Australia’s digital audio scene is booming—over 15 million people are tuning in weekly, and nearly half of households now have a smart speaker, according to Edison Research’s The Infinite Dial 2025 Australia. We sat down with Graham James, Regional Director, APAC at AdsWizz, to chat about what’s driving that growth and how brands can stop thinking of audio as just “radio with ads.”

Let’s start with your role. What does your job as Regional Director at AdsWizz involve?

My main focus is making sure advertisers and publishers across the region can tap into the full potential of our tech. That means helping publishers grow revenue, working with advertisers to craft smart campaigns, accessing the right publisher inventory type, and making sure we’re always moving forward on innovation.

Australia’s digital audio space, in particular, is growing incredibly fast—sometimes faster than what we see in the US in certain areas. My background is in content and solution engineering, so I’m always thinking about how to bridge the gap between what our tech can do and what our clients actually need in-market.

The latest Infinite Dial 2025 Australia report shows audio consumption is booming. What’s fueling that growth?

It comes down to how easy it’s become to listen. Smart speakers, voice assistants, they’ve made audio feel more natural. You don’t have to scroll or search. You just say what you want, and it plays.

But more than that, audio fits into parts of the day where other media can’t go. No one’s watching TikTok while jogging or cooking (well, they shouldn’t be). But they are listening. And now that most Australians have two or more connected audio devices, it’s just always there, becoming a part of the rhythm of daily life.

What challenges are advertisers facing as they enter audio, and how is AdsWizz helping them?

One of the biggest things we hear is: “How do I prove this worked?” Audio used to be seen as a brand-only play. You’d run a campaign and hope it made an impact, but tying it back to actual results was tricky.

That’s changed. With tools like AudioMatic and AudioServe, we’re giving our partners real transparency: Who heard the ad, where, and what they did next. And that feedback loop means we can keep improving performance mid-flight, not just afterward.

Creative is another area where brands sometimes get stuck. That’s where Dynamic Creatives come in. We can change music, voices, even the ad message, depending on things like time of day or whether it’s sunny outside. So instead of one generic ad, you’re running hundreds of context-aware versions, and it doesn’t require extra work from your team.

Podcasting is exploding. What’s driving brands to invest there?

People have really personal relationships with the shows they listen to. It’s not just background noise; listeners trust the host, and they spend hours with them every week. So when that host talks about a product, it doesn’t feel like an ad. It feels like a recommendation from a friend.

That’s powerful. And with dynamic ad insertion (DAI), we’ve been able to bring in real targeting and measurement without losing that personal feel. We can now update creative mid-campaign, reach specific demographics, and optimize based on performance.

And honestly, it’s more accessible than people think. You don’t have to buy ads on the biggest shows to see results. There are thousands of mid-sized or niche podcasts with highly engaged listeners. Through the AdsWizz Audio Marketplace, we make it easy to scale up brand growth.

With smart speakers and in-car systems growing, how is “context” changing how campaigns are built?

Context has become a big deal, and it’s not just about where someone is, but how they’re listening.

We can tell if someone’s using a speaker in their kitchen or car, and that shapes what kind of message makes sense. You don’t want to blast a loud ad on the “nursery” speaker or ask a driver to visit your website. But you might follow up with a display ad later when they’re on their phone.

Voice interaction changes the game, too. Instead of asking someone to click, you might say, “Just ask your device for more info.” That’s way more natural if they’re elbow-deep in pasta sauce or doing a workout.

What’s cool is that all of this can be done without invading privacy. We rely on first-party, privacy-safe data to keep things targeted but respectful, which, especially in APAC, is becoming non-negotiable.

What digital audio trends are you watching for the year ahead?

For starters, personalization is only going to get sharper. AI is making it faster and easier to serve someone the exact right message in the right moment.

We’re also seeing more brands thinking cross-device. Your customer might hear your ad on a smart speaker, get retargeted on mobile, and convert later on desktop. Tools like AudioPixel and Second Screen help us track that journey, so we can see what actually led to the sale.

And maybe this is more of a wish than a trend, but advertisers are over-juggling six platforms just to run one campaign. They want a single system that can handle planning, buying, optimizing, and reporting without having to stitch it all together. That’s where the industry is headed, and we’re building for that.

Do you have any final insights about audio you’d like to share with the audience?

If you’re still treating audio like it’s just background radio, you’re missing the real opportunity. It’s targeted. It’s measurable. It’s dynamic. And it’s where people are actually spending their time—without a screen in front of them.

This space is not just growing, it’s evolving. If you’re ready to create campaigns that not only reach people but truly resonate, we’d love to help. Explore our latest tools or connect with our APAC team for a chat.

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post How Digital Audio is Reshaping Advertising in Australia appeared first on AdsWizz.

As listener numbers surge, brands are investing in smarter ways to connect. Enter programmatic podcast advertising, a scalable, data-driven approach to reaching targeted audiences across thousands of shows.

The old model of slow negotiations, broad ad placements, and limited targeting is quickly fading. With programmatic buying, ad delivery is automated, performance is measurable, and campaigns are optimized for real results.

