Hi there! I’m John Cobb, CEO and Co-Founder of VuePlanner. I wanted to take a moment to share a weekly recap of some content surrounding the AdTech, AI and, advertising ecosystem. In this newsletter, I will share digestible pieces of industry content socialized and shared each week. I hope this resource brings you value and makes it easier for you to stay up to date on our ever-evolving world.
AI Gets Even More Valuable
OpenAI, the artificial intelligence research lab, has announced its latest funding round, raising $2.5 billion at a valuation of $32 billion. The investment comes from a group of investors, including Microsoft and Google’s parent company, Alphabet. OpenAI is known for its cutting-edge research in natural language processing and is behind the development of the GPT-3 language model. With this latest funding, OpenAI plans to expand its research into other areas of AI and accelerate the development of its commercial applications. Learn more
AI and Consumers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released a new blog post on how businesses can use AI to build consumer trust. The FTC suggests that companies should prioritize testing AI systems for bias and errors, as well as transparency and explainability. This includes having clear disclosures and educating consumers on how their data is being used. The FTC also recommends that companies work with third-party experts to ensure their AI systems are being developed in a responsible and ethical manner. Learn More
Horizon Media’s Night Market Launches an eCommerce Predictive AI Platform
Horizon Media’s Night Market has launched a new predictive AI platform called Neon. The platform uses machine learning algorithms to help advertisers plan and optimize their media investments to achieve revenue outcomes. Neon is designed to work across a range of channels, including digital, linear TV, and audio. The platform is the latest addition to Horizon Media’s Night Market suite of marketing tools, which aims to help advertisers reach consumers in the most effective and efficient ways possible. Learn More
Boost the Effectiveness of your Marketing
The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has released a new report on data-driven marketing effectiveness. The report found that data-driven marketing can lead to significant improvements in brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales. However, the report also notes that many marketers struggle to effectively use the data they collect, with many facing challenges around data quality and integration. To improve data-driven marketing effectiveness, the ANA recommends that marketers prioritize data governance and invest in the necessary technology and talent to manage data effectively. The report also suggests that marketers work more closely with their IT counterparts to ensure that data is being collected and managed in a way that meets both marketing and privacy requirements. Learn More
Google Expands Media Buying
Google has expanded its media buying capabilities with the addition of real-time bidding (RTB) for display and video ads. The move allows advertisers to bid in real-time for ad inventory across the Google Display and Video 360 platform. This is expected to increase competition for ad space and lead to more efficient pricing for advertisers. Google’s RTB offering is currently in beta and is expected to roll out more widely in the coming months. Learn more
Bringing 5G to VR
The Wall Street Journal has published an article on the benefits of combining 5G and virtual reality (VR) technologies. The article notes that 5G’s high-speed connectivity and low latency are critical for creating a seamless VR experience. This includes everything from gaming and entertainment to remote training and collaboration. The article also highlights the potential for 5G-powered VR to revolutionize industries like healthcare, where doctors could perform surgeries remotely using haptic feedback technology. However, the article notes that widespread adoption of 5G and VR will depend on factors like infrastructure investment and device affordability. Learn more
YouTube Pitches New Way to Work with Shorts
During the IAB NewFronts event, YouTube announced a new way for advertisers to work with its short-form video feature, Shorts. The new offering will allow advertisers to create ads using vertical video assets and showcase them alongside Shorts content. YouTube also announced that it plans to add more features to Shorts, including the ability to add text overlays and soundtracks to videos. The move is part of YouTube’s broader strategy to compete with other short-form video platforms, like TikTok and Instagram Reels, and to attract more advertising dollars to its platform. Learn More
YouTube Kicks Off New Shorts Ad Format
During the same NewFronts event, YouTube unveiled new ad formats for its short-form video feature, Shorts. The ad formats include a pre-roll ad that appears before a Shorts video and a “click-to-buy” feature that allows viewers to purchase products featured in a Shorts video. YouTube also announced the expansion of its YouTube Select program, which offers advertisers premium ad placements across the platform. The move comes as YouTube seeks to attract more ad dollars to its platform and compete with other short-form video platforms, like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Learn More
Nearly Half of YouTube Viewers are Watching on CTV
According to a new report by The Information, nearly half of YouTube’s US viewership is now happening on TV screens. The shift is driven by the rise of smart TVs and streaming devices, which allow viewers to easily access YouTube content on their living room screens. This shift to TV screens is also driving a change in the types of ads that are being shown on YouTube, with more advertisers creating TV-style ads for the platform. The trend is expected to continue as more people cut the cord and switch to streaming services for their entertainment needs. Learn more
What is John Listening to?
Learn why brands need to master short form video in this podcast by Next In Media!
