Advertisers in Pakistan have two main outdoor options: the classic printed billboard (hoarding) and the digital SMD screen. Both work very well, but they do different jobs. The right choice depends on your campaign's goal, timeline and budget.
How a billboard and an SMD screen differ
A static billboard carries one printed panaflex design for the whole booking. Your brand owns the site, all day and every day.
An SMD screen is a large LED display playing a loop of ads. Your ad appears for set seconds in every loop, repeating all day. It's bright 24/7, and a new design can go live within minutes.
SMD screen vs billboard: comparison
| Static billboard | SMD screen | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand presence | Yours alone, all day | Shared loop, repeated all day |
| Night visibility | Needs lighting | Bright 24/7 |
| Changing the message | Reprint and remount | Upload a new file |
| Motion and video | No | Yes |
| Printing cost | For every design | None |
| Best for | Long-term brand building | Launches, offers and time-bound messages |
When a billboard is the better choice
- You want to own a location, as the only brand at that chowk
- Your campaign runs for months with the same message, for example a housing society, school or hospital
- You want a giant format. Our largest hoardings are 90 × 30 ft.
When an SMD screen is the better choice
- You have several messages to rotate
- Timing matters: Ramadan, Eid, 14 August, admissions, a launch date or an event
- You want motion, with an SMD animation or video ad
- You want to start fast, with no printing or mounting
SMD screen locations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
| Location | City |
|---|---|
| Shaheen Underpass, Margalla Road | Islamabad |
| Centaurus Bridge, Blue Area | Islamabad |
| Zero Point, Islamabad Expressway | Islamabad |
| Emporium Mall, F-10 Markaz | Islamabad |
| Defence Avenue, DHA-1 | Islamabad |
| Ammar Shaheed Chowk | Rawalpindi |
| Commercial Market | Rawalpindi |
Use both for maximum impact
Many brands book a billboard for steady presence and SMD screens to push offers, with digital streamers along the same route. That way one message reaches the same audience in three ways.
Frequently asked questions
Is an SMD screen better than a billboard?
Neither is always better. An SMD screen is better for changing messages, motion and night visibility. A billboard is better for owning a location and long-term brand presence.
What are SMD screen advertising rates in Islamabad?
SMD screen rates depend on the location, the screen size, the number of slots and the booking length. Call GillANi’s on 0333-5444975 for current SMD screen rates.
How quickly can an SMD ad go live?
Once the artwork or video is approved and sized for the screen, an SMD ad can go live very quickly, with no printing or mounting needed.
Can I run a video on an SMD screen?
Yes. SMD screens play animations and video. Ads should be short (10 to 15 seconds), silent, and made at the screen's exact resolution.
Book SMD screens or billboards
See all SMD screen locations and billboards, or contact us for rates.
