Video Advertising

November 9 2023

How The Automotive Industry Can Thrive in 2024 and Beyond

Connected TV, Content Marketing, Digital, Display Advertising, Email Marketing, Mobile, OTT, Radio, SEM, SEO, Social Media, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising, Website Management

In challenging times, the automotive industry should continue marketing to maintain visibility, stay top of mind for potential customers, and adapt to evolving consumer needs. Consistent marketing fosters brand resilience, sustains customer engagement, and positions the business for recovery when economic conditions improve. Despite the current challenges facing automotive businesses, there are numerous marketing trends available for automotive businesses. These trends can be adopted to reach their target audience and foster the growth of their businesses.

Here are some of the top marketing trends for automotive in 2024:

Digital marketing: Digital marketing is more important than ever for the automotive industry. This includes search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, dynamic ads and social media marketing. Automotive businesses must optimize their websites for search engines and run efficient PPC campaigns. They also need to be active on social media and create engaging content that will resonate with their target audience.
Personalized marketing: Automotive businesses need to personalize their marketing messages to reach their target audience more effectively. This can be done by collecting data on customers’ interests and demographics and then using this data to tailor marketing messages accordingly. Automotive businesses can also use personalization to create targeted email campaigns and social media ads.
Omnichannel marketing: Omnichannel marketing integrates messages and experiences across online, offline, and mobile channels. Automotive businesses need to create a seamless and consistent customer experience across all channels. Ensure consistent delivery of marketing messages across channels and seamless customer transitions between them.
Video marketing: Video marketing is a powerful tool that automotive businesses can use to engage their target audience and tell their brand story. Automotive businesses can create videos about their products, their services, and their company culture. They can also use video to create customer testimonials and product demos.
Influencer marketing: Influencer marketing is a great way for automotive businesses to reach their target audience and build trust. Automotive businesses can partner with influencers who have a following among their target customers. Influencers can create and share content about the automotive business’s products and services with their followers.

By adopting these marketing trends, automotive businesses can reach their target audience more effectively and grow their businesses despite the current challenges facing the industry.

In addition to the trends listed above, here are some other emerging marketing trends for automotive in 2024:

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers opportunities for personalized marketing messages, targeted ads, and enhanced customer service. Utilizing AI can empower automotive businesses to elevate their marketing campaigns and enhance the overall customer experience.

The use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): AR and VR can be used to create immersive and engaging experiences for customers. Automotive businesses can use AR and VR to allow customers to see how a car would look in their driveway before they buy it.

The use of social commerce: Social commerce is the integration of social media and e-commerce. Automotive businesses can use social commerce to make it easier for customers to buy their products directly from social media platforms.

AlphaAuto: Your Partner in Automotive Marketing Success

In navigating the challenges of the automotive industry, a strategic marketing partner can make all the difference. Our AlphaAuto team specializes in crafting tailored marketing strategies that resonate even in challenging times. Let us be your partner in driving visibility, engaging customers, and navigating the road ahead. Together, we can steer your automotive business towards success. Contact us today Contact us today to explore how Alpha Media can elevate your marketing efforts and propel your brand forward

November 1 2023

Why CTV/OTT Is Good For Ecommerce

Connected TV, Digital, OTT, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising

CTV/OTT and e-commerce are a match made in heaven. Connected TV and Over-the-Top advertising are two of the most popular digital advertising channels for e-commerce businesses. CTV/OTT ads are seen on streaming devices, such as smart TVs, streaming sticks, and game consoles.

Shoppable commerce is a relatively new phenomenon, but it is quickly gaining popularity. Shoppable commerce is the ability to buy a product by clicking a link directly within or next to a video. According to an Insider Intelligence survey conducted by Bizrate Insights, found that more than half (52%) of US adults have either used shoppable commerce or are interested in it. It is especially popular among younger adults, with 31% of those aged 18 to 34 saying they have used shoppable commerce.

There are several reasons why shoppable commerce is so popular. First, it is convenient. Shoppers can see a product they like in a video and immediately purchase it without having to leave the video or open a new window. Second, this type of advertising provides a more engaging experience than traditional advertising. Shoppers are more likely to pay attention to a video that features products they can buy than a video that does not.

