OTT advertising is so significant that it should be a vital part of every marketer's mix if it isn't already. Two reasons (read on for more) OTT is a favorite among brands are accessibility and targeting proficiency. With the capability to reach audiences while they captively tune into streaming content, across multiple platforms, OTT ads are effective, measurable, and direct to consumers.

Why else should you take the leap?

The market is rapidly growing, and businesses from every industry are jumping on board to reap the benefits. Statista states OTT's revenue value was about $135.1 billion in 2021. That figure is expected to nearly double in the next five years, with predictions of $224.3 billion being reported for 2027. 

Moreover, reports found that OTT local advertising has increased at an annual growth rate of 43% between 2020 and 2022, with the overall percentage of businesses using OTT advertising up 2% from last year (45% compared to 43%).

You don't want to miss out on these massive growth and revenue opportunities that OTT is lending brands. The more you learn about over-the-top advertising, the more compelled you'll be to get started.

Over-the-top (OTT) refers to reaching consumers with video content over the internet instead of traditional cable methods. OTT advertising delivers ads within video content the brand's target viewers are watching. This can be done through streaming services/platforms like Hulu, HBOMax, and Peacock.

In OTT, two significant features are advanced targeting and programmatic capabilities.

Programmatic OTT  

On the other hand, programmatic OTT refers to buying OTT ad space using automation and advanced technology. The advantage here is that you can obtain relevant ad space quicker, easier, and more cost-effectively. 

OTT is a highly competitive space for brands. Everyone is throwing their hat in the ring to reach the same viewers you're trying to reach. Programmatic OTT advertising allows you to preset important target audience and budgeting factors to ensure you're getting the most out of the ad space at a dollar amount that is affordable to your budget. It also includes real-time bidding on ad spaces across all relevant OTT and CTV platforms to expand your marketing opportunities.  

Connected-TV, or CTV, refers to delivering your ad to viewers via a streaming device. Considering 82% of households in the U.S. have at least one CTV device — and that figure continues to rise year over year — it would be a mistake to underestimate the power of CTV advertising.

Some examples of a connected-TV device include:

• Gaming Consoles — Xbox, PlayStation, etc.
• Smart TVs — Apple TV, Samsung, Amazon Fire TV, etc.
• Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, etc.

Is there a difference between OTT and CTV advertising?  

Although CTV is often used as a synonym for OTT, the two marketing terms are not mutually exclusive. OTT refers to the process of advertising to viewers within video content offered through streaming platforms. In contrast, CTV refers to the process of advertising on streaming devices such as Smart TVs and Roku. That said, both are extremely beneficial.

Some of the most important attributes that come to mind are:

• Reach an Engaged Audience — thanks to the increasing number of viewers who opt-in to watch ads in exchange for cheaper/free content (76% to be exact), OTT ads are much more engaging than any other marketing channel.
  
• Short Ads — OTT allows you to get your point across while keeping it nice and short. Considering 38% of consumers say they think ads should be shorter, this could be incredibly beneficial.
  
• Can be Interactive — interactive capabilities of OTT allow your brand to let the viewer decide what content they'd prefer. Take, for instance, a dog person versus a cat person. As a pet company (whether it be toys, food, cleaning, etc.), allowing the viewer to watch a dog commercial instead of a cat commercial (or vice-versa) can ensure they're receiving the most relevant content to their needs.
  
• Super Targeted — likewise, you can target even further by limiting ad-annoyance by ensuring not to repeatedly deliver the same ad to the same viewers. You can also target their specific household needs based on interests, behaviors, and demographics.
  
• OTT Analytics Provides Detailed Insights — take it a notch further and continuously test and modify your OTT strategy with the help of the latest digital analytics available that traditional TV can only dream of having access to.

Some of the top OTT benefits to consider include: 

1. A broad and diverse reach, extending your message to a bigger audience.
2. Targeting abilities beyond traditional TV to reach your ideal audience.
3. Real-time and powerful analytics allow you to gauge progress.
4. Convenient user experiences, making it easier for consumers to connect with your brand.
5. CTAs that are actionable, increasing engagement in your campaigns.
6. Cost-effective and budget-friendly, positively affecting your ROI 

First, it may be important to consider why you aren't advertising on OTT already. Are there reservations holding you back? The most common reservation is unfamiliar territory. Although it is similar to traditional TV in many ways, OTT is a new marketing strategy. It requires a new approach and embraces digital capabilities such as analytics and consumer data.

But there is a way around unfamiliarity with OTT, and that is working with a media partner that is experienced and specialized in the topic. 

You can get started with OTT by: 

1. Identifying and defining your target audience.
2. Selecting a media partner that aligns with your process, approach, and objectives.
3. Deciding on the proper CTA.
4. Choosing the best platforms for your audience and purpose.
5. Producing your creative (a media partner can help with this!).
6. Putting all your hard work into action and measuring your success to inform future decisions.

What kinds of brands should advertise on OTT?  

There isn't a 'certain type' brand that performs better on OTT. There is only how you go about targeting the right audience. So, although every brand could benefit from OTT, only brands that target their audience based on analytics and other knowledge learned about their ideal consumers will be successful with OTT.

The ROI of OTT campaigns often varies, but there's no doubting that you'll get back much more than you put into it.

This is especially true if you maximize your ROI potential with the following tips:

• Understand the platforms you're advertising on.
• Know your target audience and their demographics.
• Avoid ad fatigue at all costs.
• A/B test every campaign.
• Track and pivot campaigns to be sure they are performing well.

More importantly, work with a media partner that understands your target audience and business needs as well as you do (if not better!). A media partner can play a substantial part in the success of your OTT advertising experience. To learn more, download our OTT Scope of Work One-Sheet and schedule a free consultation with CoxNext.