Why Programmatic Ads Are Changing Podcasting

More listening creates more opportunity, but also adds complexity. With countless shows, audiences, and platforms, how can advertisers scale without losing control?

That’s where programmatic podcast ads shine. Using modern adtech and data, brands can buy ads automatically through demand-side platforms (DSPs) and podcast marketplaces. The result: better targeting, real-time optimization, and reduced waste.

Programmatic podcast advertising helps marketers:

• Target by geography, time, listener behavior, or context
• Reach audiences at scale without manual ad placement
• Measure campaign success and adjust quickly

What Brands Should Know Before Going Programmatic

While the benefits of programmatic podcast advertising are compelling, it’s helpful to approach it with thoughtful planning. Success still depends on having the right setup, reliable data, and creative flexibility. 

Listener attention can vary, and some may skip ads, so keeping messages relevant and engaging is key. Privacy is also an essential consideration. A well-designed strategy should include data protection and compliance from the start.

The good news? With the right tools and a clear approach, these considerations are entirely manageable and often lead to stronger, more effective campaigns.

Deliver Fresh, Relevant Ads With Dynamic Ad Insertion

One of the most powerful tools in podcast adtech is dynamic ad insertion (DAI). Unlike traditional ads that are permanently stitched into episodes, DAI inserts ads at the moment a listener downloads. 

This flexibility helps keep ads fresh and makes your message more relevant over time. It also enables you to tailor ads based on factors like location, time of day, device type, and even weather conditions.

Dynamic Creatives: Smarter, More Personalized Ads

Take it a step further with dynamic creatives. This approach generates multiple versions of an ad and automatically delivers the most relevant one in real time. The message adapts to the listener’s context, helping boost engagement and reduce ad fatigue.

For example, a fast-food chain might serve a breakfast deal to a listener in New York at 8:00 AM. That same brand could promote a late-night combo to someone in Los Angeles at 11:00 PM.

Programmatic Podcast Ads Deliver on Three Fronts

• Efficiency: Automated buying means less time managing deals and more time focusing on strategy. No more wasted impressions.
• Scalability: Reach millions of listeners across thousands of shows without negotiating one-by-one with publishers.
• Flexibility: Adjust campaigns based on real-time data. Pause, optimize, or swap creative assets instantly.

How to Get Started With Programmatic Podcast Advertising

Thinking about diving into programmatic podcast ads? Here are a few practical steps to help you get started:

1. Audit your current strategy: Is it flexible, personalized, and efficient enough for today’s fast-moving audio landscape?
2. Invest in quality data: Clean, actionable audience insights are the foundation of any high-performing campaign.
3. Experiment with DAI and Dynamic creatives: Test different creative variations and targeting options to find what resonates with your audience.
4. Start small and scale: Launch a pilot campaign to get familiar with the tools, then expand based on what works.
5. Talk to an audio adtech expert: See how AdsWizz can help streamline your workflow and maximize your podcast ad performance.

Choosing the Right Podcast Advertising Platform

Not all programmatic platforms are created equal. When evaluating your options, prioritize solutions that offer:

• Access to premium inventory across major podcast networks
• Granular audience targeting to reach the right listeners
• Reliable attribution and analytics to measure performance
• Privacy-first design to ensure compliance and build listener trust

At AdsWizz, we’ve been pioneering digital audio innovation since 2008. Our platform empowers marketers to deliver personalized, scalable, and compliant podcast campaigns that drive real results. Whether you’re new to podcast advertising or looking to take your strategy to the next level, AdsWizz is your partner in unlocking the full potential of audio. Let’s build something great together.

Reach out to us today.

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post How to Scale Your Podcast Ads With Programmatic Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

With all this innovation, where should advertisers focus, what trends are shaping digital audio, and how can brands make the most of it?

To answer these questions, I sat down with Garrison Dua, VP of Demand at AdsWizz, to explore how advancements in audio adtech are transforming the industry and what advertisers should expect in the near future. 

Programmatic Audio Delivers Scale, Efficiency, and Personalization

How has programmatic audio advertising evolved, and what role does AdsWizz play in this transformation?

Garrison: Programmatic audio has grown exponentially, enabling advertisers to scale and optimize campaigns in real time. By leveraging automation, dynamic ad insertion (DAI), and host-read ads, brands can reach audiences in more engaging and efficient ways.

 

Additionally, advancements in AI-driven targeting and real-time bidding have further empowered advertisers to fine-tune messaging and maximize ROI. With increased personalization and seamless cross-platform integration, programmatic audio has become a vital part of any digital strategy aimed at connecting with today’s audiences.

Contextual and Privacy-First Targeting Are Redefining Relevance

What trends in audience targeting are shaping the future of audio advertising?

Garrison: We’re seeing a major shift toward first-party data and contextual targeting. At AdsWizz, 60% of our targeting dimensions are contextual, allowing advertisers to reach listeners based on mood, location, and even weather. This kind of hyper-relevant messaging enhances engagement while maintaining consumer trust.

 

Advancements in AI-driven contextual analysis are refining targeting precision, ensuring ads are both relevant and timed for maximum impact. As third-party cookies disappear, brands are turning to these advanced methods to engage consumers in a more meaningful, compliant way.