Shoppable commerce is still in its early stages. But it has the potential to revolutionize the way we shop. It is easy to imagine a future where we can watch TV and immediately purchase any product that catches our eye.

Here are a few reasons why CTV and OTT are great advertising channels for e-commerce businesses:

Large and growing audience: CTV and OTT viewership is on the rise. With more people cutting the cord and streaming their favorite TV online, the trend is here to stay. This means that e-commerce businesses have a large and growing audience to reach with their ads.

Targeted advertising: CTV and OTT enables businesses to reach their target audience based on specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.

Engaging content: CTV and OTT ads are typically longer and more creative than traditional TV ads. This means that they have more time to capture the viewer’s attention and tell a story.

Measurable results: CTV and OTT advertising platforms provide detailed data on how ads are performing. This data can help businesses to optimize their campaigns. Ensuring that they are getting the most out of their investment.

Here are some tips for creating successful CTV/OTT campaigns for e-commerce businesses:

Create high-quality ads that meet viewers’ expectations for well-produced and engaging content.

Target your ads carefully: Use CTV/OTT advertising platforms to target your ads to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors.

Tell a story: Your ads should tell a story that will capture the viewer’s attention and make them want to learn more about your product or service.

Use clear calls to action: Tell viewers what you want them to do, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for your email list, or making a purchase.

Test and measure your results: Use CTV/OTT advertising platforms to track the performance of your ads and make adjustments as needed.

Our CTV/OTT Performance Based uses an audience first approach to accurately target your audience while they are streaming their TV and video content. With our cross channel approach we can report on the customer journey from ad exposure at the awareness level through conversions Therefore, we can close the attribution loop with your TV buying. E-commerce businesses that embrace CTV/OTT performance-based advertising are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing shoppable commerce sector.

E-commerce businesses can create successful CTV/OTT ad campaigns that will help them reach their target audience, drive sales, and grow their businesses. Let AlphaDigital build a strategy that includes CTV/OTT, now is the time to start, contact us today to speak to one of our Integrated Marketing Consultants.

live video content online streaming marketing concept.

October 27 2023

Digital Video Advertising: The New Brand Building Frontier

Connected TV, Digital, OTT, Strategy, traditional advertising, Video, Video Advertising

Digital video advertising is rapidly becoming the new brand building frontier. According to Insider Intelligence in 2023, global digital video ad spend is expected to reach $61.06 billion, up from $52.42 billion in 2022. Therefore, video advertising is rapidly becoming the new brand building frontier.

The growth of digital video advertising is driven by a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of video content and the development of new video ad formats. In addition, among these factors are the rise of social media platforms that focus heavily on video, such as TikTok and Instagram.

Digital video advertising offers a number of advantages for brand building, including:

Reach: Advertisers can reach a large and targeted audience across a variety of devices and platforms with video ads.
Engagement: Video is one of the most engaging forms of content. Furthermore, digital video ads can capture viewers’ attention and tell stories about brands.
Emotion: Video can also evoke emotions in viewers, which can help create strong brand connections.
Data: Digital video advertising platforms give advertisers detailed data about their ad performance, so they can improve their campaigns over time.

Here are some tips for using video advertising to build your brand:

Create high-quality videos. Your videos should be well-produced and engaging. Invest in good equipment and software. In addition, work with a professional videographer if possible.
Tell stories. Use your videos to tell stories about your brand, your products, and your customers. People are more likely to connect with your brand if they feel like they know it on a personal level.
Be authentic. People can spot a fake from a mile away, so be authentic in your videos. Speak from the heart, including sharing your genuine passion for your brand.
Target your audience. Use the targeting options available on digital video advertising platforms to show your ads to the people who are most likely to be interested in them.
Measure your results. Track the performance of your digital video advertising campaigns and use the data to improve your campaigns over time.

By following these tips, you can use digital video advertising to build a strong brand and increase awareness about your brand. Let AlphaDigital build a strategy that includes video, now is the time to start, contact us today to speak to one of our Integrated Marketing Consultants.

