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Navigating the CPM of CTV: Understanding the Value Behind the Numbers

In the ever-evolving landscape of video advertising, Connected TV (CTV) has emerged as a powerhouse medium, blending the reach of traditional TV with the precision of digital targeting. In fact, Streaming video consumption has surpassed Broadband and Cable and according to the latest Nielson streaming data now accounts for 40%* of consumers TV usage. However, as with any advertising platform, understanding the cost structure is crucial for maximizing ROI. One of the primary metrics advertisers focus on is CPM (cost per thousand impressions). But what exactly goes into the CPM of CTV, and why is it worth investing in quality audience data? Let's dive in.


Publishers and Content Type: Premium vs. Free


The type of content and the publishers distributing it significantly influence the CPM of CTV. Premium content, such as shows on major networks or subscription-based inventory like Amazon Prime or Disney+, commands higher CPMs compared to free, ad-supported content. Live sports will command some of the highest CPM's. This is because premium content generally attracts higher engagement rates and a more affluent, attentive audience.

Advertisers are willing to pay a premium for this kind of environment as it often leads to better brand recall and conversion rates. On the other hand, free content, while more affordable, may not provide the same level of engagement or targeting precision, potentially leading to lower ROI.


Data Costs: The Hidden Power Behind CPM


Another critical component of CPM is the cost of data. This includes:

  • Audience Data: High-quality audience data allows for precise targeting, ensuring your ads reach the most relevant viewers. This data can come from first-party sources, third-party vendors, or be a mix of both.

  • Attribution Data: Understanding which ads led to specific consumer actions is vital for optimizing campaigns. Attribution data helps in mapping out the customer journey and attributing conversions to the correct touch points.


Why Quality Audience Data is Worth the Cost

  1. Precision Targeting: High-quality data allows for hyper-targeted ads, ensuring your message reaches the right audience at the right time.

  1. Improved Engagement: Ads that resonate with the audience result in higher engagement rates, leading to better brand recall and loyalty.

  1. Enhanced Attribution: Accurate attribution data helps in understanding the customer journey, allowing for better optimization and higher conversion rates.

  1. Cost Efficiency: While quality data might raise the CPM, it reduces wasted ad spend by minimizing irrelevant impressions.



The Role of Professional Programmatic Traders


Navigating the complexities of CTV advertising requires expertise and access to multiple Demand Side Platforms (DSPs). Professional programmatic traders bring invaluable skills to the table:

  • Expertise in DSPs: Knowledgeable traders can leverage multiple DSPs to find the best plan that matches the right tech with an advertiser for optimal performance. They optimize bids, ensure cost-effective campaigns, audit inventory for MFA (made for ad websites), and dive through thousands of granular reports to ensure campaigns perform.

  • Strategic Planning: Experienced traders can devise strategies that maximize reach and engagement or focus on more low funnel business outcomes, all while keeping CPM in check.

  • Data Utilization: Professionals understand how to harness the power of data to enhance targeting and attribution, driving better campaign outcomes.


For local advertisers looking to tap into the potential of CTV, working with seasoned programmatic traders is the best way to navigate this complex ecosystem. These experts can help you achieve your advertising goals by maximizing the value of your spend through strategic planning and data-driven decision-making. At SilverBack Advertising our team of programmatic traders navigates these complexities daily while staying up to speed on the latest enhancements to platforms, like The Trade Desks AI enhancement, KOKAI.


Conclusion


When you hear "I want the cheapest CPM", think about what is being given up getting that cheap CPM. Understanding the components that contribute to the CPM of CTV is essential for any advertiser looking to make the most of this powerful medium. By investing in quality audience data and partnering with professional programmatic traders and platforms like Data Fusion by SilverBack, advertisers can navigate the complexities of CTV advertising and achieve superior results. The value derived from precision targeting, improved engagement, and enhanced attribution far outweighs some artificially deflated CPM, making CTV a worthwhile investment for modern media plans.


Source:

* https://www.nielsen.com/news-center/2024/time-spent-streaming-surges-to-over-40-percent-in-june-2024/