Advertising in Singapore: Essential Things in 2025
- info831035
- Oct 22
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 2
Are you ready for the future of advertising in Singapore? Because we sure are! As we gear up for 2025, it's important to stay ahead of the game and keep up with the latest trends and developments in the world of advertising.
In Singapore, advertising is a crucial aspect of any business's success, and staying on top of the latest changes in consumer behavior and regulatory requirements can make all the difference. With the digital revolution in full swing and the COVID-19 pandemic shifting consumer habits, there's no better time to get up to speed on what's happening in the world of advertising.
In this article, we're going to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know to stay ahead of the curve in 2025. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of advertising in Singapore!
Things You Must Know when Advertising in Singapore ⬇️
1. The Evolution of the Consumer
How Singaporean Consumers are Changing the Game
The advertising landscape in Singapore is rapidly evolving, and nowhere is this more evident than in the changing behavior of Singaporean consumers. With the rise of digital channels and the growing importance of social media, businesses must adapt their advertising strategies to meet the needs and preferences of today's consumers.
According to a recent report, 74.6% of advertising spend in Singapore now goes to digital advertising (Source: DataReportal). This shift towards digital channels is driven in large part by changing consumer behavior, as more and more Singaporeans turn to online platforms for their shopping needs.
In fact, 52.7% of Singaporean consumers research brands online before making a purchase (Source: DataReportal). This means that businesses must prioritize their online presence and create engaging content that resonates with these tech-savvy consumers.
But it's not just about being present on digital platforms. Consumers today also expect a more personalized and interactive experience from brands. This means that businesses must leverage data and technology to create tailored advertising campaigns that speak to the unique needs and preferences of individual consumers.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online channels, as consumers have become more comfortable with shopping from the comfort of their own homes. As a result, businesses must continue to adapt and innovate their advertising strategies to stay competitive in this rapidly changing landscape.
In conclusion, the evolution of the consumer in Singapore is driving significant changes in the advertising landscape. As businesses and advertisers, it's essential to understand these changes and adapt our strategies accordingly.
2. Navigating the Legal Landscape
A Guide to Advertising Regulations in Singapore
As a business owner or marketer in Singapore, you have many options when it comes to promoting your business. However, it's important to note that advertising in Singapore is not a free-for-all. There are guidelines and regulations in place to ensure that advertising is ethical, transparent, and fair to consumers.
One of the key guidelines in advertising is the need to distinguish sponsored messages from editorial content and personal opinions. This requires disclosing all commercial relationships, especially if a business is endorsing certain sponsors, products, services, or product names. Disclosures must be placed prominently so that consumers can clearly see them. Advertisers must also be transparent about fees and the purchasing process.
When advertising on social media platforms, businesses must avoid falsely inflating their popularity. This includes purchasing tools and services that increase likes and comments. It's also advised that businesses refrain from encouraging people to like, share, or use their social plugins to make their posts seem more popular.
Additionally, advertisers must avoid promoting ads that contain pornographic, racist, sexist, and violent comments, particularly when advertising to children. Marketers are forbidden from distributing the personal information of children without consent from their guardians.
It's essential for businesses and marketers to stay up-to-date with these guidelines and regulations to avoid any legal issues and maintain a positive reputation. The Singapore Code of Advertising Practice is a useful resource for understanding the regulations and best practices for advertising in Singapore. Working with a Singapore marketing agency can be useful in navigating the legal realm.
3. Creative Concepts
New Trends and Emerging Technologies in Advertising
Advertising is an ever-evolving industry, and businesses and marketers must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and emerging technologies to stay relevant and effective in their campaigns. In Singapore, some new trends and technologies are making waves in the advertising landscape.
One of the most significant trends is the rise of influencer marketing. In Singapore, the ad spend on influencer advertising is around $106million, as businesses tap into the power of social media influencers to reach their target audience. With 88.2% of Singapore's population being social media users, it's no surprise that businesses are investing in influencer marketing to reach a wider audience. (Source: DataReportal)
Social media platforms are also becoming more diverse, with users having different preferences for different platforms. For instance, WhatsApp is popular for its messaging capabilities, while Facebook is used for sharing news and connecting with friends and family. Instagram and TikTok are popular platforms for visual content, with businesses using them to showcase their products or services in a visually appealing way. Meanwhile, YouTube is great for in-depth videos for product reviews or unboxings.
