad loops 24/7 to the same gym rats, travelers, and concert-goers. Cha-ching!

  • Source: Nielsen says niche ads (like restrooms) deliver 48% higher ROI than “spray-and-pray” billboards.



3. Case Study: How a Supplement Brand Got Buff (Thanks to Bathrooms)


The Plot: A fitness supplement company ditched billboards for LEAKD’s gym restroom ads. The Drama:

  • 90% recall rate (vs. billboards’ “Wait, was that a tire ad?” 18%).

  • 30% spike in website traffic from QR code scans (“Scan me! I’m not a virus!”).

  • 5:1 ROI because gym-goers actually remembered the promo code. Why It Worked: Ads hit people when they’re relaxed—not dodging traffic or ignoring their spouse’s texts.



4. Cool Stuff You Can’t Do With a Billboard


  • Swap Ads Instantly: Running a flash sale? Update your restroom ad in 5 minutes. Billboards? You’re stuck with that “2023 Summer Blowout” poster till 2025.

  • QR Codes & Polls: “Vote for the next ad!” or “Scan for a discount!” Billboards? Best they can do is a phone number nobody remembers.

  • Source: The Digital Place Based Advertising Association says interactive ads get 2x the love.



5. Eco-Friendly Flex


  • Billboards: Giant vinyl sheets that eventually become landfill confetti.

  • Restroom Ads: Sleek digital screens that can pivot to a eco-friendly promo faster than you can say “recycle bin.”


Let’s be real—billboards are so last decade. Digital restroom ads? They’re cheaper, stickier, and way less awkward than trying to sell protein powder on a highway.

Ready to make bathroom breaks work for you? Hit up LEAKD today—no porta-potty required.



Sources (But Make It Chill)

  • Out of Home Advertising Association (OAAA)

  • Nielsen

  • Digital Place Based Advertising Association (DPAA)

 
 
 
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