 

As brands navigate this terrain, they’re rethinking not just who they reach, but how they say it and when it hits. Dynamic creative optimization (DCO) and Synthetic Voice are reshaping audio advertising, allowing real-time testing of variations in tone, length, and calls to action. Combined with real-time inventory data from custom DSP dashboards, this agile, data-driven approach accelerates testing, cuts costs, and confirms audio as a high-performing channel.

Anonymized Data and Predictive Audiences Enable Safe Personalization

With privacy regulations tightening, how is AdsWizz ensuring advertisers can still deliver personalized campaigns?

Garrison: Privacy is a top priority. AdsWizz enables brands to maintain personalization without compromising user trust by leveraging anonymized data and predictive audiences. Through partnerships with behavioral intelligence firms, anonymized data helps predict audience demographics and preferences while ensuring personal information is never collected.

 

Comscore Predictive Audiences technology uses AI-driven models to segment and engage users in a privacy-safe manner, replacing traditional identifiers with data-backed insights.

 

To future-proof audience targeting, AdsWizz integrates with UID2 and ID5, ensuring advertisers can continue reaching their audiences in a cookieless world. Additionally, data clean rooms are providing a secure way to analyze and activate insights while maintaining transparency and compliance with privacy regulations.

Omnichannel Audio Is Breaking the Screen Barrier

How is the integration of audio with video and social media changing the digital advertising landscape?

Garrison: The lines between audio, video, and social media are blurring. Podcasts are often consumed on video platforms, and we’re seeing brands lean into this shift. By combining interactive audio ads with dynamic video placements, advertisers can create truly omnichannel experiences. Tools like second-screen retargeting and AudioPixel help unify these touchpoints—driving measurable outcomes, maintaining user privacy, and delivering personalized engagement across every screen.

AI, Automation, and Open Ecosystems Are Leading the Way

What’s next for AdsWizz and the broader audio adtech industry in 2025 and beyond?

Garrison Dua: Automation and AI will continue to drive efficiency, making campaigns smarter and more responsive. Programmatic podcast advertising is set to explode, and open ecosystems will gain traction over walled gardens. At AdsWizz, we’re focused on helping advertisers and publishers stay ahead of these shifts with cutting-edge tools that maximize engagement, brand safety, and monetization opportunities.

The Future of Audio Advertising: Smarter, More Personalized, and Already Here

After talking with Garrison, it’s clear that audio advertising is entering a new era, driven by automation, personalization, and seamless omnichannel integration. Brands that embrace programmatic innovation and privacy-first solutions will be the ones capturing audience attention in the most meaningful ways. With AdsWizz leading the charge, the future of digital audio isn’t just promising; it is already here.

Want to Dive Deeper into the Future of Audio Adtech? 

• Ready to collaborate on your next campaign? Let’s connect!
• Want to dive deeper into audio adtech? Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 for the latest insights and innovations shaping digital audio.

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post How to Win in the New Era of Digital Audio Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

One standout innovation we cover is location targeting—a strategy that redefines accuracy in audio advertising. By honing in on specific audiences at the perfect time and place, location targeting empowers brands to deliver ads that truly resonate. This cutting-edge approach turns hyper-local advertising from concept to reality, driving real-world impact.

Why Location Targeting is a Game Changer

Location matters. Our surroundings influence our needs, interests, and even our moods. With location targeting, brands can place themselves right at the center of these scenarios, making digital audio ads feel like a natural part of the listener’s environment.

Using advanced geolocation tools is ideal for brands that want to optimize ad spend by focusing on specific audiences at key moments and locations.

How Brands Can Leverage Location Targeting for Maximum Impact

• Events and venues: Targeting listeners around specific points of interest, like stadiums, convention centers, or concert halls, is a win for brands promoting events, merchandise, or nearby dining options. Reach sports fans with exclusive offers as they arrive at the stadium or concert-goers with limited-time merch discounts post-show.
  
• Localized promotions: Running a sale in a particular neighborhood or store? Location targeting lets brands share real-time offers with people nearby, driving foot traffic exactly where you want it. For example, a coffee chain can reach listeners on their morning commute, promoting a breakfast special available only at select local branches.
  
• Tourism and travel: As people explore new places, location targeting allows travel agencies, hotels, or local attractions to highlight nearby experiences. Visitors to a popular tourist destination can hear ads about scenic tours, local events, or cultural spots to check out, creating memorable, actionable moments.
  
• Contextual relevance: Combine location targeting with weather and mood insights for an even more relevant approach. If it’s a rainy day in a specific neighborhood, food delivery apps can reach listeners staying in, while auto service brands can target regions hit by storms with reminders for repairs or checks.
  

Benefits of Location Targeting

• Increased relevance: Targeting specific places allows brands to address the immediate needs and interests of listeners, making ads more effective and memorable.
  
• Cost efficiency: By focusing on key areas, brands can maximize their budget, ensuring that a message reaches the people most likely to take action.
• Enhanced engagement: Listeners are more likely to engage with ads that align with their immediate surroundings or activities, leading to higher recall and conversions.
  