August 14 2023

Alpha Automotive Appreciation

Content Marketing, Digital, Social Media, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising

Alpha Media wants to show our appreciation of local automotive dealers. When our hometown auto dealers are doing well, the positive benefits are felt throughout our entire communities! In fact, last year alone, car dealers had an economic impact of over $3.8 trillion in Alpha Media markets alone. And they created over 7 million jobs in our local communities! A thriving auto dealer brings more customers to our shops, restaurants, and service industries. With new car and truck inventory now back on the lots, we are all driving in the right direction! With all of this in mind, Alpha Media salutes the many local car dealers across our great states!

As part of our Alpha Auto Appreciation, our Fredericksburg market collaborated with Texas Roadhouse of Fredericksburg to show love and our appreciation for everything Shirlie Slack Mitsubishi does for our local community. From their involvement with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Toys for Tots and The Faith and family Foundation. Alpha Media Fredericksburg treated the ENTIRE staff to lunch from Texas Roadhouse of Fredericksburg.

The Effectiveness of Multi-Channel Engagement

Initiatives like our Auto Appreciation are an example of the importance of combining radio personalities with digital advertising to create a powerful marketing approach that maximizes the benefits of both mediums. Creating content that is shared across multiple platforms ensures that the message reaches audiences. Repetition enhances brand recall and message retention.This integrated strategy leverages the strengths of radio personalities’ local influence and digital advertising’s reach, targeting, and engagement. Radio personalities can create engaging content that resonates with the local audience. Digital advertising amplifies this content, extending its reach beyond the airwaves and enabling sharing and interaction.

Chat with a Digital Consultant to Learn More

To learn more about collaborating with our local talent and how to amplify your content, contact us for a conversation with a Digital Consultant.

June 30 2023

Retailers are Using Data in Their Marketing

Connected TV, Content Marketing, Digital, Display Advertising, Email Marketing, Mobile, OTT, Radio, SEM, SEO, Social Media, Strategy, traditional advertising, Video, Video Advertising

Retailers are increasingly recognizing the value of data as a strategic asset in their marketing efforts. By harnessing the power of customer data, retailers can gain valuable insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns.

Here are some ways retailers are monetizing data for their marketing:

Personalized Marketing Campaigns:

Companies utilize customer data to create highly targeted and personalized marketing campaigns. By analyzing customer demographics, purchase history, and browsing behavior, these businesses can deliver tailored messages and offers to specific segments of their customer base. This level of personalization enhances customer engagement, increases conversion rates, and fosters brand loyalty.

Cross-Selling and Upselling Opportunities:

Data enables businesses to identify cross-selling and upselling opportunities. By analyzing purchase patterns and customer preferences, companies can recommend complementary products or suggest higher-priced alternatives to customers. This data-driven approach helps maximize the value of each transaction and boosts revenue.

Loyalty Programs and Customer Retention:

Data-driven loyalty programs are an effective way for businesses to monetize customer data. By capturing and analyzing data from loyalty program members, companies gain insights into individual customer preferences, purchase frequency, and average spend. This data allows businesses to create personalized offers, rewards, and incentives that encourage repeat purchases and foster long-term customer loyalty.

Targeted Advertising and Partnerships:

Businesses can leverage customer data to inform their targeted advertising strategies. By understanding the interests, behaviors, and preferences of their customers, companies can create more effective and efficient advertising campaigns. Furthermore, businesses can collaborate with complementary brands or advertisers to monetize their customer data through targeted partnerships, sponsorships, or co-branded promotions.

Customer Segmentation and New Market Opportunities:

Through data analysis, businesses can segment their customer base into distinct groups based on various attributes such as demographics, purchasing behavior, and psychographics. This segmentation allows organizations to identify untapped market opportunities, develop targeted marketing strategies for each segment, and tailor product offerings to meet specific customer needs. By expanding their reach to new markets, companies can unlock new revenue streams.

