How Promo Drone Is Turning the Sky Into a Digital Billboard

From ads to emergencies, this startup is redefining aerial communication

In 2016, Jamar Williams looked up at the empty sky above San Diego and saw an opportunity. His startup, Promo Drone, began with a simple premise: drones could be more than flying cameras—they could become dynamic messaging platforms. Today, the company’s Starling X.2 drones beam ultra-bright LED displays visible from hundreds of feet away, turning the airspace into a canvas for advertising, public safety alerts, and even event coordination.

“We’re not just selling drones—we’re selling a new language of visual communication,” says Williams. “Imagine wildfire evacuations or concert updates broadcast live from the sky.”

The Starling X.2 isn’t your average quadcopter. FAA Part 107 compliant and programmable via cloud software, these drones can display scrolling text, logos, or emergency symbols. What started as a niche ad-tech play (picture drones trailing “SALE TODAY” banners for local businesses) has pivoted to serve smart cities and first responders. During the 2023 Maui wildfires, a partner operator used Promo Drone’s system to direct evacuees when cell networks failed.

Promo Drone’s secret sauce? A franchise-like “business-in-a-box” model. Operators get the hardware, FAA compliance training, and—critically—access to a network of event planners and municipal contracts. A single operator in Austin reportedly grossed $12K in one month covering rodeos and disaster drills. Now, with international expansion underway—including a Guam partnership with Bella Wings Aviation—the company prioritizes local expertise. “Drones need hyperlocal knowledge,” notes Williams. “You can’t just drop tech and leave.”

The roadmap gets more ambitious: future iterations will integrate crowd-density analytics and two-way communication features. One prototype allows drones to “read” handheld QR codes, enabling interactive polling at festivals. For Williams, the goal is clear: “Drones should be as fundamental as streetlights.” As cities grapple with aging infrastructure and information overload, Promo Drone bets the solution isn’t on the ground—but hovering right above it.