Blog Archives - AdsWizz https://www.adswizz.com/category/blog/ Connecting the digital audio advertising ecosystem Tue, 20 May 2025 13:10:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.adswizz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/cropped-site-logo-32x32.png Blog Archives - AdsWizz https://www.adswizz.com/category/blog/ 32 32 Tuning Into Tomorrow: Reflections On The Future of Audio and Entertainment 2025 https://www.adswizz.com/tuning-into-tomorrow-reflections-on-the-future-of-audio-and-entertainment-2025/ Tue, 20 May 2025 13:04:17 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14853 If you work in audio in the UK, The Future of Audio and Entertainment is a must-attend. It brings together over 450 professionals from top agencies, advertisers, and media owners to talk openly about the realities of running audio campaigns and where the industry is headed next. As presenters for AdsWizz, we took things a […]

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]]> If you work in audio in the UK, The Future of Audio and Entertainment is a must-attend. It brings together over 450 professionals from top agencies, advertisers, and media owners to talk openly about the realities of running audio campaigns and where the industry is headed next.

As presenters for AdsWizz, we took things a step further this year. It wasn’t just about getting people excited about buying audio. We showed how brands can unlock their full potential by buying programmatically.

Audio Is Everywhere and It’s Deeply Personal

One of the most powerful things about audio is how effortlessly it fits into everyday life. Whether it’s a morning news briefing, an evening podcast, or a workout playlist, audio is there throughout the day. It doesn’t interrupt or compete for attention—it just fits naturally.

That presence gives brands a unique opportunity to engage with people in personal, meaningful ways. You’re not forcing a message into a scroll. You’re entering a space where people are actively listening, and in the case of podcasts, where they are leaned in and open to suggestions or learning about something new.

During our presentation, we shared a few data points that stood out:

  • 70% of people in the UK listen to digital audio weekly
  • Digital audio reach has grown 43% since 2018
  • The average listener spends 2 hours and 34 minutes a day with digital audio

Despite high levels of engagement, audio still lags behind other media channels when it comes to ad spend. It makes up 21.4% of media time but receives only 9% of digital ad budgets. That gap points to a clear opportunity. Buying audio programmatically is one of the smartest and most efficient ways to close it.

The Value of Programmatic Audio

We focused our session on how programmatic advertising brings efficiency, flexibility, and smarter targeting to the audio space. It’s more than automating delivery, it’s about elevating the entire campaign experience for both brands and listeners. When used effectively, programmatic audio gives advertisers a way to connect in ways that are timely and relevant, without disrupting the listening experience.

The advantages are clear:

  • Targeting based on real-time behavior, context of the podcast the listener is tuning in to, and demographics like age/gender
  • Optimization throughout the campaign based on performance insights
  • Delivery across streaming music, podcasts, and digital radio
  • You leverage Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) to personalize messages to fit the moment and format

Bringing It to Life With Bwin

To illustrate how this all works in practice, we shared a recent case study in partnership with Bwin, a leading sports betting brand. The objective was to boost brand recognition among podcast listeners in Germany during the Euros. 

Our team used programmatic tools to target people who regularly tuned into sports podcasts, as well as any podcast that was talking about the Euros, whether it be a news or comedy or sports podcast. The ads featured upbeat music, clear messaging, and repeated brand mentions, all tailored to resonate with Bwin’s audience. This campaign showed that with the right mix of creative, context, and targeting, audio can deliver strong, measurable impact.

The results were significant:

  • A 20-point lift in brand awareness across the exposed audience
  • A 15-point lift among individuals who regularly attend live sporting events

What We Heard on the Ground

After our session, audience members came up to continue the conversation, making it clear that audio is earning a bigger seat at the table in media strategy discussions.

Several themes came up repeatedly:

  • Surprise at how advanced programmatic audio has become
  • Curiosity around scaling campaigns across multiple markets
  • Interest in new creative formats and smarter measurement models

What Comes Next

The future of audio is already here. With engaged listeners and proven technology, brands are ready to create more meaningful experiences. We’re proud that AdsWizz is helping lead the way, as both a sponsor of this event and a trusted partner to those shaping what comes next. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re excited to keep the conversation going.

