You’ve likely seen a wallscape advertisement at some point in your life. They’re hard to miss. And if you live in a densely populated area like Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York City, the chance to come across them soars.

According to the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), wallscapes, also known as “wall murals” or “billboards on buildings,” are advertisements painted or printed directly on the surfaces of buildings. Unlike traditional billboard advertising, wallscapes leverage massive surface areas to display eye-catching designs that integrate a building’s architecture or surroundings. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this wallscape ad guide:

• Where Are The Best Locations for Wallscape Advertising?
• How Much Does Wallscape Advertising Cost?
• Benefits of Billboards on Buildings
• Examples of Wallscape Advertising
• Launch Your Wallscape Ad Campaign

Where Are The Best Locations for Wallscape Advertising?

When it comes to making an impact in the heart of a city, location is everything. Wallscape advertising truly stands out in bustling urban centers where tall buildings and high foot traffic provide the perfect backdrop for these can’t-miss ads.

But it’s not just about high visibility—it’s about being in the right places to even make a lasting impression. Take a look at some of the most common locations for wallscape advertisements:

• Downtown districts
• Freeways and highways
• Major intersections and crosswalks
• Public transit hubs
• Shopping and entertainment districts
• Sports arenas and stadiums
• Tourist landmarks and attractions
• University campuses

Whether they’re near a busy shopping district, a famous landmark, or along a well-traveled route, wall murals bring character to the cityscape. Who wouldn’t be drawn to a mural that brings an otherwise blank wall to life?

How Much Does Wallscape Advertising Cost?

Wallscape advertising costs can vary significantly based on size, city, and placement, but the return on investment (ROI) can make it worth every penny. If you’re trying to weigh the cost vs. ROI with a wallscape, you can rest easy knowing that your ad is a constant in a busy landscape.

You also don’t have to worry about the fluctuating pricing or competition for screen time like you would in pay-per-click (PPC) or other forms of digital advertising. More on that below. As wallscape ad costs depend on a variety of factors, we invite you to submit a request for a custom proposal to learn more about wallscapes in your target market.

To give you a general idea, Los Angeles wallscapes can cost around $100,000, New York City sees prices like $125,000, Miami wallscapes are approximately $75,000, and San Francisco can cost close to $85,000.

Cost-Effectiveness of Wall Mural Advertising

When stacked up against online advertising, wallscape advertising can be a surprisingly budget-friendly choice for long-term impact. A single, well-placed wallscape can generate months of exposure without the need for costly ongoing management or continuous ad spending. 

If most—or even all—of your budget is being channeled to digital marketing campaigns, then it might be time to consider reallocating it to out-of-home (OOH) advertising, as it’s proven to drive significant ROI. However, you should be aware that wallscapes generally require a larger initial investment than traditional billboards, but they make up for it by reaching broader audiences, particularly in high-traffic cities.

In major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and New York City, you have to consider that prices are also higher, while smaller cities tend to offer lower-cost options. But, the bottom line? Wallscapes are designed to stay up longer than most advertising formats, meaning you’re getting sustained, high-value visibility that keeps your brand in view for the long run.

Benefits of Billboards on Buildings

When it comes to making an impression that sticks, wallscape advertising remains front and center. These ads don’t sit on the sidelines—they dominate the skyline and are often visible from blocks away. 

Here’s why they work especially well in cities where standing out is everything:

Lower Competition

Wallscapes are hard to overlook—no matter if you’re a pedestrian, public transit commuter, driver, or passenger. Their unique size and placement make them especially impactful, helping your brand stand out without competing with a sea of other ads.

Social Media Magnet

In the age of Instagram and TikTok, a striking wallscape can often become a popular landmark for photo ops. People can’t resist snapping a picture and sharing it online, which means extending your ad’s reach far beyond the street it’s located on. 

High Visibility

Thanks to their large size and prominent locations, wallscapes capture the attention of pedestrians, drivers and commuters alike. That’s because they’re primarily designed to be visible from a distance to maximize the ad’s reach. It’s hard to miss something that takes up an entire building wall!

Built to Last

Wallscapes aren’t for quick, short-term campaigns. They’re made for the long haul. Perfect for brands looking for sustained visibility, these ads hold their ground, staying up for months or even longer. If you’re aiming for a lasting presence that keeps your brand in the public eye day after day, wallscape advertising offers an impact and staying power like no other.

Creative Freedom

This form of advertising is as adaptable as it is bold. Moreover, they can take any shape or size, fitting the unique architecture of each building. Some brands even go a step further by using guerrilla marketing tactics to make their designs unforgettable and enhance the wallscape’s visual appeal. 

Want to make your design pop in 3D? How about making the edges of your design look like they’re actually blending into the building? With wallscape advertising, you don’t have to limit your possibilities to your imagination.

Examples of Wallscape Advertising

When brands use walls as their canvas, the results are anything but ordinary. Here are some standout wallscape campaigns that took creativity to new heights, transforming cityscapes and captivating audiences around the world:

• Apple’s “Shot on iPhone” Global Campaign: Apple took user-generated content to a whole new level with its “Shot on iPhone” campaign, turning everyday iPhone photos into murals worldwide. From city streets to skyscrapers across Asia to South America, Apple showcased the power of its camera, making each image a bold, real-life example of what the iPhone could really do. The campaign was simple but powerful, letting user creativity—and the iPhone’s camera quality—do the talking.
• Nationwide’s Coops Paint Landscape: While it launched in 2007, it’s still relevant today. Nationwide Insurance made a splash with this eye-catching “Coops Paint” wallscape that looked like a giant can of yellow paint was pouring down the side of a building in Columbus, Ohio. This campaign didn’t just advertise Nationwide; it also showed off the brand’s playful, memorable side, making an ordinary ad truly unforgettable.
• Nike Japan’s Air Max 3D Billboards: To promote its iconic Air Max sneakers, Nike Japan took to Tokyo’s famous Shinjuku district with stunning 3D billboards that made the shoes seem to pop off the screen. With sneakers hovering in the air, rotating, and seemingly jumping out at passersby, Nike used cutting-edge technology to bring their Air Max’s to life.

Make Your Message Unmissable As a Wallscape

Need a wallscape advertisement in time for this holiday season or planning ahead for next year? With bold designs and towering displays, these murals turn heads and put your brand front and center. But your business doesn’t have to navigate the process alone.

When you work with Alluvit Media for your outdoor advertising campaign, you get access to our in-house graphic design services—all at no additional cost. Don’t wait, launch your outdoor ad campaign with a team trusted by the world’s leading brands.