For publishers, the insights shared were more than just ideas—they served as a roadmap for success in the fast-moving world of audio advertising.

The post AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

AdsWizz’s Approach to Product Development and Innovation

Before diving in, let’s take a step back and consider the bigger picture. Digital audio is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and with that growth comes new challenges and opportunities. As publishers navigate an increasingly complex landscape—balancing audience engagement, revenue growth, and ad quality—having the right tools in place is more critical than ever.

AdsWizz remains committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that empower publishers to scale, optimize, and future-proof their audio businesses:

• Smarter: Optimized ad delivery enhances listener experience.
• More scalable: Streamlined revenue management simplifies operations.
• More effective: Continuous innovation unlocks new monetization opportunities.

Recent Innovations at AdsWizz

• 260+ new features improving programmatic efficiency, data solutions, and podcast monetization
• Supply chain transparency enhancements that combat fraud and ensure brand safety
• Streaming and podcast monetization tools optimize audience targeting

As digital audio continues to expand, AdsWizz remains focused on helping publishers stay ahead—scaling their platforms, maximizing revenue, and driving innovation across the entire ecosystem.

The Power of Collaboration in Growing Digital Audio Monetization

Anne Frisbie, SVP of Global Business Development at AdsWizz, opened the summit with a clear message: The future of audio is here—and it’s only getting bigger. With listeners streaming and tuning into podcasts more than ever, scaling and optimizing digital audio advertising is critical.

AdsWizz by the Numbers

• 16B monthly dynamically inserted audio ad impressions powered by AdsWizz technology
• 4B monthly audio impressions sold via third-party DSPs
• 2B monthly AdsWizz Marketplace audio impressions
• 550M monthly podcast downloads on Simplecast
• 40M podcast episodes transcribed for brand safety & contextual audience support

“AdsWizz is deeply committed to building a global platform—an open and independent platform for audio designed for the future. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about what we can achieve with that technology when we come together as a community. Many of you have been instrumental in taking our solutions to market, proving that digital audio isn’t just growing—it’s transforming. And as we continue to innovate, your role in that journey is more crucial than ever.”

Market Trends and Predictions

Scott Walker, Chief Ad Revenue Officer at SiriusXM, took the stage to guide publishers and advertisers through this evolving landscape, highlighting six key trends shaping digital audio in 2025 and beyond.

Media Consumption is Changing

• Shift to digital audio accelerates: Listeners continue moving from traditional radio to on-demand streaming and podcasts.
• Podcast hosts are omnichannel influencers: Beyond audio, they engage audiences via video, social, and live events.
• AI is redefining advertising: From real-time optimization to advanced personalization, AI-driven campaigns are the future.

Privacy at the Forefront

• Identity, data, and media convergence: With third-party cookies vanishing, first-party data and AI-driven insights are taking center stage.
• Transparency is non-negotiable: Fraud prevention, domain validation, and invalid traffic (IVT) monitoring are now industry standards.

A New Era

• Evolving audio measurement: Advertisers demand holistic measurement, capturing both brand awareness and conversions.

On AI’s Critical Role in Digital Audio Advertising

“AI is fundamentally changing the way we all work. We all go through our day-to-day and deal with a ton of really clunky workflows—we’re in and out of systems, spreadsheets, software programs, etc. But if we can leverage some of the more agentic or operator-type AI technologies, that can fundamentally change the way that we all work and free up time for higher-order work that is more creative, that is pushing the industry forward.”

Maximizing Publisher Success in the Programmatic Audio Revolution

Brian Gilbert, VP of Marketplace Operations, and Jerome Camerlynck, Director of Ad Product at AdsWizz discussed why programmatic audio is outpacing traditional ad buying.

The Current Climate

• Digital audio ad spend is projected to reach $12.6B by 2025.
• 32+ DSPs (including Amazon DSP) are integrated with AdsWizz.
• Programmatic revenue is growing 3X faster than direct sales.

What’s Driving Programmatic Growth?

• Real-time deal syncing between AudioMax SSP and AudioServe
• Advanced bid health analytics for smarter monetization strategies
• Supply chain transparency with sChain validation

“Programmatic is accelerating. Year-over-year growth in programmatic has outpaced direct sales, with a threefold increase compared to direct. But this isn’t just about shifting budgets from direct to programmatic—it’s about net-new investment, with new advertisers and brands embracing programmatic.” –Brian Gilbert

Programmatic Audio In Action: Insider Secrets & Best Practices for Success

A panel of audio experts, moderated by Brian Gilbert, explored key trends and strategies in programmatic audio and podcasting. The discussion featured Bardo Flores, Senior Director of Global AdTech Operations at Acast; Josh Rothman, SVP & GM of Global Advertising at TuneIn; and Bob Hunt, Senior Director of Audio at Hearts & Science. The group emphasized audio’s growth potential, its role in authentic connections, and the need for transparency, accurate measurement, and client-focused success metrics.