Ready to take your audio strategy to the next level? Reach out to our team to explore how programmatic audio can elevate your campaigns.

by Lindsay Lynch & Rowan Hamill, Business Development Directors

 

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]]> Why Programmatic Audio Should Be Part of Your Media Strategy https://www.adswizz.com/why-programmatic-audio-should-be-part-of-your-media-strategy/ Tue, 13 May 2025 13:09:19 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14840 Programmatic audio is gaining serious traction, transforming how brands reach and engage listeners, writes Rowan Hamill, Director of Business Development at AdsWizz. The momentum is fast and only accelerating. This is just the beginning. With its distinct advantages, programmatic audio is quickly becoming a core pillar of the digital marketing landscape.

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Programmatic audio is gaining serious traction, transforming how brands reach and engage listeners, writes Rowan Hamill, Director of Business Development at AdsWizz. The momentum is fast and only accelerating. This is just the beginning. With its distinct advantages, programmatic audio is quickly becoming a core pillar of the digital marketing landscape.

Read More

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]]> Revolutionize Your Audio Ads With Enhanced Future Episode Targeting and Forecasting https://www.adswizz.com/revolutionize-your-audio-ads-with-enhanced-future-episode-targeting-and-forecasting/ https://www.adswizz.com/revolutionize-your-audio-ads-with-enhanced-future-episode-targeting-and-forecasting/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:48:00 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14762 In today’s world of digital audio, where listeners’ preferences evolve at the speed of a swipe, advertisers and publishers face a challenge: How can they maximize campaign effectiveness and monetization while staying nimble in their strategies?  Enter Phase II of future episode targeting and forecasting, the next step in revolutionizing the way we approach podcast […]

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]]> In today’s world of digital audio, where listeners’ preferences evolve at the speed of a swipe, advertisers and publishers face a challenge: How can they maximize campaign effectiveness and monetization while staying nimble in their strategies? 

Enter Phase II of future episode targeting and forecasting, the next step in revolutionizing the way we approach podcast advertising. This enhanced capability enables publishers and advertisers to fine-tune their campaign targeting with greater precision and forecast opportunities more accurately, ensuring that every ad hits the mark.

Here’s a deep dive into what’s new and why it matters!

The Evolution From Phase I to Phase II

Let’s rewind to April 2024. That’s when Phase I first laid the groundwork for automating episode creation and scheduling, enabling publisher campaigns to target future podcast episodes directly. 

Phase II takes the baton and sprints ahead. No matter the cadence—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or uneven (yet predictable cadences) like binge drops—publishers now have access to accurate forecasting and seamless targeting, all backed by improved synchronization between Simplecast and AudioServe. This means fewer workarounds, greater flexibility, and a whole lot less guesswork.

What’s New in Phase 2
  • Real-time syncing across platforms: Changes to a show’s release schedule, whether it’s a delayed episode, bonus content, or a canceled series, are automatically reflected in AudioServe. This synchronization ensures campaign traffickers are always working with the most accurate data.
  • Forecasting for all publishing cadences: Gone are the days when only weekly releases could be accurately forecasted. Now, each scheduled episode’s forecast is tailored to the show’s unique traffic patterns. This means that even the quirkiest of publishing schedules get the same level of precision.
  • Enhanced forecasting for returning shows: Shows coming back from a hiatus? Phase II preserves up to 18 months of historical, compositional data to deliver useful and accurate forecasts, even after long breaks.
  • A control switch for data accuracy: This new feature is a game-changer. It allows inventory managers to disconnect from the scheduler temporarily if data reliability is in question. Once accuracy is restored, the toggle can be flipped back on, realigning forecasts and targeting with the show’s actual schedule.

Why It Matters

Imagine running a campaign that relies on hitting the sweet spot of your audience’s attention, only to find out the show you’re targeting has shifted its release schedule. Or worse, it’s gone on hiatus! The enhancements in Phase II eliminate these pain points by providing tools that adapt in real-time, ensuring every campaign is as effective as possible.