Get Started with Location Targeting

With AdsWizz’s location targeting, brands can connect with audiences where and when it matters most, sharing messages that genuinely resonate. Whether driving foot traffic, packing a local event, or amplifying brand awareness in key areas, location-based digital audio ads are an innovative solution brands need, and they are here to stay as a cornerstone of modern audio advertising.

• Ready to dive more into advanced location targeting? Download our latest eBook on advanced targeting and start planning your next hyper-local campaign with AdsWizz today!
• Have questions or looking to connect with us directly? Reach out today!

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post Amplify Your Audio Ads with Location Targeting appeared first on AdsWizz.

Marsha, could you start by telling us about your journey into the world of audio adtech?

I began my career in audio with Powell Broadcasting, an independent radio group in Sioux City, Iowa, focusing on both traditional and digital radio ad placements. Over time, I transitioned into digital audio adtech and eventually joined AdsWizz, coming full circle from traditional radio sales to leading digital audio partnerships across North America.

What are the most significant shifts in audio advertising recently, and how are they impacting publishers?

The audio landscape has evolved dramatically, allowing listeners to access content anytime, anywhere, and across various devices—from connected TVs to wearables. This accessibility offers unique opportunities for advertisers, such as in podcasts, connected car audio, and in-game audio. However, it also brings challenges like the need for advanced fraud protection and aligning audio metrics with other media formats.

Can you describe the different tiers of publishers you work with and how their needs differ? 

We collaborate with a wide range of publishers, from traditional radio broadcasters to cutting-edge digital streaming apps. Each has distinctive needs—some focus on content creation and programmatic sales, while others aim to scale their direct sales efforts. At AdsWizz, we offer a flexible platform that tailors to these varying requirements, from hosting streams to managing sales and optimizing monetization strategies.

What are the primary obstacles to monetizing audio advertising, and what essential tactics should publishers employ to optimize their strategies?

A major challenge is aligning audio with other media formats like video and display ads, especially regarding metrics and capabilities. Publishers need to balance providing clear audience signals with respecting privacy regulations. Successful monetization requires understanding the particular characteristics of different audio environments and adapting strategies accordingly. We support publishers by offering comprehensive analytics and connecting them with diverse demand sources.

How do you view the integration of audio advertising within in-game experiences? What opportunities does this create for game publishers?

In-game audio advertising is an exciting new frontier that’s capturing the imagination of both advertisers and publishers. Audio integrates seamlessly into the gaming experience, offering a non-intrusive way to connect with audiences. This approach allows advertisers to tap into a highly engaged demographic that might be out of reach through traditional media channels. Additionally, it creates fresh revenue streams for publishers by providing targeted advertising opportunities within the immersive gaming environment.

Which metrics are the most crucial for publishers to gauge their success accurately?

Success metrics vary based on the goal. For audience growth, metrics like unique monthly users and stream counts are vital. For monetization, understanding ad consumption patterns—such as mobile versus in-car—provides valuable insights. AdsWizz’s platform offers a range of analytics to help publishers track these metrics and optimize their strategies.

Drawing from your insights, what recommendations do you have for publishers to improve their audio advertising monetization efforts?

Publishers should focus on leveraging their first-party data to enhance audience targeting while ensuring compliance with privacy policies. They should also consider diversifying their content offerings across different environments and devices to reach broader audiences. The best part is that AdsWizz provides crucial tools and support to navigate these complexities and maximize revenue.

What is AdsWizz focusing on in the next 6-12 months to support publishers?

We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of audio advertising, exploring exciting new possibilities like in-car and wearable technologies. We’re putting a strong emphasis on data—not just for enhancing audience insights but also for upholding strict data privacy standards. As we dive into burgeoning areas like podcasts and in-game audio, we’re opening up fresh monetization avenues for publishers. Our aim is to deliver holistic capabilities that support publishers in every aspect of their business.

The Future is Loud

My conversation with Marsha Fischer highlights the innovative drive behind AdsWizz’s mission. As we navigate the complexities of audio advertising, the potential ahead is immense. AdsWizz empowers publishers to experiment, refine their strategies, and ensure a seamless, relevant experience for listeners.

In the fast-paced world of marketing and business development, timing is everything. While many teams don’t always track their workflow this precisely, they can—and should—to gain an edge. By taking the time to calculate business days, they can better align campaign launches, client meetings, and deliverables with real-world timelines. This simple yet powerful habit helps transform abstract strategies into structured action plans. When teams understand not just what to do but when to do it, consistency and momentum naturally follow—two things that keep a business thriving long after the buzz of a new idea fades.

Unlock the full potential of your audio advertising strategy with AdsWizz’s innovative solutions and expert guidance—contact us today!

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post Mastering the Complexities of Audio Advertising for Publishers appeared first on AdsWizz.

Serious About Audio Cabana

Our cabana on Cabana Row was buzzing with energy, transforming into a lively hotspot where attendees delved into our cutting-edge technology via an interactive, self-serve experience. For those craving a deeper dive, we offered private meetings with our team throughout the week, ensuring an immersive and personalized journey into our innovations.

Cannes Soundscape

During the festival, our cabana became the go-to spot for live interview recordings with trailblazers from every corner of the audio industry. These sessions delivered valuable insights into the market’s current dynamics, the transformative role of technology, and future trends. Attendees not only listened in but also had the chance to engage directly with these industry experts.