• Acast’s programmatic transformation: Shifting from direct sales to programmatic-first strategies opened doors to new advertisers and advanced targeting.
• TuneIn’s automation advantage: By leveraging connected devices and deep data insights, TuneIn proved the impact of audio on engagement at scale.
• Hearts & Science’s frequency-first strategy: Prioritizing transparency, frequency management, and client-specific metrics ensured programmatic campaigns delivered measurable success.

On the Power of Audio

“We started with direct sales and built our foundation there, but we’ve been invested in programmatic since 2017. Over time, buyers have become more educated and comfortable with podcasting, opening doors that didn’t exist before. We’re now maximizing revenue by joining more marketplaces, onboarding DSPs, and aligning closely with both buyer and seller needs. It’s not just about strategy—it’s about evolving our tech, partnerships, and measurement to meet growing demand and expand the opportunity.” –Bardo Flores

Winning the Podcast Game: Applying Our Decades of Audio Experience for Growth

Molly Ponzo, VP of Ad Product at AdsWizz, led a session on leveraging AdsWizz’s streaming audio expertise to drive podcast growth and monetization. With 500M global listeners and 4.47M active podcasts, the industry is booming. As audience engagement continues to rise, podcast ad spend is expected to reach $4.46B in 2025.

New Features for Expanding Podcasts

To help publishers and advertisers capitalize on this growth, AdsWizz recently introduced new tools and features designed to improve monetization.

• Advanced targeting: Improved audience segmentation using demographics, language, and content context
• Forecasting & delivery optimization: Advanced tools to enhance ad placement accuracy and campaign performance
• Simplified host-read workflows: Automation to streamline host-read ad execution, reducing manual effort
• Predictive pacing & manual adjustments: Ensuring ad pacing aligns with audience behavior and advertiser goals
• Contextual genre, language, and explicit episode enhancements: Improved player classification for better content categorization and ad relevance

AdsWizz is Ioneering the Future of Audio

• Platform unification: Seamlessly integrating Simplecast CMS with AdsWizz monetization tools for a unified experience
• Omnichannel support: Expanding podcast capabilities to support multiple formats and distribution channels
• Expanding content types: Growth in long-form episodic content, short clips, highlights, and subscription-based offerings like early access and live content
• Advanced targeting & reporting: Leveraging RSS + GUID data for more precise ad targeting and audience insights
• Forecasting & delivery optimization: Enhancing competitive separation, ad sequencing, and roadblocking strategies
• IAB Podcast Measurement v2.2 certification: Strengthening standardization and accuracy in podcast ad measurement

On the Podcast Audience Shift

“Gen Z is set to surpass millennials in time spent listening this year—a significant shift in audio consumption. Back in 2020, the average podcast listener spent around 30 to 35 minutes per day tuning in, consuming roughly six episodes per week. Fast forward to 2024, and that engagement has surged to an average of 54 minutes per session, with listeners consuming eight podcasts per week. This growth presents an opportunity for publishers to expand their reach among a young, diverse, and highly influential audience.”

Maximizing Monetization: Strategies for Podcast Success

Moderated by Will Donato, Account Director at AdsWizz, the panel featured Martha Canseco, Senior Manager of Ad Operations at The New York Times; Rob Timony, Senior Vice President of Commercial Advisory at Bauer Media Audio; and Karin Kessler, Vice President of Strategy & Content at Seven.One. The discussion explored key trends in programmatic audio and podcast advertising, emphasizing its rapid evolution, the opportunities it creates, and the need for better measurement and advertiser education.

• Balancing ad formats: A mix of host-read ads, dynamic insertion, and sponsorships maximizes revenue while maintaining a strong listener experience.
• Programmatic growth: Once met with hesitation, programmatic is now unlocking new budgets, particularly from international advertisers.
• Content and ad team collaboration: Strong coordination is crucial, especially for manual, highly effective host-read ads.
• Data and measurement challenges: Privacy restrictions and limited data require better measurement, research, and transparency to educate advertisers.
• Future trends: AI-driven targeting, video integration, and improved measurement will define the next phase of podcast advertising.

On Audio as a Competitive Advertising Channel

“I think it’s about having open and clear lines of communication with podcasters. When we onboard a new podcaster, we figure out the advertisers they’d like to work with and set category blocks early so that we don’t see hiccups down the line. Even with dynamically inserted Host Reads, we work closely with the podcaster to ensure they’re happy with the advertiser and how the proposed message is integrated. Building trust with our Podcasters is key.” –Rob Timony

Unlocking Digital Audio’s Full Potential: Data & Identity in a Privacy-First World

   
Jason Bauer                                                             Rob Quintiliani

Rob Quintiliani, Senior Director of Ad Product at AdsWizz, and Jason Bauer, VP of Audience Data Operations, addressed key industry challenges, including privacy shifts, a fragmented ecosystem, and the increasing complexity of audio advertising. They also showcased AdsWizz’s cutting-edge solutions, helping publishers and advertisers balance personalization, compliance, and monetization.

