In an era where marketing moves at the speed of the scroll, Smartly is aiming to take the guesswork out of upper-funnel brand campaigns. The AI-powered adtech leader today announced a major update to Brand Pulse, the industry’s only real-time, cross-channel brand measurement and optimization solution—and it now includes YouTube.
In an era where connected TV (CTV) is quickly becoming the front line of ad-supported media, IndiCue is stepping in with a bold proposition: complete publisher control over the CTV stack. Today, the company launched its CTV Engagement Platform, a modular, full-stack solution that integrates cutting-edge server-side ad insertion (SSAI), ad serving, and monetization tools—empowering media owners to optimize performance without compromising viewer experience.
As the advertising world converges on the French Riviera for Cannes Lions 2025, Cognitiv—the deep learning powerhouse redefining marketing performance—marks its 10-year anniversary with a curated lineup of thought leadership and strategic conversations. From intimate yacht-side sessions to main stage panels, Cognitiv is positioning itself not just as an AI innovator, but as a catalyst for the next chapter in advertising.
At one of Toronto’s busiest intersections, technology is meeting tradition in a bold new way. Stingray, a leader in music and video content distribution, has teamed up with BMO to debut a next-generation branch at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, featuring a record-setting digital signage installation that transforms the bank’s physical presence—and possibly the future of in-branch marketing.
At a time when the streaming industry is evolving at breakneck speed, Questex’s StreamTV Show 2025 delivered a moment of recognition—and celebration—for the visionaries pushing the industry forward. Held June 11–13 in Denver, Colorado, the StreamTV Awards honored standout performers across innovation, leadership, content, and user experience.
Despite billions in ad spend, most global TV commercials are still failing to reach everyone. According to XR’s 2025 Global Accessibility Maturity Index & Trends Report, a mere 10% of TV ads worldwide include accessibility features like closed captions or audio descriptions. That means brands are not only alienating over 1.3 billion people with disabilities—they’re also forfeiting access to a collective $8 trillion in global spending power.
In a significant leadership move aimed at redefining digital advertising, GumGum, a leader in contextual-first technology, has appointed Marcus Startzel as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a track record of strategic success at Millennial Media, AppNexus, Amazon, and AOL, Startzel brings more than two decades of ad tech leadership to help GumGum elevate its unique positioning around AI, context, and consumer mindset.
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB)—a central authority in shaping the future of digital advertising—has announced a strategic restructuring of its Centers of Excellence (CoE). This move is designed to deliver stronger leadership and accelerate progress across four critical pillars: AI, commerce media, streaming/CTV, and digital measurement.
In 2025, mobile app marketers are facing a perfect storm: rising user acquisition costs, tighter privacy regulations, and an oversaturated digital landscape. According to The 2025 State of Mobile App Growth Survey by Bidease, this reality is driving an aggressive shift in strategy, especially in how marketers create, test, and optimize ad creatives using artificial intelligence.
As global gaming audiences swell to over 3.2 billion players across mobile, console, and PC, in-game advertising is evolving into one of the most potent digital marketing channels. Recognizing the need for strategic guidance in this space, Orange 142, a division of Direct Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: DRCT), has released a comprehensive best practices guide to help marketers engage gamers authentically—without disrupting their experience.
