Advertising and Propaganda

It isn't uncommon for people to use the terms "advertisement" and "propaganda" synonymously. However, there is most definitely a difference between the two. Advertisement is a paid message targeted toward a specific group of people, in attempt to persuade the group into liking and purchasing a certain product or service. Today, commercials are probably the best example of ads. Propaganda on the other hand, is form of communication that informs and promotes a particular idea, concept, or even belief. In both cases, persuasion is used for a similar goal, but the methods used to achieve that goal are different.

Advertisement:

It is clear that both companies are persuading the viewer of the ad to buy their product.

Propaganda:

Here, it is clear that a message is trying to be pushed onto others, aiming to change their opinion.