The Empower Cafe

AdsWizz proudly supported The Empower Cafe, a vibrant space at L’Avenue Cafe. This venue fostered meaningful connections and built a supportive network, allowing attendees to collaborate and empower each other.

AdsWizz After Dark

One of our most eagerly awaited events was at Le Chrystie. The party dazzled with an open bar, delectable light bites, top-notch DJs, and an electrifying atmosphere, offering an ideal mix of fun and networking for all attendees.

Thanks to Everyone who Joined Us at Cannes Lions 2024

Whether you stopped by our cabana, participated in a live recording, connected at The Empower Cafe, or danced the night away at After Dark, we appreciate your presence and look forward to continuing these conversations and connections. 

Did you miss us at the event? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or to schedule a meeting with our team.

We’re Not Done Yet

Stay tuned for some great studio content coming soon from AdsWizz as we continue to innovate and lead in the digital audio space.

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post AdsWizz at Cannes Lions 2024 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Market Trends

Janny Beberian, Director of Business Development for Southern Europe at AdsWizz, highlighted the transformative changes in digital audio. She emphasized the market’s rapid growth, driven by significant advances in podcasting and programmatic technology.

• With the loss of third-party audience IDs, publishers are using technology platforms to leverage their first-party data for relevant, privacy-friendly ad experiences.
• Market expansion is being driven by growth in politics, retail, pharmaceuticals, and travel sectors.
• Digital audio use exceeds radio, with the industry maturing through better data accuracy and compliance with IAB standards.

Case Study – AudioPixel as a Measurement Tool

Morgane Peron, Director of Audience Data Operations at AdsWizz, showcased AudioPixel’s capabilities. AudioPixel analyzes performance metrics across campaigns aimed at user acquisition, traffic generation, and purchase intent. It can track activities from email collection during registration to detailed customer purchase journeys on e-commerce sites.

Clement Berthet, Associate Director of Digital at NRJ Global, then presented a case study illustrating Morgane’s practical application of this technology. He emphasized the importance of crafting audio-specific content rather than repurposing video assets, ensuring a clear call-to-action tailored for audio platforms, and leveraging the unique continuous engagement potential of audio formats through innovative strategies like Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) and interactive formats such as ShakeMe.

Publicis + Hawk Brand Lift with Happydemics

Nadine Picosson, Associate Director of Audio Trading at Publicis Media, outlined her company’s strategy to boost digital audio, focusing on transparency, contextual data, and advanced programmatic approaches. Concurrently, Mehdi Aroussi, Senior Director of Global Partnerships at Hawk, introduced their new AI-driven DCO to support partners’ needs.

Use Audio as a Lever to Think Outside the Box

Camille Biehler, Key Account Director at Acast, Albane Laclavière, Business Director at OMD, and Léa Paris D’Artigu, Head of Media and Communication at Biocodex, gave an overview on the success of host-read content in capturing audience attention.

Digital Audio: A Key Lever for Brand Image

Anne-Marie Kalinka, Managing Director, France at Amnet, and Virginie Chesnais, Chief Marketing Officer at Happydemics, stressed the impact of digital audio in improving brand recognition and favorability, demonstrating its efficacy through the effect of audio investments on brand perception.

Their presentation recapped the effectiveness of campaigns using high and mid-funnel indicators to understand audience responses. They compared these metrics with a benchmark of over 180 audio brand lifts across different countries and media types and tailored recommendations aligned with campaign objectives and industry best practices to maximize the impact of each audio strategy, thereby verifying digital audio’s flexibility and strategic value.

SoundCloud: A Social Platform Pioneer

Quentin Spineu, Account Director, EU, at AdsWizz, illustrated SoundCloud’s innovative role as a social platform that breaks conventional barriers between artists and audiences. SoundCloud is a launching pad for local trends to escalate into global phenomena, regardless of the artists’ origins, languages, or connections. The platform also facilitates music discovery, where fans find and share their next favorite artists, and fosters direct interactions between artists and fans without intermediaries. 

SoundCloud is pioneering Mood Targeting, a feature that allows brands to connect with listeners based on their emotional state. This enables advertisers to target audiences across different moods, such as Angsty, Chill, Energetic, Focused, Happy, Soothing, Love, Celebratory, and Relaxed, thereby enhancing receptivity to brand messages.

Case Studies

• Walmart and SoundCloud celebrated Black History Month with a series featuring emerging hip-hop artists and their commentary on identity in music.
• Adidas and SoundCloud’s “We Gave the World an Original” campaign spotlighted fashion-forward creators, featuring artist Stormzy.
• Hyundai and SoundCloud launched a track series and contest to promote Hyundai’s positive impact, awarding $5,000 to one winner.
• Toyota and SoundCloud’s SCENES documentary series explored culture-forward music communities. It featured Mexican artists and launched on Billboard Latin.