For Publishers
For Advertisers
  • Better planning: Smart, data-driven forecasts eliminate guesswork and optimize inventory by adapting to each show’s release cadence and audience behavior.
  • Less manual intervention: Automation handles the complexities of irregular publishing schedules.
  • More precise targeting: Future episodes are ready to target the moment they’re scheduled, no matter the cadence.
  • Improved ROI: Accurate forecasts lead to better campaign planning and allocation of resources.
  • Seamless campaign adjustments: The real-time syncing ensures campaigns stay relevant even when schedules change.

Use Cases: Real-World Scenarios

To better understand Phase II improvements, let’s look at a few common scenarios:

  • Canceled episode: Targeting and forecasting quickly adjust to reflect any changes, minimizing the disruption to campaign trafficking.
  • Delayed episode: Forecasting updates automatically to reflect the new release date, minimizing disruption to campaigns.
  • Returning show: A beloved series comes back after a year-long hiatus. Thanks to historical episode data preservation, forecasts remain reliable, ensuring publishers can jump back into action without delay.

The Future Ahead

The latest update to episode targeting and forecasting is here, and it’s changing the game for podcast advertising. With real-time syncing paired with advanced forecasting, we’re unlocking possibilities like never before. Publishers now have the tools to push boundaries, crafting campaigns that are not only more innovative but also more impactful than ever.

The future of podcast advertising is here—and it’s looking brighter than ever. Ready to see it in action?

by Jason Clift, Senior Manager, Product

 

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]]> https://www.adswizz.com/revolutionize-your-audio-ads-with-enhanced-future-episode-targeting-and-forecasting/feed/ 0 Why Smart Marketers Are Doubling Down on Digital Audio https://www.adswizz.com/why-smart-marketers-are-doubling-down-on-digital-audio/ Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:36:10 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14809 Take a look at this new piece in The Drum by Garrison Dua, VP of Demand, North America! In 2024, US digital audio ad spend reached $7.12bn, a 6.8% increase from the year before, according to eMarketer. If digital audio isn’t part of your media strategy, you’re leaving opportunity on the table. At AdsWizz, I’ve […]

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]]>

Take a look at this new piece in The Drum by Garrison Dua, VP of Demand, North America!

In 2024, US digital audio ad spend reached $7.12bn, a 6.8% increase from the year before, according to eMarketer. If digital audio isn’t part of your media strategy, you’re leaving opportunity on the table.

At AdsWizz, I’ve seen this transformation firsthand. With automation, AI, dynamic creative, and privacy-safe targeting, audio has become one of the most agile and measurable tools in a marketer’s toolkit.

Read More

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]]> How to Win in the New Era of Digital Audio Advertising https://www.adswizz.com/how-to-win-in-the-new-era-of-digital-audio-advertising/ Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:36:24 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14783 Audio advertising is moving faster than ever, and the brands that embrace these changes are the ones seeing the biggest wins. With the rise of audio adtech, advertisers have more tools than ever to connect with audiences in impactful ways.  With all this innovation, where should advertisers focus, what trends are shaping digital audio, and […]

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]]> Audio advertising is moving faster than ever, and the brands that embrace these changes are the ones seeing the biggest wins. With the rise of audio adtech, advertisers have more tools than ever to connect with audiences in impactful ways. 

With all this innovation, where should advertisers focus, what trends are shaping digital audio, and how can brands make the most of it?

To answer these questions, I sat down with Garrison Dua, VP of Demand at AdsWizz, to explore how advancements in audio adtech are transforming the industry and what advertisers should expect in the near future. 

Programmatic Audio Delivers Scale, Efficiency, and Personalization

How has programmatic audio advertising evolved, and what role does AdsWizz play in this transformation?

Garrison: Programmatic audio has grown exponentially, enabling advertisers to scale and optimize campaigns in real time. By leveraging automation, dynamic ad insertion (DAI), and host-read ads, brands can reach audiences in more engaging and efficient ways.