Product Development and Inventory Optimization:

Data insights can guide businesses in product development and inventory optimization efforts. By analyzing customer feedback, purchase patterns, and market trends, companies can identify product gaps, optimize their product mix, and introduce new offerings that align with customer preferences. This data-driven approach minimizes inventory costs and ensures that businesses offer products that resonate with their target audience.

Strategic Partnerships and Data Licensing:

Companies can explore strategic partnerships and data licensing agreements to monetize their customer data. By anonymizing and aggregating customer data, organizations can provide valuable insights to third-party companies, such as market research firms or advertising agencies. Data licensing agreements allow businesses to generate additional revenue streams while maintaining data privacy and compliance.

It’s important for retailers to prioritize data privacy and security while monetizing customer data. By being transparent about data collection practices, obtaining appropriate consent, and complying with relevant data protection regulations, retailers can maintain consumer trust and ensure ethical data usage in their marketing strategies.

At AlphaDigital, we take data privacy and security seriously. Let’s chat about your marketing goals and how we can help you achieve them.

June 23 2023

Digital and Radio for Marketing Impact

Content Marketing, Digital, Mobile, Radio, Social Media, Strategy, traditional advertising, Video, Video Advertising

What if we told you that combining the power of digital and radio can create a synergy that amplifies marketing efforts? Marketers in today’s world are always exploring new ways to reach their target audience. While digital advertising has gained significant prominence over the past decade, traditional mediums like radio continue to hold their ground.

Let’s explore the synergy of digital advertising and radio in marketing and how this combination can yield remarkable results.

Expanding Reach and Targeting

Digital advertising offers unparalleled reach, allowing businesses to connect with global audiences. Radio can help brands reach more people and target specific audiences. Radio’s localized nature enables hyper-targeted advertising, ensuring that your message reaches the right people in the right locations.

Amplifying Brand Awareness

Digital advertising excels in building brand awareness through online platforms, while radio has a unique ability to engage listeners through sound. Radio ads can make digital campaigns more memorable. The combination of visually captivating digital content and memorable audio ads can significantly enhance brand recall and recognition.

Enhanced Frequency and Reinforcement

Digital advertising allows for precise ad placement and retargeting capabilities. By leveraging radio alongside digital campaigns, marketers can reinforce their message and increase frequency. When a consumer hears a radio ad that complements an existing digital ad they’ve seen, it strengthens the overall impact and increases the chances of conversion. The combined reach and frequency across different channels create a holistic brand experience.

Cross-Channel Integration

You can seamlessly integrate the two mediums to drive cross-channel engagement. For example, radio ads can direct listeners to specific landing pages, social media profiles, or exclusive online offers. Meanwhile, digital ads can encourage audiences to tune in to a radio station for exclusive promotions or events. This synergy allows brands to leverage the strengths of each medium and create a cohesive customer journey.

Cost-Effective Advertising Mix

Radio advertising often proves to be a cost-effective option compared to other traditional media. By combining it with digital advertising, which offers cost-efficient targeting and ad optimization, marketers can achieve a powerful and cost-effective marketing mix. Allocating budgets strategically across these two mediums enables brands to maximize their return on investment and reach a wider audience while staying within their budgetary constraints.

Leveraging Analytics and Insights

One of the key advantages of digital advertising is the availability of real-time data and analytics. Marketers can leverage these insights to optimize campaigns, track performance, and make data-driven decisions. Integrating radio with digital campaigns allows for a more comprehensive analysis of marketing efforts. By correlating digital and radio metrics, marketers can gain a deeper understanding of the customer journey and refine their strategies accordingly.

Combining digital advertising and radio in marketing presents a compelling opportunity for brands to amplify their reach, enhance brand awareness, and create a cohesive customer experience. By leveraging the strengths of both mediums, marketers can harness the power of digital precision and radio’s emotional connection to engage their target audience effectively. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, integrating digital advertising and radio will remain a potent strategy for businesses looking to make a lasting impact in the hearts and minds of consumers.

Alpha Media is a diverse, multimedia company with the capabilities to share your brand messaging across a wide array of media platforms. Our Integrated Media Consultants will work closely with clients to help increase their brand recognition, decrease cost per lead and increase your return on investment. Contact us today to learn how we can help you!