• Navigating industry challenges: Adapting to evolving privacy regulations and ecosystem fragmentation ensures compliance, streamlines operations, and enhances ad performance, particularly in podcast advertising.
• Harnessing data & identity solutions: First-party data, clean rooms, and contextual targeting enable privacy-compliant, scalable, and precise audience segmentation.
• Advancing targeting strategies: Mood-based, predictive, and location/weather-based targeting drive engagement, improve conversions, and optimize campaign performance.
• Maximizing AdsWizz innovations: Seamless first-party data onboarding and identity solutions enhance audience reach, simplify integration, and boost revenue.
• Driving monetization growth: Enhanced targeting and identity solutions contribute to a 14% eCPM uplift and a 6% bid rate increase, driving greater profitability.
• Preparing for the future: Expanding universal IDs and audience insights will sustain ad effectiveness and compliance amid ongoing industry changes.

On the Rapid Evolution of Advertising Technology

“Every day, new innovations are changing how we approach advertising, from automation to AI-driven targeting. What seemed impossible just a year ago is now a reality and the opportunities to improve efficiency and drive monetization are growing exponentially.” –Rob Quintiliani

Smarter Data, Bigger Impact: How Publishers are Driving Audio Growth and Revenue

Moderated by Rob Quintiliani and Jason Bauer, this panel featured Allan Venn, Digital Adtech Director at SCA; Charlie Brookes, Chief Revenue Officer at Bauer Media & Octave and Seth Freudenburg, Vice President of Audience Platform at TelevisaUnivision. The discussion covered key topics, including data-driven advertising, audience targeting, privacy challenges, and the evolving role of programmatic audio.

• First-party data boosts CPMs: Mandatory sign-ins raise ad rates, with UK publishers seeing a £5 increase per 1,000 impressions.
• Niche targeting grows: Tools such as NumberEight SDK track real-time user behavior for precise ads.
• Contextual ads remain key: GDPR-compliant strategies use device data to predict user needs.
• Sales teams must adapt: Simplified taxonomies and training are crucial for streaming, podcasts, and smart speakers.
• Audio ads evolve with data: Cross-device targeting and pre-built segments enhance execution and engagement.

“The yield difference, certainly in the UK, that we got by putting 1st party data over audio is significant. We saw CPM’s rise with this first-party data solution so it’s definitely worth the effort, but it is complex, you have to iterate, and you have to surround yourself with technology and people who understand how to use it.” –Charlie Brookes

We’re Not Done

• Click here for Day 2 of the AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit!
• Want to maximize your digital audio monetization? Contact AdsWizz to explore the latest innovations.

The post AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit Recap Day 1 appeared first on AdsWizz.

Adtech Unplugged: Straight from the AdsWizz Product Experts

The AdsWizz product experts panel—Molly Ponzo, VP, Ad Product; Franz Bernstein, VP, Ad Product; Jerome Camerlynck, Director, Ad Product; and Rob Quintiliani, Senior Director, Ad Product—shared their strategic vision for ad product development. They stressed customer-centric approaches, scalable solutions, AI innovation, and transparent collaboration with publishers.

• Customer-driven development that ensures products genuinely solve real customer problems, driving higher adoption and satisfaction.
• Balance and scalability enable AdsWizz to effectively serve diverse publisher needs efficiently, reducing custom work and speeding up delivery.
• Ad quality improvements through AI, transcription, and synthetic voice technology, enhancing ad relevance and listener experience while reducing manual work and ensuring brand safety.
• Publisher collaboration continuously integrates real-time publisher feedback into product development, builds stronger partnerships, and ensure relevant and impactful innovations.

“At its core, our job is to make sure that we build the right capabilities, the right tools for all of you to monetize and grow your businesses—connecting really the dots between the right ads for the right users at the right time.” –Franz Bernstein

Proving Audio’s Worth: Making Media Models Work for Audio

Joe Macarak, Director of Measurement Partnerships at SiriusXM, discussed mmm media mix modeling (MMM) in audio. He highlighted data integration challenges that undervalue audio, stressing a shift to agile modeling for accurate measurement. He emphasized collaboration to improve data quality and ensure fair valuation.

• Challenges with current MMM: Audio is often undervalued due to simplistic models and limited data.
• Shift to agile modeling: Evolving from basic MMM (“bad”) to agile (“better”) and holistic market mix modeling (“best”).
• Granular data is essential: Daily impression-level data improves accuracy and ensures fair budget allocation.
• Industry-wide collaboration: Partnering with modeling firms and groups like IAB helps standardize data delivery and elevate audio’s role.
• Advocacy and education: Educating clients and agencies on audio’s long-term brand impact beyond short-term ROI.