 

Additionally, advancements in AI-driven targeting and real-time bidding have further empowered advertisers to fine-tune messaging and maximize ROI. With increased personalization and seamless cross-platform integration, programmatic audio has become a vital part of any digital strategy aimed at connecting with today’s audiences.

Contextual and Privacy-First Targeting Are Redefining Relevance

What trends in audience targeting are shaping the future of audio advertising?

Garrison: We’re seeing a major shift toward first-party data and contextual targeting. At AdsWizz, 60% of our targeting dimensions are contextual, allowing advertisers to reach listeners based on mood, location, and even weather. This kind of hyper-relevant messaging enhances engagement while maintaining consumer trust.

 

Advancements in AI-driven contextual analysis are refining targeting precision, ensuring ads are both relevant and timed for maximum impact. As third-party cookies disappear, brands are turning to these advanced methods to engage consumers in a more meaningful, compliant way.

 

As brands navigate this terrain, they’re rethinking not just who they reach, but how they say it and when it hits. Dynamic creative optimization (DCO) and Synthetic Voice are reshaping audio advertising, allowing real-time testing of variations in tone, length, and calls to action. Combined with real-time inventory data from custom DSP dashboards, this agile, data-driven approach accelerates testing, cuts costs, and confirms audio as a high-performing channel.

Anonymized Data and Predictive Audiences Enable Safe Personalization

With privacy regulations tightening, how is AdsWizz ensuring advertisers can still deliver personalized campaigns?

Garrison: Privacy is a top priority. AdsWizz enables brands to maintain personalization without compromising user trust by leveraging anonymized data and predictive audiences. Through partnerships with behavioral intelligence firms, anonymized data helps predict audience demographics and preferences while ensuring personal information is never collected.

 

Comscore Predictive Audiences technology uses AI-driven models to segment and engage users in a privacy-safe manner, replacing traditional identifiers with data-backed insights.

 

To future-proof audience targeting, AdsWizz integrates with UID2 and ID5, ensuring advertisers can continue reaching their audiences in a cookieless world. Additionally, data clean rooms are providing a secure way to analyze and activate insights while maintaining transparency and compliance with privacy regulations.

Omnichannel Audio Is Breaking the Screen Barrier

How is the integration of audio with video and social media changing the digital advertising landscape?

Garrison: The lines between audio, video, and social media are blurring. Podcasts are often consumed on video platforms, and we’re seeing brands lean into this shift. By combining interactive audio ads with dynamic video placements, advertisers can create truly omnichannel experiences. Tools like second-screen retargeting and AudioPixel help unify these touchpoints—driving measurable outcomes, maintaining user privacy, and delivering personalized engagement across every screen.

AI, Automation, and Open Ecosystems Are Leading the Way

What’s next for AdsWizz and the broader audio adtech industry in 2025 and beyond?

Garrison Dua: Automation and AI will continue to drive efficiency, making campaigns smarter and more responsive. Programmatic podcast advertising is set to explode, and open ecosystems will gain traction over walled gardens. At AdsWizz, we’re focused on helping advertisers and publishers stay ahead of these shifts with cutting-edge tools that maximize engagement, brand safety, and monetization opportunities.

The Future of Audio Advertising: Smarter, More Personalized, and Already Here

After talking with Garrison, it’s clear that audio advertising is entering a new era, driven by automation, personalization, and seamless omnichannel integration. Brands that embrace programmatic innovation and privacy-first solutions will be the ones capturing audience attention in the most meaningful ways. With AdsWizz leading the charge, the future of digital audio isn’t just promising; it is already here.

Want to Dive Deeper into the Future of Audio Adtech? 

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

 

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]]> AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit Recap https://www.adswizz.com/adswizz-global-audio-publisher-summit-recap/ Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:35:50 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14604 The AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore what’s next for digital audio monetization. From AI-driven personalization and programmatic breakthroughs to privacy-focused identity solutions, the summit was a front-row seat to the advancements shaping digital audio in 2025 and beyond. For publishers, the insights shared were more than just […]

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]]> The AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore what’s next for digital audio monetization. From AI-driven personalization and programmatic breakthroughs to privacy-focused identity solutions, the summit was a front-row seat to the advancements shaping digital audio in 2025 and beyond.

