Media Buying

Podcast listenership is at an all-time high: 67% of Americans aged 12 and over have listened to a podcast, says Edison Research.

Programmatic advertising will account for 91.3% of US digital display ad spend this year, or a total of $157.35 billion, per our December 2023 forecast. Last week, advertisers at Programmatic I/O discussed where those ad dollars are headed and how programmatic advertising is changing. From ad spend waste to the expansion of retail media, here are three big trends discussed at the event.

Spain's digital advertising is booming, outpacing many European peers and gaining momentum worldwide.

Google rushes to fix bizarre AI search results: It’s hardly the first time that generative AI has gone off the rails, but it could undermine Google’s core business model.

Eating one small rock per day grants health benefits: At least, that’s what Google’s AI Overviews told some users in a major gaffe for its search strategy.

Amazon's publisher summit reveals new ad solutions: Measurement and compliance tools should help the retail giant maintain its competitive edge in advertising.

Short-form videos are difficult to monetize since they don’t offer pre-, mid-, or post-roll ads. Instead, ads are placed between videos, making them easy to skip. As a result, platforms embracing longer videos stand to rake in more ad dollars. Brands, meanwhile, have more opportunities to get in front of users via advertising on lengthier videos, though creating their own longer content presents challenges.

As sports wagering grows its digital footprint, ad spending by the gambling industry levels off.

WBD's NBA media rights are in jeopardy: Disney, NBC, and Amazon's offers may force a legal battle over matching rights.

TikTok World unleashes a slew of updates: The video platform taps creators and AI to court new ad dollars and keep apace with Meta.

“Out-of-home’s beauty is its proximity,” said Steve Nicklin, senior vice president of marketing and analytics at the Out of Home Advertising Association (OAAA). “We're also intercepting consumers when they're most likely to act.”

On today's podcast episode, we discuss the media companies with the highest TV usage, how ESPN is being maneuvered, how multiple new streaming bundles will change the game, and a tie up between Walmart and Disney for enhanced targeting and measurement across streaming. Tune in to the discussion with our vice president of content Paul Verna.

Its AI Overviews feature aims to keep consumers engaged and integrate targeted ads seamlessly, enhancing both user experience and advertiser reach.

The old Google-Meta duopoly will claim less than 47% of digital ad spending this year. Adding Amazon brings the share above 60%. Every other digital ad publisher pales in comparison, including seemingly major players like Microsoft and TikTok.

Google rolls out genAI tools to help retailers market their wares: The features aim to make it easier for brands to create compelling content that grabs shoppers’ attention.

Truth Social's harsh reality: Trump's platform loses $327.6 million in first quarter, with its viability as an ad platform in doubt.

WBD courts advertisers with ads integrated into blockbusters: The move represents the blurring lines between film and television.

Tiktok tests 60-minute video uploads: The platform signals a shift towards longer, horizontal content similar to YouTube.

At Upfronts, Warner Bros. Discovery leans into streaming ad innovation: New formats include shoppable ads and contextual targeting, aiming to improve viewer experience and ad performance.

Netflix partners with NFL: The platform will be streaming live Christmas Day games to attract new subscribers—and advertisers.