ADtech: The lovechild of advertising and technology. That’s my go-to line, you can come up with your own after this read. If you've been around the internet advertising landscape like I have, and has seen the advent of it right from banners on Orkut to modern ad displays on large displays at the superbowl game, then you’ll agree with me that it’s a constantly evolving beast. One minute you're attempting to grasp programmatic buying, the next you're immersed in AI algorithms and blockchain. So, what is next on the horizon? Let us dust off our crystal ball and look into the future of ad tech. Spoiler alert: it's quite thrilling!
First, let's discuss AI taking over the advertising landscape. No, we are not in the Matrix where AI has taken over everything real. We're discussing AI in advertising. AI is becoming increasingly intelligent, and it is transforming the way advertisements are targeted and delivered. Imagine your ads are so flawlessly customised to your target demographic that it feels like you've read their brains. Creepy? Perhaps a little but yeah it’s possible. Effective? That’s a different discussion, since it does require human intervention at some level.
Next up is the boom in the video content. If you believe that video content has destroyed retro radio, have a look at what it is doing to the traditional advertisements. Video content reigns supreme, and it is unlikely to relinquish that position any time soon there will be advancement in the technology around it of course(5D, 6D etc.). Future AdTech will use the power of video like never before, employing powerful algorithms to place the ideal video ad precisely where it will capture the most attention. And as interactive video advertising gains popularity, expect a more engaging, clickable experience. Imagine seeing a video about the latest electronics and being able to click on that shiny new phone and buy it right now.
Let us not forget about the growth of Connected TV. CTV is no longer a buzzword; it is altering the game. More individuals are watching their favourite TV episodes and movies on platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. This trend away from traditional cable implies that advertising must be more inventive in their approach. Future trends suggest increasingly targeted, programmatic adverts that effortlessly merge into your binge-watching sessions. Yes, you could love some of these advertisements. Isn't this crazy?
High-Octane knowledge incoming: Blockchain!
Now, I’m an engineer but not a nerd so hear me out as I try to explain this in simple words. Blockchain technology is destined to provide much-needed transparency and security to the AdTech industry. It's like having a nerdy, trustworthy friend (may be the one with OCD) who always keeps everything in order. With technology like blockchain, advertisers can assure that their ads are displayed to real people (not bots) and track ad spend with high accuracy.
Then there's the entire data privacy issue. GDPR and CCPA have given everyone a privacy wake-up call, and the future of AdTech will see a transition toward more ethical data usage. Companies will need to be more upfront about how they acquire and utilise data that they have gathered, which is not just good for compliance but also for business. Trust is the new currency, since people are becoming increasingly aware of how their data will be used and brands that handle data properly will succeed. Moreover, nobody wants to be a company that gets asked questions on the grounds of data breach.
Thus, here we are concluding that the future of Adtech is bright and awesome with technologies like AI, blockchain and CTV, Programmatic Display. Sure, there will be challenges, but if there is one thing that is consistent about technology is that it improves itself no matter how big the barrier is.