For publishers, the insights shared were more than just ideas—they served as a roadmap for success in the fast-moving world of audio advertising.

DAY 1
The Future of Digital Audio Monetization
Highlighted the rapid growth of digital audio, emphasizing collaboration, ad optimization, and programmatic expansion to drive industry innovation and revenue.
READ RECAP
DAY 2
The Future of Data and Measurement
Focused on refining measurement, improving ad quality through adtech innovations, and maximizing publisher monetization via data-driven strategies and customer success initiatives.
READ RECAP

 

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]]> How Brand Safety Can Make or Break Your Digital Audio Ad Strategy https://www.adswizz.com/how-brand-safety-can-make-or-break-your-digital-audio-ad-strategy/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:21:36 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14720 Confidence in digital advertising comes from control—control over where ads run, how they perform, and whether they align with brand values. As audio advertising surges in popularity, advertisers and agencies seek greater transparency, stronger brand safety measures, and more refined tools to combat fraud and ensure their message reaches the right audience in suitable environments. […]

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]]> Confidence in digital advertising comes from control—control over where ads run, how they perform, and whether they align with brand values. As audio advertising surges in popularity, advertisers and agencies seek greater transparency, stronger brand safety measures, and more refined tools to combat fraud and ensure their message reaches the right audience in suitable environments.

Why Brand Safety is Essential

As audio publishers embrace advanced adtech and brand safety solutions, advertisers can reach their target audiences with confidence—without compromising security or content suitability. This evolution is transforming digital audio into a more dynamic and impactful medium for advertisers.

As Franz Bernstein, VP of Ad Product at SiriusXM Media & AdsWizz, explains in The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025, ensuring ads appear in the right environments is key to fostering deeper, more authentic connections between brands and listeners:

“We’re redefining audio as a versatile and powerful pillar of digital engagement. It’s no longer just about delivering ads—it’s about reaching listeners wherever they are with personalized, contextually relevant, and privacy-first experiences. By adapting to audience environments and prioritizing brand safety, audio now fosters deeper, more authentic connections—turning every moment into an opportunity for meaningful impact.”

This shift toward privacy-first, contextually relevant experiences is only possible when advertisers have control over where their ads appear. Without strong safety measures, ads risk being placed alongside misaligned or inappropriate content, undermining both trust and effectiveness.

Key Benefits of Brand Safety
  • Brand safety ensures ads appear in contextually appropriate environments.
  • Advanced verification tools help brands reach real, engaged audiences.
  • Real-time transparency allows advertisers to monitor ad placements and performance.

Why Advertisers Are Demanding More Control

The stakes are high for brands investing in digital audio. Unlike other media, audio often delivers intimate, one-on-one engagement with listeners, making alignment with brand values even more critical. However, traditional brand safety measures—such as broad keyword blocking or avoiding entire content categories—have often limited advertisers’ reach.

With more comprehensive brand safety solutions available, brands can confidently place ads in contextually relevant environments that support both brand image and campaign performance.

Next-Generation Audio Adtech: Transparency and Protection

Cutting-edge audio adtech is giving advertisers unprecedented control, providing real-time transparency into where ads are running and how they’re performing. These features eliminate guesswork, ensuring campaigns reach real, engaged audiences.

  • Instant tracking: Advertisers see real-time data on ad placements and performance.
  • Fraud prevention: Invalid Traffic (IVT) filtering helps block bots, fake traffic, and fraudulent domains before they cause harm.
  • Smarter targeting: Improved contextual intelligence ensures ads appear in brand-safe environments without restricting reach.

By purchasing inventory through secure marketplaces like the AdsWizz Marketplace, advertisers can connect with verified audiences, protecting both their ad budgets and brand reputation.

The Future of Audio Advertising is Built on Trust

With growing brand safety solutions, real-time transparency, and advanced fraud prevention, advertisers no longer have to choose between security and scale. The rise of real-time verification, suitability controls, and bot filtering is fueling greater confidence, allowing brands to invest in audio with trust and precision.