“The quality of data we feed into MMM models today will define audio’s future. If we deliver better, more precise data, we shift from being undervalued to getting our fair share of investment.”

Getting Audio & Podcasts on the Media Plan

Joe then welcomed Matt Shapo, Director of Digital Audio and Video at IAB, to the stage to discuss the impact of MMM on audio ads. Together, they emphasized the need for better data, cross-channel collaboration, and advertiser education to enhance audio’s representation. They highlighted how outdated measurement methods contribute to underinvestment and explained how emerging technology and strategic partnerships are driving more accurate measurement and increased ad spend.

• Industry collaboration: An IAB working group was created to align audio with MMM frameworks and ensure fair measurement. 
• Underinvestment in audio: Many advertisers assume audio is hard to measure, leading to lower budget allocations despite its effectiveness. 
• Data quality and measurement gaps: Audio often gets grouped incorrectly with other media, misrepresenting its impact and ROI. 
• Refining education: The conversation around MMM must evolve from general measurement education to technical data accuracy and integration. 

“The new frontier is making sure that the inputs are right. It’s no longer just about proving audio’s value—it’s about ensuring audio is properly measured so we can unlock its full potential.” –Matt Shapo

Customer First: Driving Engagement, Value, and Satisfaction

Kate Vitt, Vice President of Product Operations & Customer Success at AdsWizz, and Mircea Jianu, Senior Director of Global Customer Support, wrapped up the event with a session on customer success strategies aimed at boosting engagement, value, and satisfaction. They emphasized investments in support infrastructure, proactive engagement, tailored solutions, and data-driven insights to enhance service quality.

• Comprehensive support model: The AdsWizz team has built a 360-degree customer support structure integrating technical account managers, solution engineers, programmatic operations, and audience data teams to provide specialized assistance. 
• Expanding customer education & knowledge resources: The knowledge base has been expanded in the past year, and engagement nearly doubled, ensuring customers have on-demand access to best practices and troubleshooting. 
• Leveraging net promoter score (NPS) for continuous improvement: Feedback from NPS surveys directly shapes priorities, including platform updates, support enhancements, and summit content. 
• Proactive & tailored customer success approach: Customers receive more customized support, including product managers and support teams joining QBRs, ensuring a more strategic and personalized experience. 
• Enhancing product usability & support tools: The team is reimagining every customer touchpoint from onboarding to troubleshooting, integrating real-time assistance and automation tools to streamline issue resolution. 

“Customer success is built on strong partnerships and excellent products that truly meet market needs. We’re committed to evolving alongside you, ensuring every interaction adds value to your business.” –Kate Vitt

Next Steps: Get Involved and Stay Ahead!

The AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit highlighted the transformative power of digital audio in modern advertising. From breakthroughs in programmatic technology to innovations in podcast monetization, the audio landscape continues its meteoric climb. Leading this evolution, AdsWizz continues to empower publishers to drive the future of audio—bolder, smarter, and more influential than ever.

Want to maximize your digital audio monetization? Contact us to explore the latest innovations.

The post AdsWizz Global Publisher Summit Recap Day 2 appeared first on AdsWizz.

Why Brand Safety is Essential

As audio publishers embrace advanced adtech and brand safety solutions, advertisers can reach their target audiences with confidence—without compromising security or content suitability. This evolution is transforming digital audio into a more dynamic and impactful medium for advertisers.

As Franz Bernstein, VP of Ad Product at SiriusXM Media & AdsWizz, explains in The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025, ensuring ads appear in the right environments is key to fostering deeper, more authentic connections between brands and listeners:

“We’re redefining audio as a versatile and powerful pillar of digital engagement. It’s no longer just about delivering ads—it’s about reaching listeners wherever they are with personalized, contextually relevant, and privacy-first experiences. By adapting to audience environments and prioritizing brand safety, audio now fosters deeper, more authentic connections—turning every moment into an opportunity for meaningful impact.”

This shift toward privacy-first, contextually relevant experiences is only possible when advertisers have control over where their ads appear. Without strong safety measures, ads risk being placed alongside misaligned or inappropriate content, undermining both trust and effectiveness.

Key Benefits of Brand Safety

• Brand safety ensures ads appear in contextually appropriate environments.
• Advanced verification tools help brands reach real, engaged audiences.
• Real-time transparency allows advertisers to monitor ad placements and performance.

Why Advertisers Are Demanding More Control

The stakes are high for brands investing in digital audio. Unlike other media, audio often delivers intimate, one-on-one engagement with listeners, making alignment with brand values even more critical. However, traditional brand safety measures—such as broad keyword blocking or avoiding entire content categories—have often limited advertisers’ reach.

With more comprehensive brand safety solutions available, brands can confidently place ads in contextually relevant environments that support both brand image and campaign performance.

Next-Generation Audio Adtech: Transparency and Protection

Cutting-edge audio adtech is giving advertisers unprecedented control, providing real-time transparency into where ads are running and how they’re performing. These features eliminate guesswork, ensuring campaigns reach real, engaged audiences.