June 22 2023

Some tips on how to market to Gen Z

Content Marketing, Digital, Social Media, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising

To effectively market to Gen Z, which refers to individuals born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, it’s important to understand their characteristics and preferences.

Here are some strategies to help you market to Gen Z effectively:

Be authentic. This group of young people is savvy to marketing ploys, so they can spot a fake from a mile away. Be genuine in your brand messaging and marketing materials.
Keep it short and sweet. Gen Z has a short attention span, so your marketing messages need to be concise and to the point. Use visuals and videos to grab their attention, and keep your text clear and easy to read.
Use social media. Gen Z is highly active on social media, so this is a great way to reach them. Create engaging content that will make them want to interact with your brand.
Partner with influencers. These young people trust influencers, so partnering with them is a great way to build brand awareness and credibility.
Focus on values. This generation cares about social responsibility, so make sure your brand aligns with their values. This could mean supporting sustainable practices, donating to charity, or promoting diversity and inclusion.
Be inclusive. Gen Z is diverse, so make sure your marketing materials are inclusive of all races, genders, and sexual orientations.
Be transparent. Gen Z is skeptical of brands, so be transparent about your business practices. This includes being clear about your pricing, your ingredients, and your manufacturing process.

Here are some additional tips that you may find helpful:

Use humor. This generation loves to laugh, so use humor in your marketing materials to make them smile.
Be creative. Gen Z is bored with traditional marketing, so get creative with your approach. Use unexpected visuals, tell stories, or create interactive experiences.
Be personal. Gen Z wants to feel like they know you, so personalize your marketing messages as much as possible. Use their names, address their interests, and make them feel like they’re part of a community.

By following these tips, you can create marketing campaigns that will resonate with Gen Z and help you reach your target audience. At AlphaDigital, we use an audience first approach and every campaign we build is custom to ensure we meet your goals and do it efficiently. Contact us today to speak with a Digital Consultant about your marketing goals and how we may be able to help you reach them.

June 14 2023

Social Media Tips For Higher Education Institutions

Content Marketing, Digital, Social Media, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising

It’s no wonder that higher education is using YouTube and other social channels to market themselves. This is because more and more students are using these channels to research schools. In fact, a recent study found that 80% of students use YouTube to learn about colleges.

Here are some of the ways that higher education institutions are using YouTube and other social channels to market themselves

Creating video content. Colleges are creating video content that showcases their campuses, programs, and students. This content can be used to attract prospective students and give them a better sense of what it’s like to attend the school.
Running social media campaigns. Colleges are running social media campaigns to promote their schools. These campaigns often use contests, giveaways, and other interactive elements to engage with prospective students.
Using influencers. Colleges are using influencers to promote their schools. Influencers are people who have a large following on social media. By partnering with influencers, colleges can reach a wider audience and get their message in front of more prospective students.

The use of YouTube and other social channels by colleges is a growing trend. As more and more students turn to these channels to research schools, colleges will need to continue to invest in their social media presence.

Tips for colleges that are looking to use YouTube and other social channels to market themselves

Create high-quality content. The content that you create should be high-quality and engaging. This will help you attract and retain viewers.
Be consistent. You should post new content on a regular basis. This will help you keep your audience engaged.
Use relevant keywords. When you create content, be sure to use relevant keywords. This will help people find your content when they are searching for information about colleges.
Track your results. It’s important to track your results so you can see what’s working and what’s not. This will help you make informed decisions about your marketing strategy.

Targeting your audience is key

Be clear about your target audience: Who are you trying to reach with your marketing efforts? Once you know who your target audience is, you can tailor your marketing messages to appeal to them. With AlphaEDU we provide Access to a pre-built Database of High School Juniors and Seniors at EVERY High School in the Country! Contact us today to create actual audience models based on hundreds of thousands of High School students in your geography. There are several ways to effectively market colleges and universities, once we curate your target, we build a custom multi-channel campaign, including social media messaging.