Why This Matters for Advertisers
  • More secure placements: Ads appear in suitable, fraud-free environments.
  • Higher engagement: Reaching real audiences leads to better campaign performance.
  • Stronger brand reputation: Avoiding unsafe placements enhances trust and credibility.

As the industry continues to evolve, these advancements are making digital audio one of the most reliable, effective, and impactful advertising channels today.

Want to Dive Deeper into the Future of Audio Adtech? 

Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 for the latest insights on brand safety, transparency, and the innovations shaping digital audio.

by Catalin Georgescu, Senior Product Marketing Manager

 

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]]> How Programmatic Audio is Revolutionizing Brand Engagement https://www.adswizz.com/how-programmatic-audio-is-revolutionizing-brand-engagement/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:17:05 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14600 From morning podcasts to curated playlists, audio is integral to daily life – shaping how we connect, unwind, and stay informed. For brands, that means one thing: if programmatic audio isn’t already part of your advertising strategy, you need to catch up.

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From morning podcasts to curated playlists, audio is integral to daily life – shaping how we connect, unwind, and stay informed. For brands, that means one thing: if programmatic audio isn’t already part of your advertising strategy, you need to catch up.

Read More

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]]> Grow Your Digital Audio Advertising with More Channels and Formats https://www.adswizz.com/grow-your-digital-audio-advertising-with-more-channels-and-formats/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:43:22 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14566 Imagine a world where a brand’s message is experienced fully—where audio seamlessly blends with video, social media, and interactive engagement to create advertising moments that captivate audiences. That world isn’t a distant vision; it’s happening now. Digital audio has evolved beyond traditional listening, becoming a multi-platform powerhouse. Today’s audiences listen, watch, share, and interact, turning […]

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]]> Imagine a world where a brand’s message is experienced fully—where audio seamlessly blends with video, social media, and interactive engagement to create advertising moments that captivate audiences. That world isn’t a distant vision; it’s happening now. Digital audio has evolved beyond traditional listening, becoming a multi-platform powerhouse. Today’s audiences listen, watch, share, and interact, turning passive moments into dynamic engagement.

As outlined in The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025, digital audio advertising offers so much more than placing ads in a linear stream. It’s about meeting listeners where they are through podcasts, music streaming, gaming, and even social media to create cohesive, multi-platform experiences that resonate.

Why Publishers and Advertisers Need to Go Omnichannel

With 31% of weekly podcast listeners tuning in via YouTube, it’s clear that audiences are consuming content across channels. In fact, 84% of Gen Z podcast listeners prefer podcasts with a video component, and 45% seek additional content from hosts on YouTube and social media, according to a SiriusXM Media Podsurvey User Study. Consumers now crave deeper connections and richer storytelling, making cross-platform engagement essential.

For brands, this shift is an opportunity. By blending audio with video, social media, and interactive elements, advertisers and publishers can create engaging, multi-dimensional experiences. The key is to connect with audiences in ways that resonate, using dynamic ads, hybrid formats, and interactive storytelling to capture attention across platforms.

Additionally, contextual targeting enables brands to reach listeners in the most relevant moments—whether they’re tuning in to a workout playlist, an industry-specific podcast, or a news briefing—maximizing the impact of ads and driving deeper engagement.

To thrive, brands must think bigger, adapt faster, and embrace new engagement strategies. Those that do will foster deeper connections, drive greater loyalty, and stay ahead of the competition. As audiences continue to demand richer, more interactive experiences, publishers and advertisers must move beyond traditional approaches—actively integrating new strategies and technologies to stay ahead.

Adapting to the New Audio Ad Landscape

To capitalize on these opportunities and adapt to evolving audience behaviors, brands and advertisers must embrace strategies that align with omnichannel consumption trends. By leveraging innovative tools, they can create personalized, immersive campaigns that genuinely resonate with today’s consumers—driving deeper engagement and delivering measurable results.