Check out the video above and see how Taobao implemented both trends in their social media marketing campaign. Taobao is a Chinese online shopping platform which sought the help of popular lifestyle vlogger Brenda Tan, in order to make noise around its upcoming sale. The result? Thousands of engagements, views and impressions.
Technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also gaining traction in advertising. AR and VR can be used to create immersive experiences for consumers, allowing them to interact with products or services in a more engaging and memorable way.
As advertising continues to evolve, businesses and marketers must be creative and innovative in their campaigns to stand out and make an impact. Keeping up with emerging trends and technologies and experimenting with new ideas can help businesses stay ahead of the game and achieve their advertising goals.
Conclusion
Advertising in Singapore is an ever-changing landscape, and businesses and marketers must stay up-to-date with the latest trends, emerging technologies, and regulations to succeed in their campaigns. From the evolution of consumer behavior and preferences to the legal landscape and creative concepts, there are many essential things to consider when planning and executing an advertising strategy in Singapore.
Businesses must adapt to the changing consumer landscape by investing in digital advertising, reaching out to millennial and Gen X consumers, and creating compelling content that resonates with their target audience. At the same time, they must navigate the legal landscape and adhere to advertising regulations to maintain transparency and avoid misleading or deceptive advertising practices.
Innovative technologies and new trends such as influencer marketing, diverse social media platforms, and immersive experiences such as AR and VR are transforming the advertising landscape in Singapore. By embracing these trends and experimenting with new ideas, businesses can stay ahead of the game and effectively reach their audience.
In the end, success in advertising requires creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the target audience. By staying up-to-date with the latest developments in advertising and adapting to changing consumer behavior and preferences, businesses and marketers can create impactful campaigns that drive results and help them achieve their advertising objectives in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What percentage of advertising spend in Singapore is allocated to digital channels in 2025?
As of 2025, 74.6% of total advertising expenditure in Singapore is directed toward digital channels, reflecting the country’s high internet penetration and mobile-first consumer behavior. This shift is driven by increased online shopping, social media engagement, and performance-driven marketing strategies. Businesses are prioritizing digital platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok to reach tech-savvy audiences more effectively. The trend is expected to continue as consumer attention moves further away from traditional media. (Source: DataReportal)
How do Singaporean consumers typically research brands before making a purchase?
Over half, 52.7%, of Singaporean consumers research brands online before buying, using search engines, social media, and review platforms to evaluate products and services. They often compare prices, read customer reviews, and watch video demonstrations to make informed decisions. This behavior underscores the importance of maintaining a strong, credible online presence with optimized content and active social engagement. Brands that fail to provide transparent and accessible information risk losing trust and conversions. (Source: DataReportal)
Is influencer marketing effective in Singapore?
Yes, influencer marketing is highly effective in Singapore, with an estimated $106 million spent on influencer campaigns in 2025. With 88.2% of the population active on social media, influencers help brands build authenticity and reach niche audiences through relatable content (Source: DataReportal). Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are particularly popular for influencer collaborations. Successful campaigns often involve micro-influencers who have higher engagement rates and trusted voices within specific communities.
How can I tell if an online ad is sponsored or paid content?
Sponsored or paid content must be clearly disclosed, typically with labels like "Sponsored," "Ad," or a similar tag, and should be easily visible near the content. The disclosure helps separate commercial messages from independent editorial content. Consumers should look for transparency around endorsement disclosures and any potential conflicts of interest.
How can I protect my privacy while still seeing relevant ads?
Use privacy controls to limit data sharing, opt out of interest-based advertising where available, and review app permissions. Favor platforms that offer clear privacy notices and easy consent management. Support first-party data experiences where you voluntarily share information.