Panel: Data-Driven Strategies for Content

Participants

• Morgane Peron – Director, Audience Data Operations at Adswizz
• Laurent Dauron – Director, Digital Operations at Lagardère Publicité
• Jenna Cortaredona – Head of Data Offers and Partnerships at M6 Publicité
• Mickaël Gaspar – Deputy Director, Sales at Altice Media

M6: Mastering Data Precision

Jenna Cortaredona, Head of Data Offers and Partnerships at M6 Publicité, provided an in-depth analysis of how M6 Publicité leverages a sophisticated cross-channel Data Management Platform (DMP) to utilize first-party data effectively. She emphasized Single Sign-On (SSO) and logged-in users for data integrity and future services. Jenna also addressed first-party data fragmentation and solutions with contextual targeting for better platform scalability and integration.

Altice: Leveraging Content for Engagement and Revenue

Mickaël Gaspar, Deputy Director, Sales at Altice Media, discussed how Altice leverages content to generate additional activation opportunities while naturally increasing traffic on their platforms. With web-radio offerings, they can attract a diverse audience, particularly during seasonal events like the Olympics or Roland Garros. This strategy benefits publishers by enhancing engagement and audience retention, attracting new listeners, and expanding monetization opportunities.

Lagardère: Integrating Data and Content for Market Expansion

Laurent Dauron, Director, Digital Operations at Lagardère Publicité, discussed merging audience data with engaging content to bolster their cross-channel offerings. He also described the benefits of their partnership with SiriusXM Media, which helps Lagardère reach new markets and improve contextual targeting.

The Future is Bright (and Loud)

AdsWizz remains steadfast in our mission to push the boundaries of technology in audio adtech, as evidenced by AdsWizz Audio Days Paris 2024. The vibrant discussions and presentations from industry leaders underscored the transformative power of digital audio. The ongoing convergence of these creative minds will continue to pave the way for future innovations in our industry.

See you at the next AdsWizz Audio Days!

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post AdsWizz Audio Days Paris 2024 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Dave’s experience spans five years in digital audio and fifteen years before that in roles across programmatic video, gaming, and integrated display media. Dave works on the AudioMatic DSP team, providing agencies and brands access to technology to deploy comprehensive digital audio campaigns spanning streaming audio and podcasts.

With all the changes in digital audio and the constant shifts in consumer behavior, how has programmatic demand evolved to keep up?

We’ve observed significant advancements in measurement techniques, particularly within our audio DSP platform. By integrating attribution, we now have the capability to monitor up to eight distinct online conversion events, commonly referred to in the industry as “hear-through.” This means that even if a listener hears an audio advertisement and later converts through another medium—like converting via search or social media at the office after their mass transit commute—we can still link the conversion back to the original audio ad. So, in the past, this had been a miss for audio. Now, we can tie audio and online conversions back to audio ads.

 

We also provide Second-Screen Retargeting (audio-to-display that gives more down-funnel metrics to examine the response), integrated AI transcription that automatically and intelligently transcribes and categorizes podcast episodes, and, lastly, block listening capabilities that stop fraudulent domains and malicious IPs.

Do you think advertisers should compare audio metrics to other forms of digital media?

The good news is that we can really start to compare engagement. A unified attribution strategy focused on site-driven metrics allows us to compare apples to apples. That said, comparing audio to a browser-based environment like display or online video can be challenging. Because audio advertising is deployed in a player-based environment, the comparisons will not apply on a pure apples-to-apples basis.

How would you help advertisers make sense of their performance data and take appropriate actions based on those insights?

We recommend using a bespoke approach with advertisers as we examine the different creative tools we can access. We want to ensure we’ve gotten as granular as possible from an audience perspective while balancing efficiency and detailed segmentation within the AudioMatic platform. For example, suppose we have a product for which we know the advertiser is looking to show action via mobile. In that case, we recommend utilizing the ShakeMe interactive unit.

Just shifting focus, could you discuss the role of the relationship among publishers, advertisers, and technology partners in driving the success of programmatic demand efforts?

We want the platform to be as robust and flexible as possible. We collaborate closely with our publisher partner teams to convey our clients’ demand needs (i.e., Automated Host-Read Ads and Multicultural Inventory access). We also have monthly (sometimes twice monthly) meetings with our agency partners utilizing the platform. Then, we can communicate that information regarding what we’re hearing so that what’s available lines up with what we’re being asked from the market.

Any standout examples of partnerships that come to mind?

We have some great case studies that speak to these metrics. Campaigns like Sea-Doo achieved a call-to-action rate of over 2% with Second Screen Retargeting, significantly outperforming the .05% rate typical of display advertising. With ShakeMe, we see averages of around 0.7% to 2.5%.

Moving to a topic that has implications across all facets of digital, how has your team adapted to keep up with recent changes in privacy law?

We’re not exactly sure when cookies will be a thing of the past. Still, when Google finally starts to deprecate cookies in Chrome at scale, many things will continue to evolve and become more accessible and privacy-friendly. We’ve been concentrating heavily on contextual targeting. It is a comprehensive and effective strategy, particularly in podcast advertising, where we have developed considerable expertise. 

For example, Predictive Audiences is a cookie-less, privacy-friendly solution that combines AI transcription technology with contextual data via direct publisher connections in concert with 300-plus audiences from Comscore. Also, great things are happening on the music side, such as Mood Targeting, which helps brands better connect with audiences by reaching them while listening to music that matches the mood of the song they are listening to.

