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    What is CTV and How is it Changing the Advertising Game?

    Marketing

    Imagine this: you settle into your favorite chair, popcorn in hand, ready for a night of quality television. But instead of flipping through endless channels of reruns and reality TV, you effortlessly navigate a sleek interface, browsing a library of movies, documentaries, and binge-worthy shows. This is the world of CTV, and it’s rapidly transforming how we consume entertainment.

    Table of Contents

    What is Connected TV and Why Should You Care?

    CTV, which stands for connected TV, refers to any television set that can access the internet and stream content. We’re talking smart TVs, of course, but also those powered by devices like Roku sticks, Apple TVs, and game consoles. This allows you to connect your grandma’s trusty television with the endless possibilities of the internet.

    The result? A viewing experience unlike anything before. No more cable contracts, no more pixelated channels, and no more endless commercials. CTV offers a world of on-demand content, from blockbuster movies to niche documentaries, all at your fingertips.

    But connected TV isn’t just about convenience. It’s about a fundamental shift in how we consume entertainment. It’s about chasing content, not channels. In the age of information overload, our attention spans are precious. We crave stories that resonate with us, that educate and entertain us. CTV delivers on this promise by offering a personalized experience, one where algorithms curate content based on our viewing habits and interests.

    The Rise of the Streaming Giants: CTV vs. Traditional TV

    The rise of CTV is a story of disruption. Traditional television, with its rigid schedules and limited options, is facing an existential threat. People are simply cutting the cord, abandoning the high costs and low flexibility of cable subscriptions in favor of the freedom and affordability of streaming services.

    The numbers speak for themselves. According to an eMarketer CTV report, over 55 million households in the US alone will be CTV viewers in 2024. That’s a staggering number, and it represents a massive shift in consumer behavior.

    Connected TV is here to stay. Streaming services are no longer niche players. They’re the new giants of entertainment, battling it out for our eyeballs and attention spans. From Netflix and Hulu to Disney+ and HBO Max, the competition is fierce, and the content is king.

    ctv advertising

    CTV Platforms: A variety of choices

    But what exactly are these CTV platforms?  Well, they come in all shapes and sizes.  The most common are of course Smart TVs, which have built-in internet connectivity and allow you to download and access streaming apps directly.  Then there are streaming devices like Roku sticks, Apple TVs, and Amazon Fire Sticks, which turn any regular TV into a connected TV.  Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox also offer CTV functionality, blurring the lines between entertainment and interactivity.

    Beyond these devices, there are also OTT (Over-the-Top) content providers like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and countless others.  These services offer their own libraries of content, often including originals not found anywhere else.  The key distinction here is that OTT providers deliver the content, while CTV platforms provide the access point.  Together, they form a powerful ecosystem that is transforming how we watch our favorite shows and movies.

    Here’s the key to remember: OTT providers curate the content, while connected TV platforms provide the access point.  Together, they form a powerful ecosystem that’s revolutionizing the way we consume entertainment.  No longer are we confined to the limitations of traditional cable packages. With CTV, the world of streaming is quite literally at your fingertips, offering endless possibilities for entertainment exploration and discovery.

    A Content Odyssey: What to Watch

    The beauty of connected TV is the sheer diversity of content available. Craving a classic movie marathon? Check. Want to delve into the latest true-crime documentary? Done. Feeling nostalgic for your favorite childhood sitcom? Consider it streamed.

    The vast libraries of streaming services offer something for everyone. Here’s a quick look into the possibilities:

    • Movies
    • TV Shows
    • Live Events
      • Sports Games 
      • Concerts and Music Festivals
      • News and Current Events

    OTT Content Providers:

    • HBO Max
    • Paramount+
    • Hulu
    • Peacock
    • Netflix.
    • Disney+
    ctv content

    Benefits of CTV Advertising

    We’ve established connected TV as the future of entertainment, but what does it hold for advertisers?  Well, buckle up, because CTV advertising offers a treasure trove of benefits that traditional television simply can’t match.  Let’s delve into this goldmine and explore the reasons why connected TV advertising should be on your marketing radar:

    • Laser-Focused Targeting:  Gone are the days of spraying and praying with your advertising dollars.  CTV allows you to target your ideal audience with pinpoint precision.  Leveraging demographics, viewing habits, and even purchase history, you can ensure your ad reaches the people most likely to be interested in your product or service. Imagine a sports apparel brand strategically placing its ad during a live game, or a travel agency’s commercial appearing during a documentary about exotic destinations.  This level of targeting translates into higher engagement and a better return on your investment (ROI).
    • The Power of Measurement: Unlike traditional television with its murky metrics, CTV advertising offers clear and measurable results.  You can track impressions (the number of times your ad is displayed), click-through rates (the percentage of viewers who click on your ad), and even measure how your ad influences website traffic and app downloads.  This real-time data empowers you to optimize your campaigns on the fly, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. By analyzing this data alongside your campaign goals, you can assess the effectiveness of your CTV advertising efforts and optimize them for future success.Here are some key metrics to consider:
    • Brand awareness: Track shifts in brand recognition and perception through surveys or social media listening tools.
    • Website traffic: Monitor how many viewers visit your website after seeing your ad, indicating potential purchase intent.
    • Conversion rates: Measure how many website visitors convert into paying customers or take a desired action (e.g., signing up for a free trial).
    • App downloads: If your campaign promotes a mobile app, track the number of downloads following ad exposure.
    • Engagement metrics: For social media CTV ads, measure likes, shares, and comments to gauge audience interaction.
    • A Captivated Audience:  Let’s face it, traditional television advertising is riddled with distractions.  People are flipping channels, checking their phones, or simply zoning out during commercial breaks.  CTV offers a different scenario.  Viewers are actively engaged with the content they’ve chosen to watch, making them more receptive to advertising messages that are strategically placed within the programming.  This captive audience translates into a higher chance of your ad being seen, remembered, and acted upon.
    • A World of Creative Freedom:  CTV advertising isn’t confined to the 30-second format of traditional television commercials.  The digital nature of CTV opens doors to creative storytelling.  You can utilize interactive elements, short documentaries, or even integrate your ad seamlessly within the program itself.  This creative freedom allows you to craft truly captivating experiences that resonate with viewers and leave a lasting impression.
    • Reaching Cord-Cutters and Cord-Nevers:  The traditional cable model is on shaky ground.  Millions of viewers, particularly younger generations, are cord-cutters (those who have abandoned cable) or cord-nevers (those who have never subscribed).  CTV advertising bridges this gap.  It allows you to reach these valuable demographics who are no longer accessible through traditional television advertising.

    You might also be interested in: Study Says CTV Viewers Prefer More Ads Over Lower Rates 

    By harnessing the power of CTV advertising, you can engage a targeted audience, measure your results with precision, and craft creative campaigns that resonate with viewers.  In this ever-evolving media landscape, CTV offers a beacon of opportunity for brands looking to stay ahead of the curve.

    The Future of Entertainment: Is It Here to Stay?

    Connected TV represents a significant shift in the way brands engage with their audience, offering a unique blend of reach and precision. By focusing on consistency, storytelling, and engagement, brands can leverage connected TV to forge deeper connections and drive brand awareness in the digital age. As we navigate this evolving landscape, the key to lasting impact lies in embracing the possibilities that CTV offers, staying ahead of trends, and always striving to connect on a human level.

    Want to get started? Netflix advertising offers the highest return on ad spend of any major streaming platform. If you want to gain a head start on the competition, download our advanced Netflix advertising guide. It will give you expert tips and insights to help you succeed right away and make your campaigns a success. 

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