• Instant tracking: Advertisers see real-time data on ad placements and performance.
• Fraud prevention: Invalid Traffic (IVT) filtering helps block bots, fake traffic, and fraudulent domains before they cause harm.
• Smarter targeting: Improved contextual intelligence ensures ads appear in brand-safe environments without restricting reach.

By purchasing inventory through secure marketplaces like the AdsWizz Marketplace, advertisers can connect with verified audiences, protecting both their ad budgets and brand reputation.

The Future of Audio Advertising is Built on Trust

With growing brand safety solutions, real-time transparency, and advanced fraud prevention, advertisers no longer have to choose between security and scale. The rise of real-time verification, suitability controls, and bot filtering is fueling greater confidence, allowing brands to invest in audio with trust and precision.

Why This Matters for Advertisers

• More secure placements: Ads appear in suitable, fraud-free environments.
• Higher engagement: Reaching real audiences leads to better campaign performance.
• Stronger brand reputation: Avoiding unsafe placements enhances trust and credibility.

As the industry continues to evolve, these advancements are making digital audio one of the most reliable, effective, and impactful advertising channels today.

Want to Dive Deeper into the Future of Audio Adtech? 

Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 for the latest insights on brand safety, transparency, and the innovations shaping digital audio.

by Catalin Georgescu, Senior Product Marketing Manager

The post How Brand Safety Can Make or Break Your Digital Audio Ad Strategy appeared first on AdsWizz.

From morning podcasts to curated playlists, audio is integral to daily life – shaping how we connect, unwind, and stay informed. For brands, that means one thing: if programmatic audio isn’t already part of your advertising strategy, you need to catch up.

The post How Programmatic Audio is Revolutionizing Brand Engagement appeared first on AdsWizz.

As outlined in The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025, digital audio advertising offers so much more than placing ads in a linear stream. It’s about meeting listeners where they are through podcasts, music streaming, gaming, and even social media to create cohesive, multi-platform experiences that resonate.

Why Publishers and Advertisers Need to Go Omnichannel

With 31% of weekly podcast listeners tuning in via YouTube, it’s clear that audiences are consuming content across channels. In fact, 84% of Gen Z podcast listeners prefer podcasts with a video component, and 45% seek additional content from hosts on YouTube and social media, according to a SiriusXM Media Podsurvey User Study. Consumers now crave deeper connections and richer storytelling, making cross-platform engagement essential.

For brands, this shift is an opportunity. By blending audio with video, social media, and interactive elements, advertisers and publishers can create engaging, multi-dimensional experiences. The key is to connect with audiences in ways that resonate, using dynamic ads, hybrid formats, and interactive storytelling to capture attention across platforms.

Additionally, contextual targeting enables brands to reach listeners in the most relevant moments—whether they’re tuning in to a workout playlist, an industry-specific podcast, or a news briefing—maximizing the impact of ads and driving deeper engagement.

To thrive, brands must think bigger, adapt faster, and embrace new engagement strategies. Those that do will foster deeper connections, drive greater loyalty, and stay ahead of the competition. As audiences continue to demand richer, more interactive experiences, publishers and advertisers must move beyond traditional approaches—actively integrating new strategies and technologies to stay ahead.

Adapting to the New Audio Ad Landscape

To capitalize on these opportunities and adapt to evolving audience behaviors, brands and advertisers must embrace strategies that align with omnichannel consumption trends. By leveraging innovative tools, they can create personalized, immersive campaigns that genuinely resonate with today’s consumers—driving deeper engagement and delivering measurable results.

Key innovations unlocking new opportunities:

• Second screen retargeting: Reinforce your audio messages. Second Screen Retargeting combines the power of audio with display advertising, ensuring that listeners who hear an ad receive a follow-up visual ad on the web within two days. In a campaign AdsWizz ran with MedExpress, Second Screen Retargeting helped achieve a 0.63% click-through rate (CTR), a 37% increase compared to the industry average, leading to over 1.2 million second-screen impressions.
• AudioPixel for real-time insights: Measuring audio engagement has never been more precise. AudioPixel connects ad exposure to consumer actions, tracking whether users visit websites or make purchases—providing advertisers with actionable insights into demographic, geographic, and behavioral trends. For example, Hyundai leveraged AudioPixel to track engagement for its IONIQ 6 EV campaign, resulting in 8,000+ leads, a 6.3% companion banner CTR, and a 1.3% conversion rate from in-game audio to test drives.
• Voice-activated ads for effortless interactions: Voice-activated ads enable seamless brand interactions via smart speakers and assistants, making it easy to redeem offers, book services, or explore products. These ads encourage interaction to drive instant engagement, transforming digital audio advertising. Lagardère Publicité News leveraged AdsWizz Voice Ads on Europe 1, allowing listeners to interact via voice commands to redeem offers, book services, or download apps effortlessly. The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourisme campaign achieved a 97% listener-through rate, showcasing the power of voice-activated engagement.
  

