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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryStrategy & FrameworksPulsing

Strategy & Frameworks

Pulsing

A media schedule combining a continuous low base of advertising with periodic heavier bursts around key moments.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Pulsing is a media schedule that combines a continuous low base of advertising with periodic heavier bursts around key moments. It blends the steady presence of continuous advertising with the impact of flighting. Brands use it when demand is year-round but has seasonal peaks, such as holidays or back-to-school.