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Mediaocean research points to performance media surge in H2 2024 

Omnichannel advertising platform Mediaocean has released the findings from its 2024 H2 Market Report. This sixth edition of Mediaocean’s bi-annual report series presents the largest pool of respondents to date, with responses from over 1,200 marketing professionals. 

Focusing on key consumer and technology trends that are likely to shape the advertising landscape for the remainder of the year, the report highlights the rise of Connected TV (CTV) as the top consumer trend, effectively overtaking AI, which now holds the second spot. As viewers turn toward more affordable ad-supported options for streaming, even greater opportunities are emerging for advertisers. 

Additionally, the research indicates a significant shift towards performance-driven paid media, indicating the industry’s intensified focus on accountability and return on investment amidst evolving macroeconomic conditions. 

Aaron Goldman, Chief Marketing Officer at Mediaocean, commented: “Performance-driven paid media has emerged as the dominant focus for advertisers, reflecting industry-wide scrutiny on channels that deliver measurable business  outcomes. 

“To thrive in the final months of this year, advertisers must prioritise creative ad tech solutions that use AI and automation to meet consumers in the moment with relevant messaging and orchestrate consistent omnichannel experiences.” 

Notable findings from the report include:

CTV and Streaming as critical consumer trends

More and more households are cutting the cord and turning to streaming platforms for entertainment, opting for more affordable ad-supported  tiers. 

Omnichannel advertising dominance

As brands continue to invest in advertising to drive growth, increased spending across channels is expected to continue for the remainder of the year, with paid social, search, and CTV seeing the largest gains.  

AI and Automation in ad tech

After years of hype, marketers are now focusing on the practical implementation of AI-driven automation solutions in ad tech. Data analysis and market research remain the top use cases for Generative AI, followed by copywriting and image generation.  

Acceleration of first-party data strategies

With growing consumer demand for privacy and changes to how third-party cookies are managed, 2024 has seen a major uptick in multi-ID advertising, with leading brands now prioritising first-party data strategies in their digital marketing efforts. 

The 2024 H2 Market Report illustrates a transformative period for the advertising industry, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behaviours and a sharper focus on performance metrics amid a turbulent market. The research also includes breakdowns by various industry vertical sectors, including Automotive, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Direct to Consumer (DTC), Education, Entertainment, Financial Services, Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Retail, Technology, Telecommunications, and Travel. 

Download the complete report here

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