The Future of Digital Audio Advertising Starts Now

The future of digital audio advertising is already here. Brands that embrace more channels, advanced formats, and interactive experiences will be the ones that truly connect with audiences. Innovation is transforming passive listening into measurable engagement. As digital audio expands across platforms, now is the time to leverage cutting-edge adtech to foster stronger, more engaging relationships with audiences.

Want to dive deeper into this and the latest audio adtech trends for 2025 (and beyond)?

Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 to stay ahead of the curve and maximize your digital audio strategy!

by Nicoleta Vieru, Senior Staff Product Marketing Manager

The post Grow Your Digital Audio Advertising with More Channels and Formats appeared first on AdsWizz.

Beyond the Basics: First-Party Data and Contextual Targeting in Action

The key isn’t just knowing what someone likes—it’s understanding when and how to deliver a message that resonates and creates meaningful connections. Instead of relying on broad strokes, brands and publishers today should harness first-party data and contextual intelligence to create and deliver hyper-targeted, privacy-compliant ad experiences. 

For example, it’s now possible to combine location targeting with weather insights for an even more focused and personal 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. By tapping into real-world context, audio ads don’t just show up at the right time—they actually make sense in the moment, feeling more like helpful tips and less like background noise.

Why First-Party Data is More Valuable than Ever

With more users opting out of traditional tracking, first-party data has become the gold standard for delivering relevant ads—without compromising privacy. Brands and publishers that leverage their own data—such as listening behavior, purchase history, and preferences—can deliver personalized messages without relying on third-party cookies.

And the impact is clear:

• 71% of brands, agencies, and publishers are expanding their first-party data strategies, moving away from their historically heavy reliance on third-party audiences.
• Brands adopting personalization have grown by 50%, with budgets increasing by 29% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
• Culturally relevant ads generate a 156% greater emotional impact, according to a study by MAGNA Media Trials and SiriusXM Media, “Challenging the ‘One & Done’ Approach: Connecting Culturally Through Digital Audio.

The best part? With first-party data, publishers regain control of all online interactions across their content. At the same time, brands can use highly relevant touchpoints for their messaging, making it a win-win for both parties. 

Contextual Targeting is Refining the Moment, Not Just the Audience

Having data is just the first step—what really matters is how you put it to work. A great ad should feel like a natural part of the experience, not something that disrupts it. Think about it: Delivering an ad for a sunrise yoga retreat to listeners streaming a meditation playlist can hit all the right notes–and feel downright serendipitous. Contextual targeting has evolved far beyond simply aligning ads with general content categories. Modern platforms now ensure ads fit the content but also the listener’s mindset and environment. With 60% of targeting dimensions on AdsWizz’s platform already contextual—based on impressions run on the platform—it’s clear that hyper-relevant messaging is the new norm.

This is where contextual targeting truly shines, allowing brands to craft hyper-relevant ads that feel seamless, timely, and genuinely useful to listeners.

Mood-based targeting

Music sets the tone for how people feel—whether that’s pumped up, chilled out, or somewhere in between. Studies show that during stressful periods, listeners actively turn to music as a coping mechanism, reinforcing the idea that audio content is deeply tied to emotional states. The AdsWizz mood library has over 60 million songs across nine mood segments, including one called Angsty—because sometimes you just need to embrace the vibe. Imagine someone blasting some Metallica, the last thing they want is a bubbly ad for cherry-flavored lipgloss. The right ad at the right time doesn’t just resonate—it respects the mood.

Weather-based targeting

Weather shapes moods, cravings, and shopping decisions. A cold, rainy Friday evening? Perfect for a cozy comfort food delivery ad. A high UV index? A well-timed reminder to grab that sunscreen. And when temperatures drop at higher altitudes, it’s the ideal moment to nudge listeners toward warm sweaters or ski boots.

Our platform updates live weather data every 60 minutes, ensuring ad messaging aligns with real-time conditions. By staying relevant in the moment, brands can personalize their approach and maximize impact—because no one wants to hear about ice-cold lemonade when they’re snowed in.

Location-based targeting

Location targeting isn’t just about hitting a city or zip code anymore—it’s about meeting listeners exactly where they are. You wouldn’t find an ad for snow boots useful when you’re sweltering at an outdoor summer concert, now would you? Our platform goes beyond standard geographic targeting with precision tools that let advertisers reach people down to a concert venue, a student campus, or even a vintage fair. With real-time data, location-based targeting makes ads feel appropriate and, most importantly, valuable. 

Podcast Contextual Targeting

Not all podcast listeners are created equal. Some are crunching finance news, others are knee-deep in true crime, and a select few are fully committed to the art of artisanal sourdough. But here’s the thing—just because someone’s tuning into a day-trading podcast doesn’t mean they’re not shopping for hiking boots.