Key innovations unlocking new opportunities:
  • Second screen retargeting: Reinforce your audio messages. Second Screen Retargeting combines the power of audio with display advertising, ensuring that listeners who hear an ad receive a follow-up visual ad on the web within two days. In a campaign AdsWizz ran with MedExpress, Second Screen Retargeting helped achieve a 0.63% click-through rate (CTR), a 37% increase compared to the industry average, leading to over 1.2 million second-screen impressions.
  • AudioPixel for real-time insights: Measuring audio engagement has never been more precise. AudioPixel connects ad exposure to consumer actions, tracking whether users visit websites or make purchases—providing advertisers with actionable insights into demographic, geographic, and behavioral trends. For example, Hyundai leveraged AudioPixel to track engagement for its IONIQ 6 EV campaign, resulting in 8,000+ leads, a 6.3% companion banner CTR, and a 1.3% conversion rate from in-game audio to test drives.
  • Voice-activated ads for effortless interactions: Voice-activated ads enable seamless brand interactions via smart speakers and assistants, making it easy to redeem offers, book services, or explore products. These ads encourage interaction to drive instant engagement, transforming digital audio advertising. Lagardère Publicité News leveraged AdsWizz Voice Ads on Europe 1, allowing listeners to interact via voice commands to redeem offers, book services, or download apps effortlessly. The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourisme campaign achieved a 97% listener-through rate, showcasing the power of voice-activated engagement.

The Future of Digital Audio Advertising Starts Now

The future of digital audio advertising is already here. Brands that embrace more channels, advanced formats, and interactive experiences will be the ones that truly connect with audiences. Innovation is transforming passive listening into measurable engagement. As digital audio expands across platforms, now is the time to leverage cutting-edge adtech to foster stronger, more engaging relationships with audiences.

Want to dive deeper into this and the latest audio adtech trends for 2025 (and beyond)?

Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 to stay ahead of the curve and maximize your digital audio strategy!

by Nicoleta Vieru, Senior Staff Product Marketing Manager

 

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]]> How First-Party Data and Contextual Targeting Are Transforming Audio Ads in 2025 https://www.adswizz.com/how-first-party-data-and-contextual-targeting-are-transforming-audio-ads-in-2025/ Wed, 19 Feb 2025 12:45:33 +0000 https://www.adswizz.com/?p=14543 We’ve all heard it before: third-party data is out, first-party data is in, and contextual advertising is the future. The shift is undeniable; however, many discussions still revolve around the most basic examples, such as hearing an ad for workout gear while listening to an exercise playlist. Yes, that’s a good use of contextual targeting, […]

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]]> We’ve all heard it before: third-party data is out, first-party data is in, and contextual advertising is the future. The shift is undeniable; however, many discussions still revolve around the most basic examples, such as hearing an ad for workout gear while listening to an exercise playlist. Yes, that’s a good use of contextual targeting, but how do we move beyond the obvious? How can brands refine these contexts to make their ads feel not just relevant but valuable? 

Beyond the Basics: First-Party Data and Contextual Targeting in Action

The key isn’t just knowing what someone likes—it’s understanding when and how to deliver a message that resonates and creates meaningful connections. Instead of relying on broad strokes, brands and publishers today should harness first-party data and contextual intelligence to create and deliver hyper-targeted, privacy-compliant ad experiences. 

For example, it’s now possible to combine location targeting with weather insights for an even more focused and personal approach. If it’s a rainy day in a specific neighborhood, food delivery apps can reach listeners staying in, while auto service brands can target regions hit by storms with reminders for repairs or checks. By tapping into real-world context, audio ads don’t just show up at the right time—they actually make sense in the moment, feeling more like helpful tips and less like background noise.

Why First-Party Data is More Valuable than Ever

With more users opting out of traditional tracking, first-party data has become the gold standard for delivering relevant ads—without compromising privacy. Brands and publishers that leverage their own data—such as listening behavior, purchase history, and preferences—can deliver personalized messages without relying on third-party cookies.

