Connected TV (CTV) is taking over living rooms across America, and its influence is only growing. With 84.9% of Americans regularly using CTV platforms, streaming has become the go-to way to consume content. For advertisers, this shift means one thing: the opportunity to connect with audiences where they’re most engaged—on their favorite streaming platforms.
From Hulu to Netflix, CTV has become a modern advertising powerhouse that lets businesses deliver messages directly to the screens people watch most. By leveraging first-party data, brands can target precisely, ensuring campaigns resonate with the right audience at the right time.Â
Understanding CTV Specs Across Popular Platforms
To make the most of first-party data in CTV advertising, understanding the nuances of each platform is essential. Each service offers unique opportunities to engage your audience effectively. Here’s a look at what sets the major players apart—and how you can tailor your campaigns for success.
Hulu
- Creative Tips: Craft stories that hook viewers in the first few seconds and align with Hulu’s premium feel. Personalize ads when possible for added relevance.
- Specs: 16:9 aspect ratio, video lengths of 15 or 30 seconds, file sizes under 10MB.
Roku
- Creative Tips: Use Roku’s interactive ad options to create engaging and clickable experiences. Keep visuals vibrant to stand out on larger screens.
- Specs: Supports a variety of ad lengths and interactive ad formats.
Tubi
- Why It Works: Tubi’s free model attracts a broad and diverse audience. Focus on value-driven messaging to appeal to cost-conscious viewers.
- Specs: Standard aspect ratio of 16:9, 30-second ad lengths preferred.
Peacock
- Creative Tips: Highlight the excitement of live sports and popular NBC programming to create memorable ads that resonate.
- Specs: Ad lengths of 15 or 30 seconds, premium quality standards for NBC-level content.
Amazon Fire TV
- Why It Stands Out: Leverage Amazon’s data-driven insights for hyper-targeted campaigns that connect directly with shoppers and streamers.
- Specs: Ads integrated into Amazon’s ecosystem with access to global audiences.
Sling
- Creative Focus: Sling’s co-viewing trends make family-friendly or multi-generational messaging highly effective.
- Specs: Supports standard CTV ad specs; 15- and 30-second spots are common.
Netflix
- New Frontier: With its new ad-supported tier, Netflix opens doors for brands to connect with audiences during premium, binge-worthy content.
- Specs: 16:9 aspect ratio, 15- to 30-second ad lengths.
- Learn more: See how BRIDGE can help you connect with real, verified people during live Netflix events.Â
Paramount+
- Key Benefits: The mix of live programming and a rich content library offers advertisers a well-rounded platform to engage diverse audiences.
- Specs: Flexible ad formats catering to both live and on-demand content.
YouTube
- Creative Tips: Use shorter, snappy ads that deliver your message quickly and clearly. Skippable formats are ideal for capturing viewers’ attention early.
- Specs: Skippable and non-skippable formats; ad lengths range from 6 seconds (bumper ads) to longer spots.
Creative Best Practices for CTV Ads
Your ads must be creative, clear, and impactful to stand out in today’s crowded streaming space. Here’s how to craft content that resonates:
- Grab attention immediately: Use dynamic visuals or an intriguing hook in the first few seconds to captivate viewers.
- Include clear CTAs and consistent branding: Guide your audience on what to do next while reinforcing your brand identity.
- Tell a story with sound and visuals: A well-told story, paired with compelling visuals, leaves a lasting impression.
- Leverage data-driven insights: Tailor your ads based on audience preferences for personalized, relevant content.
Why BRIDGE is Your Ideal CTV Partner
The key to crafting the perfect CTV campaign is delivering them to the right people, at the right time, on the right platforms. Here’s why BRIDGE is the partner you can count on:
- First-Party Data Expertise: Our data solutions connect your campaigns to verified, real people—eliminating guesswork and ensuring every impression matters.
- Access to Top Platforms: We bring your ads to leading CTV services like Hulu, Netflix, Roku, and more, meeting audiences where they’re most engaged.
- Transparent Reporting: We provide actionable insights and clear performance metrics, so you always know how your campaigns are doing.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
CTV advertising transforms how businesses connect with audiences, offering unparalleled opportunities to deliver targeted, memorable campaigns. Understanding platform specifications and combining creative excellence with first-party data can make your ads stand out in a crowded space.
BRIDGE makes navigating CTV simple. With precise audience targeting, seamless platform integration, and clear reporting, we’re here to help you maximize every ad dollar.
Ready to see how first-party data can transform your advertising strategy? Let’s connect.Â