Through our partnership with Comscore, we go beyond podcast genres to match consumer preferences with real behavioral insights. With over 300 audience segments spanning TV viewership, gaming habits, life stages, and more, you’re not just casting a wide net—you’re dropping your line exactly where the right listeners are biting.

Bringing It All Together: Smarter, More Relevant Audio Ads

The days of one-size-fits-all audio advertising are over. The real magic happens when first-party data meets contextual targeting, creating privacy-friendly, high-impact campaigns that actually make listeners pay attention—without feeling like an interruption.

The brands winning in 2025 and beyond won’t be the ones using contextual targeting at a surface level—they’ll be the ones refining it, using it dynamically, and making every impression count. If you’re not already embracing these strategies, now is the time to start.

Ready to Take Your Audio Advertising to the Next Level?

Download The State of Audio Adtech Report 2025 for more exclusive insights on the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of digital audio.

by Alexandra Ilie, Senior Product Marketing Manager

The post How First-Party Data and Contextual Targeting Are Transforming Audio Ads in 2025 appeared first on AdsWizz.

On February 11, 2025, AdsWizz Audio Days Milan brought together brands, agencies, and media professionals to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital audio advertising. Featuring market-shaping data, bold discussions, and real-world case studies, the event served as a launchpad for the future of digital audio.

If you missed out, don’t worry. We’ve got all the highlights right here!

State of the Union

 

Digital Audio Market Trends

Italy is emerging as a European leader in digital audio consumption and its fast-growing digital audio market presents a massive opportunity for brands to connect with highly engaged audiences. Andrea Lamperti, Senior Advisor at Osservatorio Internet Media, and Francesco Paolo Tarallo, Head of Partnerships and Business Development at Mediamond, took the stage to explore the key trends driving this rapid shift.

• Podcast listening has surged, with more brands investing in original podcast content to drive engagement.
• AI-driven ad personalization is making audio campaigns more precise than ever.
• With third-party data disappearing, privacy-focused targeting is becoming essential.

How Digital Audio Supercharges Multichannel Marketing

Brands that overlook audio in their marketing strategies risk losing engagement and conversions. Modern marketing isn’t about choosing between channels—it’s about seamless integration for a connected customer experience.

Moderated by Giuseppe Accardo, Senior Sales Manager at AdsWizz, this panel explored how digital audio enhances multichannel strategies, making campaigns more engaging and data-driven. The discussion reinforced that audio is no longer a standalone medium—when integrated effectively, it amplifies a brand’s entire marketing mix.

Paolo Artioli, Head of Audio at Dentsu; Sebastiano Vissani, Head of Digital Audio at OMD; and Riccardo Tacchetto, Digital Project & Campaign Manager at Officina.Tech then shared insights on how brands can leverage audio alongside other digital channels to improve engagement and maximize advertising impact.

• Digital audio boosts brand recall and engagement when paired with video, social, and display.
• Programmatic audio is unlocking hyper-targeted, personalized ad experiences.
• First-party data is now a critical asset for brands looking to maximize ad effectiveness.

Digital Audio Innovation in Action: Corona’s Game-Changing Audio Campaign

Nothing showcases the power of digital audio better than real-world success stories. AdsWizz’s Giuseppe Accardo and Nelsi Xhemalaj, Campaign Manager, Tangoo Media, took the audience through Corona’s groundbreaking campaign, which used geo-targeted audio ads to deliver real-time surf reports. 

The session demonstrated how dynamic creative optimization (DCO) is transforming personalized advertising, proving that well-timed, data-driven audio ads can create hyper-personalized experiences that deeply resonate with audiences.

• 751,000 real-time surf reports turned into engaging ad experiences.
• Geo-targeting ensured ads reached only listeners within 15km of key beaches.
• A 2% increase in brand relevance showed the power of contextually relevant, dynamic creative.

The Optimal Use of Data and Targeting: Smarter Ads, Better Engagement

As consumer expectations evolve, brands that ignore data-driven audio advertising risk falling behind. With AI and first-party data shaping the future of marketing, those who adapt now will gain a critical edge. In an era of advertising saturation, precision targeting, and real-time personalization are essential to breaking through the noise. 

Moderated by Alexandre Obino, Senior Director of Client Strategy at AdsWizz, this session explored how AI-driven insights and audience segmentation are transforming ad relevance in digital audio. Francesco Paolo Tarallo, Head of Digital Marketing at Mediamond; Christina Pianura, CEO of Audioboost; and Fabio Rastelli, Head of Digital Audio at Teamradio shared their expertise on how brands can leverage data to maximize ad effectiveness and audience engagement.

• Real-time personalization is creating audio ads that feel natural and relevant.
• Behavioral and contextual targeting are driving stronger engagement and performance.
• Voice-activated ads are paving the way for interactive, hands-free brand engagement.