May 19 2023

Creative Advertising Trends in 2023

Content Marketing, Digital, Display Advertising, Email Marketing, Mobile, OTT, Social Media, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising

The advertising industry is constantly evolving, and creative advertising is no exception. In order to stand out from the competition and capture the attention of consumers, brands are increasingly using innovative and engaging ad formats. Here are some of the top creative advertising trends to watch in 2023:

Personalized ads. Consumers are bombarded with ads all day long, so it’s more important than ever for brands to create ads that are relevant to their target audience. Personalized ads can be more effective at capturing attention and driving engagement, as they speak directly to the interests and needs of the viewer.
Interactive ads. Interactive ads allow consumers to engage with the ad in a more meaningful way, which can lead to a deeper connection with the brand. For example, interactive ads can be used to play games, answer questions, or even create content.
Emotional ads. Emotional ads are more likely to stick with consumers and make a lasting impression. By tapping into emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, or fear, brands can create ads that are more memorable and persuasive.
Humorous ads. Humor is a great way to break through the clutter and get consumers’ attention. When done right, humorous ads can be both entertaining and effective at promoting a brand.
Authenticity. Consumers are increasingly looking for brands that are authentic and relatable. This means that brands need to be careful not to come across as too salesy or inauthentic in their advertising. Instead, they should focus on creating ads that are honest and genuine.

These are just a few of the top creative advertising trends to watch in 2023. By staying ahead of the curve and incorporating these trends into their advertising campaigns, brands can ensure that their ads are more effective and engaging than ever before.

Here are some additional tips for creating creative advertising:

Use storytelling. People love stories, so using storytelling in your advertising can be a great way to connect with consumers on an emotional level.
Be visually appealing. People are more likely to pay attention to visually appealing ads. Use high-quality images and videos to make your ads stand out.
Be creative. Don’t hesitate to think outside the box when it comes to your advertising. Being creative is key to capturing attention. So, let your imagination run wild!
Test and measure. Once you’ve created your ad, it’s important to test and measure its effectiveness. This will help you determine what’s working and what’s not, so you can make necessary adjustments.

By following these tips, you can create creative advertising that will help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. We would love to learn about your marketing goals and how we can help achieve those goals. Talking to audiences is what we do every day, all day, let us help you identify the best way to talk to your audiences.

May 11 2023

What Are Free Ad Supported TV (FAST) Services?

Connected TV, Digital, OTT, Strategy, Video, Video Advertising

Learn why more performance marketers are paying attention to free ad supported tv services (FAST services).

The future of TV is free, and that’s great news for advertisers.

Between 2019 and 2022, 39.9 million households in the US cut cable. Many of these households were hoping to save by switching to streaming services. Now they’re finding that all those individual subscriptions add up fast. The average American spent $114 a month on streaming fees in 2021. To combat the rising costs, many are turning to free ad supported TV services (also called FAST services). Viewers want free TV back, ads and all. But they don’t want to stop streaming, and free ad supported TV fits that slot perfectly. For performance marketers, this trend is opening a world of unprecedented opportunities. Let’s take a closer look at how FAST services work and how they can benefit advertisers.

What Are Free Ad Supported TV Services?

Free ad supported (FAST) services are no-cost streaming platforms offering both licensed and original content. People who use FAST services get to watch their favorite films and TV shows for free. And in turn, the platform generates income by running ads.

FAST services often offer both on-demand and live programming, such as news, sports, and children’s entertainment. Unlike subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, there are no pricing tiers; the service remains free for all viewers across the board.

Why Are FAST Services Becoming More Popular?

Fifty-three percent of TV viewers reported using a FAST service at the end of 2021, and free ad supported TV is the fastest-growing tier in the streaming industry. The reasons for this FAST takeoff are varied. In part, viewers are growing weary of paying for different subscriptions, and the free model has an incredibly low barrier to entry. There is no need to add a credit card, and some services, like Pluto TV, don’t even require an account.

Platforms offering live programming also provide an experience that’s more familiar for viewers accustomed to linear television. Free ad supported TV services also tend to have more classic shows and children’s programming, making them popular with families and anyone looking for comfort TV. In other words, viewers get access to convenient, free streaming with zero strings attached, all in return for watching some ads (26% of users report that they actually don’t mind the targeted ads on streaming services).

