ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Interruption marketing

Imagine you're playing with your toys and having lots of fun, when suddenly someone comes and taps you on the shoulder, trying to get your attention. That's interruption marketing!

When you're watching your favorite show on TV and suddenly an advertisement comes on that you didn't ask to see, that's interruption marketing too! It's when someone tries to interrupt what you're doing in order to grab your attention and promote something to you.

This type of marketing can happen in many different forms, from ads on websites to commercials on TV to phone calls from telemarketers. Sometimes it can feel annoying or intrusive, but companies use it because they want to reach as many people as possible in the hope that some will be interested in what they're selling.

It's important to remember that not all marketing is interruption marketing. Sometimes companies will provide content or information that you might be interested in, without trying to interrupt your day. But when they do use interruption marketing, it's because they want you to know about their product, service or brand.