And the impact is clear:

  • 71% of brands, agencies, and publishers are expanding their first-party data strategies, moving away from their historically heavy reliance on third-party audiences.
  • Brands adopting personalization have grown by 50%, with budgets increasing by 29% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
  • Culturally relevant ads generate a 156% greater emotional impact, according to a study by MAGNA Media Trials and SiriusXM Media, “Challenging the ‘One & Done’ Approach: Connecting Culturally Through Digital Audio.

The best part? With first-party data, publishers regain control of all online interactions across their content. At the same time, brands can use highly relevant touchpoints for their messaging, making it a win-win for both parties. 

Contextual Targeting is Refining the Moment, Not Just the Audience

Having data is just the first step—what really matters is how you put it to work. A great ad should feel like a natural part of the experience, not something that disrupts it. Think about it: Delivering an ad for a sunrise yoga retreat to listeners streaming a meditation playlist can hit all the right notes–and feel downright serendipitous. Contextual targeting has evolved far beyond simply aligning ads with general content categories. Modern platforms now ensure ads fit the content but also the listener’s mindset and environment. With 60% of targeting dimensions on AdsWizz’s platform already contextual—based on impressions run on the platform—it’s clear that hyper-relevant messaging is the new norm.

This is where contextual targeting truly shines, allowing brands to craft hyper-relevant ads that feel seamless, timely, and genuinely useful to listeners.

Mood-based targeting

Music sets the tone for how people feel—whether that’s pumped up, chilled out, or somewhere in between. Studies show that during stressful periods, listeners actively turn to music as a coping mechanism, reinforcing the idea that audio content is deeply tied to emotional states. The AdsWizz mood library has over 60 million songs across nine mood segments, including one called Angsty—because sometimes you just need to embrace the vibe. Imagine someone blasting some Metallica, the last thing they want is a bubbly ad for cherry-flavored lipgloss. The right ad at the right time doesn’t just resonate—it respects the mood.

Weather-based targeting

Weather shapes moods, cravings, and shopping decisions. A cold, rainy Friday evening? Perfect for a cozy comfort food delivery ad. A high UV index? A well-timed reminder to grab that sunscreen. And when temperatures drop at higher altitudes, it’s the ideal moment to nudge listeners toward warm sweaters or ski boots.

Our platform updates live weather data every 60 minutes, ensuring ad messaging aligns with real-time conditions. By staying relevant in the moment, brands can personalize their approach and maximize impact—because no one wants to hear about ice-cold lemonade when they’re snowed in.

Location-based targeting

Location targeting isn’t just about hitting a city or zip code anymore—it’s about meeting listeners exactly where they are. You wouldn’t find an ad for snow boots useful when you’re sweltering at an outdoor summer concert, now would you? Our platform goes beyond standard geographic targeting with precision tools that let advertisers reach people down to a concert venue, a student campus, or even a vintage fair. With real-time data, location-based targeting makes ads feel appropriate and, most importantly, valuable. 

Podcast Contextual Targeting

Not all podcast listeners are created equal. Some are crunching finance news, others are knee-deep in true crime, and a select few are fully committed to the art of artisanal sourdough. But here’s the thing—just because someone’s tuning into a day-trading podcast doesn’t mean they’re not shopping for hiking boots.

Through our partnership with Comscore, we go beyond podcast genres to match consumer preferences with real behavioral insights. With over 300 audience segments spanning TV viewership, gaming habits, life stages, and more, you’re not just casting a wide net—you’re dropping your line exactly where the right listeners are biting.

Bringing It All Together: Smarter, More Relevant Audio Ads

The days of one-size-fits-all audio advertising are over. The real magic happens when first-party data meets contextual targeting, creating privacy-friendly, high-impact campaigns that actually make listeners pay attention—without feeling like an interruption.

The brands winning in 2025 and beyond won’t be the ones using contextual targeting at a surface level—they’ll be the ones refining it, using it dynamically, and making every impression count. If you’re not already embracing these strategies, now is the time to start.

Ready to Take Your Audio Advertising to the Next Level?

Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 for more exclusive insights on the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of digital audio.

by Alexandra Ilie, Senior Product Marketing Manager

 

The post How First-Party Data and Contextual Targeting Are Transforming Audio Ads in 2025 appeared first on AdsWizz.

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