FAST Services and Performance Marketing

Traditionally, TV ads were broadcast to a wide audience, were prohibitively expensive, and the results were impossible to measure. The advent of streaming and over-the-top (OTT) content changed the game. Ads on connected TVs (CTVs) can be targeted, improved, and measured with the same precision as a search or social campaign, and scheduling advertising programmatically eliminates the need for lengthy contract negotiations with networks.

FAST services are uniquely positioned to serve performance marketers since their business model is built around generating revenue from ads. Running ad campaigns on free ad supported TV services offers many benefits to performance marketers:

Diverse Audience: Ad-supported TV attracts more diverse audiences than premium video-on-demand services. For example, Black audiences account for 36% of all minutes watched on Pluto TV and 39% of minutes watched on Tubi. In contrast, the percentages for SVOD services like Disney+ and Netflix are 10% and 15% respectively.
Engaged Viewers: Streaming audiences are more engaged with the content they watch and are thus more likely to finish and remember an ad. In fact, video completion rate was as high as 97% in 2021.
Clear Attribution: Ads run via FAST services can be analyzed to give you a clear picture of when and how a conversion as a result of the ad takes place.
Advanced Targeting: Precision targeting via CTV ads allows you to send intentional ads to a specific device or household.
Measurable ROAS: Performance marketers using a CTV advertising platform can analyze campaign performance in as much detail as they would for paid search.

In a recent survey, advertisers reported that they saw 22% higher conversion rates for paid search and 9% for paid social after a CTV ad. If you’re a performance marketer looking for more ways to improve brand recall and expand your reach without increasing costs, you may find this primer on CTV marketing a useful resource.

FAST Services with the Most Audience Reach

The number of FAST channels is growing, but established players attract the biggest audiences — and are therefore the most valuable as advertising platforms. Here are some of the most watched free ad supported TV channels.

Roku Channel

In addition to an OTT device that allows users to stream other services, Roku offers the Roku Channel, with a vast live and on-demand video library, including original content. Viewers can watch live news, classic TV shows, and feature films. Roku also offers extensive children’s programming and family-friendly movies. As of January 2022, Roku had 70 million active accounts and a 33% market share in the OTT space.

Tubi

Tubi, which is owned by Fox, is the second most popular FAST service after Roku, with 64 million active users. It offers a large film catalog spanning all genres from sci-fi to horror to romantic comedies to action thrillers. Viewers also have access to live TV streaming, including Fox Sports, plus a broad selection of international movies and shows.

Peacock

A freemium, ad-supported streaming service, Peacock (from NBC) features binge-able heavy-hitters like The Office and Parks and Recreation. The free tier also offers a number of live streaming options, like sports and reality TV, along with a handful of feature films. At 20 million subscribers, Peacock still has some growing to do before it can catch up to Roku and Tubi. However, NBC is investing in original series (including the hits Poker Face and Bel-Air) to attract new audiences.

Amazon Freevee

Previously known as IMDb Freedive and IMDb TV, Freevee is Amazon’s FAST service with hundreds of TV shows, including exclusive and original series and programs. Viewers without an Amazon Prime subscription can stream high-quality on-demand content. The tech giant hasn’t released specific data on the number of Freevee users, but combined with Twitch, live sports, and other streaming channels, Amazon has 120 million monthly active users.

Pluto TV

Pluto TV is Paramount’s answer to FAST services, with a wide selection of classic shows, children’s programming, reality TV, and even some music channels. Paramount reported that Pluto TV had almost 79 million active monthly users at the end of 2022, which would put it at the top of the FAST services food chain, but, compared to other services on the list, the content offerings on Pluto TV are not as robust — at least for now.

Simplify and Automate CTV Ad Buying

AlphaDigital makes creating, optimizing, targeting, and buying CTV ads easy for all businesses. Our platform allows advertisers to test and analyze their creative to ensure the highest ROAS, and because we help you buy ads programmatically, you’ll never have to negotiate contracts with streaming services. Want to learn about what we do? Reach out to schedule a demo.