Are there any best practices you recommend for ensuring compliance with data privacy laws?

I think a crucial piece is that it has to do with first-party data. There’s always an interest in utilizing it. And so if that’s something that an advertiser has, and they want to use it as a means for reaching their customer base, then we need to be working with a partner as we do here (like with LiveRamp) so that we know we’re doing that in a compliant way. So, there are partners in the space where we can collaborate with our advertising partners to ensure compliance.

Let’s talk about the future of digital audio, particularly with programmatic. Do you see any key trends on the horizon?

Synthetic Voice combined with Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) to beta test ads. For example, if an advertiser wants to test different calls-to-action, we can create ads in real-time with Synthetic Voice technology to test different spot lengths. This can be coupled with our ability to view available inventory in real-time in custom dashboards built into our DSP platform. So, when you test different audio ads very (in terms of cost and investment) coupled with real-time availability, it is evident that audio is more than just a branding medium.

How about agencies? What’s one bit of advice you would give to an agency partner?

I think the most important thing that I would say is to take a holistic view of audio as an advertising vehicle. So, again, factoring in audience segmentation at scale, viewing it through a real-time availability lens, integrating attribution, and then utilizing creative solutions like Second-Screen Retargeting and ShakeMe.

Looking Ahead

My conversation with Dave was a testament to the innovative spirit and problem-solving ingenuity that drives the Adswizz mission. As we navigate the intricacies of programmatic audio advertising, it’s clear that the future holds immense possibilities. Together, we are setting the stage for an era of audio advertising that is more dynamic, effective, and connected than ever before.

Contact us today to learn more about AudioMatic and the audio advertising strategies that can help you achieve maximum audience engagement! 

By Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post Shaping the Future of Audio Advertising appeared first on AdsWizz.

“Our collective insight on the show floor was further reinforced by interacting with industry peers and thought leaders, highlighted the essential role connectivity plays within the audio community. The conference profoundly acknowledged our current market realities, clearly demonstrating that digital audio is leading the industry toward increasingly innovative and integrated strategies.”

 

-Paul Brown, Vice President, European Business & Operations at AdsWizz

 

Keynote – How Digital Audio Stacks Up Against the Rest

AdsWizz’s Rowan Hamill, Director of Business Development, UK and Ireland, and Lindsay Lynch, Director of Business Development, International, presented industry findings illustrating the effectiveness of digital audio advertising through its convenience, accessibility, measurable effects on audiences, and expanding influence over traditional media.

Check Out the Presentation Slides

Comprehensive Integration and Consumer Trends in Digital Audio

Digital audio is deeply incorporated into daily life in the UK, complementing other media forms with its adaptability and relevance. More than 35 million people now listen to digital audio weekly—a 40% increase since 2019—with an average daily listening time of 2.3 hours. Audio integrates into various activities, such as morning news streams and evening podcast sessions. The pandemic in 2020 accelerated shifts in consumer behavior, particularly among younger audiences, who have shifted 31% of their media time to digital audio from traditional visual media.

Challenges, Prospects, and Synergies with Other Media

Digital audio enhances the media consumption experience by providing continuous adaptability that meets audiences wherever they are, engages users throughout the day, and serves as a versatile complement to other media. Technological advancements like AudioPixel improve ad conversion tracking across devices, enhancing audience targeting and engagement measurement without relying on cookies.

Strategic Implications for Digital Audio in Marketing

Marketers need to capitalize on the growing influence of digital audio by incorporating it more extensively into their media strategies. Notable technologies such as speech-to-text for podcast contextual targeting can optimize engagement with specific audiences, thereby streamlining marketing efforts.

Panel – AI, Programmatic and Tech Innovation

Our very own Ollie Chadwick, Regional Director for the UK & Ireland, participated in a panel discussion about the expanding influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in audio, which highlighted innovations that are redefining ad creation and performance tracking beyond traditional cookies while enhancing innovation, efficiency, and personalization. 

Participants

• Ollie Chadwick – AdsWizz
• Mary Ann Halford – Halford Media Advisory
• Matt Deegan – Folder Media
• Tom Sherwood – YouTube
• Emma Raz – NumberEight

Digital Audio and AI Integration

The conversation first summarized the integration of AI in the digital audio sector, focusing on solutions that simplify and enhance advertising processes. AI can be used to create tailored audio content based on demographic data, making advertising more targeted and effective.

Programmatic Audio

The panel then discussed the rise of programmatic audio and its efficiency in streamlining advertising campaigns. This method leverages automation to enhance targeting and reporting, thereby optimizing advertising expenditures and reach.

Multilingual and Inclusive Content

Touching on the importance of creating content that caters to diverse linguistic and cultural demographics, AI helps lower the barrier to entry for producing diverse and inclusive content, which can expand market reach and connect with broader audiences.

Future Trends and Innovation in Audio Advertising

Noteworthy future trends in audio advertising include more sophisticated contextual targeting, brand safety, and direct interactions with publishers. Driven by technological advancements, the advertising landscape in digital audio will continue to evolve rapidly.

