When Audio Took the Main Stage

The energy carried into Turning Up the Volume on Audio Ads, a panel featuring Will Doherty, SVP of Inventory Partnerships at The Trade Desk; Emma Vaughn, Global Head of Podcast Advertising and Business Development at Spotify; Mike Chevallier, VP of Advanced Audio and Data Revenue at iHeartMedia; and Steven Kritzman, SVP and Head of Sales at SiriusXM Media.

They discussed how audio connects during screenless moments like commuting, cooking, and working out—those everyday times when people are most tuned in. Steven Kritzman summed it up best: “Audio captures 25% of consumers’ media time, yet only 8% of ad spend.” The room went quiet. That gap has been there for years, but it finally feels like the industry is ready to close it.

As Steven described how audio moves with us throughout the day, from the first podcast over coffee to the playlist that carries us home, it hit me that no other medium stays this close. Audio feels personal. It is part of our rhythm. To keep growing, it needs what every other channel already has: transparency, automation, and proof of performance.

Where Automation Meets Imagination

Walking out of that session, it was clear that audio’s future depends on what happens next. The real opportunity lies in how technology can lift creativity instead of getting in its way.

We see that vision come to life every day through the work we do with our partners.

Our technology was part of a campaign recognized as a finalist for Best Use of Technology by an Agency at The 2025 AdExchanger Awards. A Middlesex County NJ campaign used AdsWizz’s AudioPixel, Second Screen retargeting, contextual podcast targeting, and programmatic host-read ads in NPR’s TED Radio Hour to reach decision-makers in autonomous tech, life sciences, and food innovation.

The campaign showed what’s possible when technology supports creative intent instead of dictating it. It offered a glimpse of where programmatic audio is heading.

We build technology that supports creativity. When data and imagination work together, audio moves beyond reach and frequency to create real resonance. The AdsWizz platform helps advertisers plan precisely, measure clearly, and deliver moments that connect.

Safety, Suitability, and Trust

Across adtech, brand safety has become one of the most important conversations. Advertisers want transparency and control across every environment where their messages appear. That focus aligns with the work we’ve done through brand safety for advertisers, which we’ve built in collaboration with partners like Barometer, ArtsAI, and Comscore.

We combine AI transcription with contextual analysis to help advertisers understand content before they buy it. Instead of blunt keyword blocking, our system reads the room. It interprets tone, sentiment, and relevance so brands show up where their message fits and where audiences are ready to listen.

That kind of precision cuts waste and improves efficiency. Every impression works harder. Every placement connects to purpose. Brands can reach the right people in the right context without losing sight of responsibility or creativity.

Safety used to mean just playing it safe. Now it means showing up in the moments that matter most.

A Medium Ready for Its Moment

Leaders from the Turning Up the Volume on Audio Ads panel all echoed the same idea: 2026 will be the year of audio. The numbers back it up. Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2025 reports that 76% of Americans ages 12 and up listen to digital audio monthly, the highest level ever recorded. According to Statista, global podcast advertising revenue is projected to reach US $3.56 billion in 2025, showing how audience growth is driving meaningful commercial momentum worldwide.

But numbers tell only part of the story. Growth won’t come from more tech alone. It will come from conviction. Marketers need to put audio at the center of their strategies. Buyers should expect the same rigor they demand from CTV or display. The technology is ready. The measurement is mature. What we need next is belief in the power of sound to move people.

At AdsWizz, we’re helping shape that future by advancing programmatic infrastructure, improving measurement, and building trust through transparency. Real progress in audio comes from efficiency, accountability, and imagination working together.

A Future Built on Sound

As I stepped out of the Marriott Marquis into the noise of Times Square, I kept thinking about how far this medium has evolved.

The future of audio advertising won’t be driven by louder messages. It will grow from sharper insights, stronger values, and more creative thinking. The industry is learning to listen.

Want to see what’s next in programmatic audio? Connect with the AdsWizz team.

by Garrison Dua, VP of Demand, North America

The post How Programmatic Audio Became the Star of Programmatic I/O 2025 New York appeared first on AdsWizz.

As presenters for AdsWizz, we took things a step further this year. It wasn’t just about getting people excited about buying audio. We showed how brands can unlock their full potential by buying programmatically.

Audio Is Everywhere and It’s Deeply Personal

One of the most powerful things about audio is how effortlessly it fits into everyday life. Whether it’s a morning news briefing, an evening podcast, or a workout playlist, audio is there throughout the day. It doesn’t interrupt or compete for attention—it just fits naturally.

That presence gives brands a unique opportunity to engage with people in personal, meaningful ways. You’re not forcing a message into a scroll. You’re entering a space where people are actively listening, and in the case of podcasts, where they are leaned in and open to suggestions or learning about something new.

During our presentation, we shared a few data points that stood out:

• 70% of people in the UK listen to digital audio weekly
• Digital audio reach has grown 43% since 2018
• The average listener spends 2 hours and 34 minutes a day with digital audio

Despite high levels of engagement, audio still lags behind other media channels when it comes to ad spend. It makes up 21.4% of media time but receives only 9% of digital ad budgets. That gap points to a clear opportunity. Buying audio programmatically is one of the smartest and most efficient ways to close it.

