Blipvert

A blipvert is an extremely short advertisement, typically only a few frames (milliseconds) in length, inserted into broadcast television programming. The concept is that these subliminal or near-subliminal flashes, too quick to be consciously registered, would nonetheless influence viewers subconsciously.

While the term originates from Neal Stephenson's 1992 novel Snow Crash, where blipverts were sophisticated and highly personalized advertisements, the idea behind them has a history rooted in earlier concerns about subliminal advertising.

The efficacy of blipverts as a genuine advertising technique is highly debated and largely discredited. Studies have consistently failed to demonstrate any significant impact on consumer behavior from advertisements of such short durations. The practice is generally considered unethical and, in many jurisdictions, illegal due to regulations regarding subliminal messaging.

The term "blipvert" is often used more generally to describe any very short and attention-grabbing piece of video content, even if it's not intended for subliminal influence. This broader usage extends beyond television and into online video platforms and social media. However, this usage is often figurative and doesn't imply the original, intended effect of subconscious manipulation.