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Flip Book-like Ads Brighten Subway Tunnels

A new form of transit advertising is available in certain cities, reaching consumers in one place that has, until now, been completely free from marketing messages: the subway train tunnel.

Technology from companies such as SideTrack or Submedia allow advertisers to install a long series of still photos inside a tunnel and then light up the images with rapidly flashing spotlights as the trains go by, writes CNET. The result is a 15-second advertising message that looks a bit like a film and a bit like a child's flipbook.

The system requires that trains be going at least 25 miles per hour. If it is traveling slower than that, the lights won't turn on.

This form of advertising is available in San Francisco, London, Boston and Rio, to name a few.

SideTrack plans to roll out a new, digital system, with still photos and flashing lights being replaced by LED screens.