Guide to Buying Programmatic Video Ads

What is Programmatic Video?

A DSP buys programmatic video placements using advanced technologies to automate and optimize the advertisement buying process. Data and algorithms efficiently place video ads across digital channels.

This method ensures the right audience sees ads at the perfect time, maximizing engagement and impact.

Understanding Programmatic Media Buying

Programmatic media buying improves ad purchasing significantly through automated technologies that make real-time decisions. To delve deeper into these processes and explore various buying and targeting methods, check out our guide.

Is YouTube Considered Programmatic?

Indeed, YouTube supports programmatic advertising. This platform enables the use of automated tools for purchasing video ads, providing precise targeting and efficient bidding processes.

How can you buy YouTube video advertising?

You can programmatically buy YouTube video advertising through several channels that access YouTube’s ad inventory. The primary channels are:

  1. Google Ads: This is the most direct way to purchase YouTube advertising programmatically. Google Ads provides tools for setting up, managing, and optimizing video campaigns on YouTube through its platform.
  2. Display & Video 360 (DV360, formerly DoubleClick Bid Manager): Part of the Google Marketing Platform, DV360 provides a sophisticated suite for buying ads programmatically across Google’s networks, including YouTube. It supports advanced targeting, optimization, and reporting.
  3. Third-party Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs): Some DSPs integrate with YouTube through Google’s Partner-Selling Program, allowing programmatic buying outside of Google’s platforms, though, capabilities are limited compared to what’s available through Google-owned services like Google Ads and DV360.

Types of Video Ads in Programmatic Campaigns

  • Instream: Displayed within video content on platforms like YouTube, these ads engage viewers effectively.
  • Outstream: These ads appear in non-video settings like social media or web pages, playing automatically when they become visible.
  • In-display: Found on webpages or in social feeds, these versatile ads adapt well to various advertising spaces.

For further details on the best platforms to launch these types of ads, consider our article on the 17 best programmatic buying platforms.

5 Future Trends in Programmatic Video Advertising

  1. Widening Adoption of Programmatic Channels: The ease and effectiveness of programmatic platforms continue to attract more advertisers, including those with smaller budgets. New DSPs have appeared that give access to programmatic advertising to such advertisers. 
  2. Growth in OTT and CTV Use: These platforms are becoming the go-to for programmatic ads, thanks to their expanding audiences. To learn more about CTV advertising, read this guide.
  3. Investments in VR and AR: Brands are increasingly using virtual and augmented reality to create captivating and immersive ad experiences.
  4. Integration Across Marketing Channels: More marketers are adding programmatic video to their media plans to boost overall campaign success.
  5. Enhanced Information Retention: Personalized and targeted video content has proven to hold viewers’ attention longer, making it a valuable asset for sustained engagement.

FAQs – Programmatic Video

Q: How can I get started with programmatic video advertising?
A: Select a programmatic buying platform, identify your audience, set clear goals, and prepare well-crafted video assets.

Q: What makes programmatic video superior to traditional video ads?
A: Its real-time adjustment, precise targeting, and enhanced ROI make programmatic video more effective and efficient.

Q: Is programmatic video feasible for small businesses?

A: Yes. It offers small businesses cost-efficient ways to target specific demographics effectively. The most accessible source is buying YouTube ads through the Google platform.

Explore the evolution of contextual advertising and real-time marketing within programmatic video to better integrate these strategies into your campaigns. Use these strategies and leverage Nexd Campaign Manager to build and serve your video creatives, significantly enhancing your digital marketing efforts. Sign up for Nexd Campaign Manager today to drive more personalized engagement and achieve superior results.

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