This short article will give an insight into the visual examples of subliminal messages as used in political speeches, cartoons, movies, song, and of course the media and advertising industry – especially the advertising industry!

Subliminal messages across all types of brands and types of products - even a subtle subliminal suggestion will have a huge effect on a brands recognition and increase sales dramatically.

However, subliminal messaging has actually been banned from use in TV adverts – advertising agencies are not allowed to use a flashed visual message within a commecial which is shorter than 0.5 of a second i.e. quicker than our eyes can see. Neither are they allowed to use subliminal sounds – for example a sound which is below or above the level of human hearing capacity – this is basically as they are seen as manipulative – and rightly so, there have been several studies showing the influence of subliminal adverts.

However there are still a LOT of subliminal messages in advertising billboards. These vary from hidden text (commonly the word Sex), or suggestions (again usually suggesting Sex).

As mentioned virtually all sectors of industry have used subliminal messages, from local bars and cafes, to multinational food and drinks suppliers such as coca cola, McDonalds, and KFC. Coca cola is famous for usingimages of naked women hidden cleverly on their bottles - they will do anything to anything to link coca cola and sex in your mind.

George Bush is also a fan of subliminal messaging - he has used it to his advantage throughout his election campaigns. Disney too frequently use subliminals – for the same reasons as McDonalds – it adds a wider appeal and makes their movies more memorable.

There are countless more visual subliminal messages so follow the link to see some more.