The Future of Audio is Now

At The Future of Audio and Entertainment 2024, AdsWizz had a unique opportunity to elevate digital audio’s potential as a powerful advertising medium through our branding and content spotlighting market dynamics and AI innovations.

Interacting with industry peers and thought leaders further reinforced the essential role connectivity plays within the audio community. The conference profoundly acknowledged our current market realities, demonstrating that digital audio is leading the industry toward increasingly innovative and integrated strategies.

 

– Thema Archer, Senior Account Executive, EU Marketplace Partnerships at AdsWizz

Did you miss us at the event? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or to schedule a meeting with our team. 

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post The Future of Audio and Entertainment 2024 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Advancing Brand Safety in Podcast Advertising

From March 26th – 29th, AdsWizz took on a key sponsorship role at Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024. Podcast Movement Evolutions is the leading conference brand for podcasters and industry experts, aimed at fostering growth in individual shows, the podcasting community, and the industry. 

Our private meeting space served as a hub for insightful discussions, highlighting our commitment to elevating podcast advertising through our cutting-edge technology solutions.

AdsWizz Technology Spotlighted at Podcast Movement Evolutions

Targeted Podcast Advertising Solutions

Our targeted podcast advertising solutions offer a wide range of premium and niche podcasts through partnerships with top publishers, enabling broad reach and precise targeting for advertisers with features like automated host-read ads and second-screen retargeting. For example, AdsWizz’s Predictive Audiences, a cookie-free targeting capability, utilizes podcast content consumption to identify over 300 audience personas, ensuring ads connect with the intended audience.

Brand Safety Solutions

AdsWizz enhances brand safety by providing advertisers control over ad placements to match suitable content and audiences. This technology ensures ads align with audience interests and brand values using advanced tools to analyze podcast content for relevant keywords, topics, and sentiments. The platform integrates Comscore data for precision and has partnered with HUMAN Security for Invalid Traffic Filtering (IVT), preventing ad fraud by ensuring ads reach real people, protecting investment, and optimizing ROI.

“At Podcast Movement Evolutions, building buyers trust and balancing brand suitability were top of mind for presenters and attendees. Podcasters understand that these are no longer nice to haves, but rather table stakes for a show or network to grow and succeed in today’s modern podcast ecosystem.”

-Justine Benjamin, Head of Global Marketing

The Power of Context: Brand Safety, Measurement, and Verification in Podcasting

Our very own Maria Breza joined industry leaders for a panel to discuss how the industry can bring more transparency to podcasting with brand safety and suitability verification solutions and, with them, help bring the audio ad marketplace into parity with video and display.

Panelists included:

• Bryan Barletta – Partner at Sounds Profitable (Moderator)
• Caleb Mansfield – VP, Partner Success at ArtsAI
• Tamara Zubatiy – Co-Founder and CEO at Barometer
• Maria Breza – VP of Ad Quality Measurement & Audience Data Operations at AdsWizz and SiriusXM Media

Top Takeaways from the Panel

Opportunity Gap in Podcast Advertising

Although podcasting accounts for 31% of media consumption, it attracts less than 9% of advertising dollars, revealing a vast area for expansion. Our industry should frame this discrepancy not as a grievance but as a pivotal opportunity for strategic investment.

From Show Sponsorships to Sophisticated Audience Targeting

The podcast advertising industry faces scalability and brand safety challenges. Large brands are moving towards audience-based buying rather than specific show sponsorships, necessitating content verification for safety. This shift toward advanced audience targeting leverages cutting-edge content analysis tools and integrates CRM tools for precise targeting, moving beyond traditional sponsorships toward scalable and efficient advertising strategies.

Nuances of Brand Safety and Brand Suitability

The panelists differentiated between brand safety (content unsuitable for any advertiser) and brand suitability (content that may or may not align with specific advertiser preferences), underscoring the importance of tools and standards that allow for nuanced content alignment and advertiser-specific targeting.

Real-Time Verification and Campaign Adjustment

The discussion highlighted the critical role of real-time data in making campaign adjustments, underscoring that instant feedback mechanisms allow advertisers to refine their strategies according to performance metrics and content suitability, fostering a more dynamic and effective approach to podcast advertising.

Maria Breza on the Evolving Issue of Brand Safety and Content Suitability

“Part of the pleasure of podcasting is feeling like you’re having a conversation with a friend instead of consuming mass-produced content. It is a powerful environment for an advertiser to meet the consumer with their message. But if the advertiser insists on having perfectly clean content with no profanity of any kind, they’re really cutting off a whole bunch of reach. So my question to them would be: have you truly thought about the podcast medium, and is that what you want to be doing? It comes up a lot as well with true crime and violence. So many brands often say no violence, no guns, no arms, no ammunition…and then they don’t run on any true crime, and that may not have been their intent..”

Looking Ahead

Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024 was an exceptional opportunity that allowed us to deepen our connections within the podcasting community and further empower brands to succeed in their podcast advertising endeavors.

Did you miss us at Podcast Movement Evolutions? Contact us today to learn more about our offerings or to schedule a meeting with our team. 

by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing

The post Podcast Movement Evolutions 2024 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.