The Value of Programmatic Audio

We focused our session on how programmatic advertising brings efficiency, flexibility, and smarter targeting to the audio space. It’s more than automating delivery, it’s about elevating the entire campaign experience for both brands and listeners. When used effectively, programmatic audio gives advertisers a way to connect in ways that are timely and relevant, without disrupting the listening experience.

The advantages are clear:

• Targeting based on real-time behavior, context of the podcast the listener is tuning in to, and demographics like age/gender
• Optimization throughout the campaign based on performance insights
• Delivery across streaming music, podcasts, and digital radio
• You leverage Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) to personalize messages to fit the moment and format

Bringing It to Life With Bwin

To illustrate how this all works in practice, we shared a recent case study in partnership with Bwin, a leading sports betting brand. The objective was to boost brand recognition among podcast listeners in Germany during the Euros. 

Our team used programmatic tools to target people who regularly tuned into sports podcasts, as well as any podcast that was talking about the Euros, whether it be a news or comedy or sports podcast. The ads featured upbeat music, clear messaging, and repeated brand mentions, all tailored to resonate with Bwin’s audience. This campaign showed that with the right mix of creative, context, and targeting, audio can deliver strong, measurable impact.

The results were significant:

• A 20-point lift in brand awareness across the exposed audience
• A 15-point lift among individuals who regularly attend live sporting events

What We Heard on the Ground

After our session, audience members came up to continue the conversation, making it clear that audio is earning a bigger seat at the table in media strategy discussions.

Several themes came up repeatedly:

• Surprise at how advanced programmatic audio has become
• Curiosity around scaling campaigns across multiple markets
• Interest in new creative formats and smarter measurement models

What Comes Next

The future of audio is already here. With engaged listeners and proven technology, brands are ready to create more meaningful experiences. We’re proud that AdsWizz is helping lead the way, as both a sponsor of this event and a trusted partner to those shaping what comes next. Thank you to everyone who joined us. We’re excited to keep the conversation going.

Ready to take your audio strategy to the next level? Reach out to our team to explore how programmatic audio can elevate your campaigns.

by Lindsay Lynch & Rowan Hamill, Business Development Directors

The post Tuning Into Tomorrow: Reflections on The Future of Audio and Entertainment 2025 appeared first on AdsWizz.

Why Weather Targeting Works So Well

Weather influences how people feel, make decisions, and ultimately, what they buy. Imagine a rainy day—perfect for a cozy evening at home. Now, picture a sunny day; it’s ideal for shopping, outdoor plans, or grabbing an ice-cold drink. With weather targeting, a brand can match its message to these natural behaviors, reaching people exactly when its product or service is most relevant.

This feature uses live data from trusted sources, updating every 60 minutes for real-time accuracy. Whether it’s rain, snow, high temps, or UV index levels, advertisers can zero in on specific weather conditions, ensuring their campaigns resonate while minimizing wasted ad spend.

How to Use Weather Targeting for Maximum Impact

Weather targeting in digital audio is incredibly versatile:

• Retail and seasonal promotions: Clothing brands can promote winter coats to listeners in cold climates, while summer brands can spotlight swimwear and sunscreen during warm, sunny days.
• Food delivery and convenience services: Delivery apps can reach listeners on rainy or snowy days, reminding them they can enjoy their favorite foods from the comfort of home.
• Home improvement and auto services: Brands offering repairs or maintenance can target audiences after extreme weather, providing timely reminders for storm repairs or car checks.

The Benefits of Weather Targeting in Digital Audio Advertising

Incorporate weather targeting into your digital audio strategy to ensure ads deliver the right message at the perfect moment, offering unique advantages that enhance relevance and engagement:

• Increased relevance: Ads that mirror a listener’s current environment feel more natural and connected.
• Cost efficiency: Targeting specific conditions reduces wasted impressions, meaning ads reach listeners at the right time, boosting conversion rates.
• Higher engagement: Ads that reflect what listeners are experiencing right now have higher engagement, recall, and interaction rates.

Make Your Campaigns Unforgettable with Weather Targeting

Weather targeting takes digital audio ads to the next level by delivering timely, relevant messages that engage listeners when they’re most likely to act. Ready to make your campaigns more impactful and cost-effective? Start using weather targeting today and connect with your audience like never before, rain or shine!

• Download the AdsWizz eBook, Advanced Targeting in Digital Audio Advertising, to discover how it and other advanced strategies can help your campaigns resonate.
• While AdsWizz’s weather targeting is enhancing engagement with contextually relevant messaging, our partnership with data firm NumberEight is transforming audience targeting with ID-less advertising, balancing precision and privacy to deliver innovative podcast solutions. Read more here.
• Do you have more questions and want to connect with us directly? Visit our Contact Us page to learn more.

by Hannah Nardone, Manager, Sales Marketing at SiriusXM Media

The post Supercharge Digital Audio Ads with Weather Targeting appeared first on AdsWizz.