Paid Media

Connected TV (CTV) Advertising: Reach Streaming Audiences

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Brody Girard

Chief Innovation Officer

March 3, 2026·14 min read
connected TV advertisingCTVOTT advertisingstreaming advertisingvideo advertising

CTV Fundamentals

Connected TV reaches viewers streaming content on internet-connected televisions. CTV combines TV impact with digital targeting.

CTV Landscape

Understanding CTV environment:

Streaming services - Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc. Device types - Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV Ad-supported tiers - Growing ad inventory Cord-cutting trend - Traditional TV decline

CTV viewership continues to grow.

CTV vs. Traditional TV

Key differences:

Targeting precision - Household and individual targeting Measurement - Digital attribution capabilities Buying methods - Programmatic available Creative flexibility - Interactive options

CTV offers digital advantages with TV experience.

CTV Benefits

Why advertise on CTV:

Premium environment - Big screen, lean-back viewing Engaged viewers - Active content selection Hard to skip - Non-skippable ad formats Measurable - Digital tracking capabilities

CTV provides quality viewership.

Platform Strategies

Execute across CTV platforms.

Ad-Supported Streaming

Major AVOD platforms:

Hulu - Established ad platform Peacock - NBC Universal streaming Paramount+ - CBS content Tubi, Pluto - FAST services

AVOD provides scaled inventory.

Ad-Supported Tiers

Premium with ads:

Netflix with ads - Newer ad tier Disney+ with ads - Family content Max with ads - HBO and more Discovery+ - Lifestyle content

Premium tiers offer brand-safe environments.

Programmatic CTV

Automated buying:

DSP access - Programmatic inventory Private marketplace - Premium deals Real-time bidding - Open auction Direct integrations - Publisher connections

Programmatic enables efficient buying.

Device-Based Buying

Platform access:

Roku - Largest CTV platform Amazon Fire TV - Amazon ecosystem Samsung TV+ - Smart TV integrated LG Channels - Manufacturer platform

Device platforms offer unique reach.

Targeting and Creative

Reach the right audiences effectively.

Audience Targeting

CTV targeting capabilities:

Demographic targeting - Age, gender, income Interest targeting - Content preferences Behavioral targeting - Past viewing patterns First-party data - Custom audiences

Targeting precision distinguishes CTV.

Household Targeting

TV-specific approaches:

IP targeting - Household-level ACR data - Content viewing data Purchase data - Buying behavior Address-based - Geographic precision

Household targeting reaches families.

Creative Requirements

CTV ad specifications:

Video quality - High-resolution required Length options - 15, 30, 60 seconds Sound-on - Audio expected Big screen design - TV-appropriate

Quality matters on large screens.

Interactive CTV

Engagement options:

QR codes - Mobile bridge Remote interaction - Navigation-based Voice activation - Smart TV features Companion apps - Second screen

Interactivity adds engagement.

Measurement Framework

Track CTV effectiveness.

CTV Metrics

Key performance indicators:

Completion rate - Video view completion Reach and frequency - Audience exposure Viewability - Visible impressions Brand lift - Awareness impact

CTV metrics blend TV and digital.

Attribution Methods

Connect to outcomes:

Website lift - Traffic correlation App installs - Download attribution Footfall - Store visit tracking Sales correlation - Purchase timing

Attribution connects viewing to action.

Cross-Device Measurement

Connect the journey:

Device graphs - Cross-device matching Household attribution - Family viewing Sequential messaging - Cross-platform journeys Unified measurement - Holistic view

Cross-device creates complete picture.

Optimization Approach

Improve CTV performance:

Creative testing - Version comparison Frequency optimization - Exposure management Daypart analysis - Timing optimization Platform analysis - Where ads perform

Data-driven optimization improves ROI.

Explore our video advertising services for CTV campaign support.

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Brody Girard

Chief Innovation Officer

Brody Girard leads innovation and emerging technology initiatives at Girard Media. With expertise in AI, automation, and cutting-edge marketing technologies, he ensures clients stay ahead of the curve.

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