Digital Evolution Between Podcasts and New Audio Ecosystems

Podcasts provide authentic, long-form engagement, making them a powerful tool in an era of fragmented attention. No longer just another media format, they have become a cornerstone of modern marketing. Fausto Amorese, Director of Marketing at Radio24, shared the latest data on podcast growth and offered insights on how brands can harness this rapidly expanding medium to build deeper connections with their audiences.

• 620+ podcasts are created every month, according to Radio 24 podcasts available on its website, app, and major on-demand platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
• 8.5 million monthly listening sessions show sustained engagement, based on a combination of websites, apps, and third-party platforms.
• 19 million+ monthly audio ad impressions prove brands are doubling down on podcast ads.

Measuring Audio’s Real Impact: Brand Lift & Attribution

With advanced attribution tools, brands can now track engagement, conversions, and overall campaign performance with unprecedented precision. Measuring the impact of audio ads has long been a challenge, but innovations in attribution are changing that. AdsWizz’s Giuseppe Accardo and Alexandre Obino showcased how brands like Mazda and Kraken are leveraging AudioPixel and Veritonic to measure campaign effectiveness and prove ROI.

• Mazda’s campaign increased website visits by 293%.
• Kraken’s podcast ads boosted brand awareness by 17%.

Navigating the Sonic Identity Space

Privacy regulations are constantly evolving, requiring the industry to push beyond its comfort zone to stay innovative. Moderated by Morgane Peron, Director of Audience Data Operations at AdsWizz, this panel explored how organizations address privacy, compliance, and industry-wide collaboration to provide customer-centric solutions for publishers, buyers, and demand-side platforms. The discussion highlighted the importance of leveraging technology partners for streamlined compliance.

The panel featured Leone Fossati, Head of Solutions at UTIQ; Francesca Gabaglio, Addressable Strategy and Audience Lead at Kinesso; Davide Rosamilia, Vice President of Product at ID5; and Tommaso Scudiero, Lead Associate Account Director at The Trade Desk. Together, the group led an engaging conversation on privacy, technology, and omnichannel strategies for reaching audiences across multiple devices.

• Continued collaboration in the industry will be key to providing advanced strategies with 100% compliance to allow various partners (publishers, buyers, demand side) to achieve their goals.
• As audiences continue to engage in multiple ways across multiple devices, fully compliant, unified strategies are necessary to reach larger audiences across different channels and target at scale.
• First-party data is more important than ever. We need to create and maintain an environment that makes data transmission a seamless, fully compliant, and efficient experience on all sides.

Reflecting on AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025

AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025 showcased just how fast digital audio is evolving—and the opportunities it’s creating for brands, agencies, and publishers alike. From DCO to data identity solutions and podcast storytelling, one thing is clear: Audio is no longer just a supporting player in marketing—it’s leading the conversation. The future of audio is now—are you listening?

A huge thank you to all the speakers, panelists, and attendees who made AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025 an unforgettable experience.

by Aimi Knowling, Senior Manager, Sales Marketing

What’s Next?

• Want to dive deeper into AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025? Check out the presentation slides here.
• Looking to take your audio strategy to the next level? Reach out today and see how our platforms can enhance your campaigns!
• Stay tuned for upcoming events, content, and innovations from AdsWizz. Don’t forget to sign up for Frequency, our monthly newsletter. 
• Did you know we released a new industry report? Download The State of Audio Adech Report 2025.

The post AdsWizz Audio Days Milan 2025 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.

Check out this latest piece published in The Drum by Daniel Einhorn, Senior Manager, Content Marketing!

With digital audio advertising spending in North America projected to hit $9 billion by 2028, the medium’s rapid expansion and disruptive potential are undeniable. Audio is no longer just growing; it has become a transformative force in how brands connect with audiences.

The post How Audio Advertising is Redefining Marketing in 2025 (and Beyond) appeared first on AdsWizz.

Audio advertising is revolutionizing how brands connect with audiences. In 2025, this vibrant space continues to inspire marketers to move beyond traditional strategies and embrace its disruptive potential. With digital audio advertising spending in North America projected to hit $8 billion by 2028, the medium’s rapid expansion and influence are undeniable.

This momentum was exemplified at CES 2025, where AdsWizz and SiriusXM Media took center stage, showcasing the transformative potential of digital audio. By unveiling cutting-edge features and sharing groundbreaking insights on multicultural targeting, we’ve set new standards in innovation, engaging brands and publishers eager to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Anne Frisbie on Shaping the Future of Digital Audio

AdsWizz’s Head of Global Business Development, Anne Frisbie, joined host, James Kotecki in the CES Studio to dive into what makes digital audio so impactful today and how AdsWizz is shaping its future.

Check out this video for the full interview

Showcasing AdsWizz Innovations

AdsWizz unveiled innovations in its suite that are revolutionizing digital audio advertising—empowering brands to connect with diverse audiences, optimize programmatic demand, and ensure brand safety. Let’s explore how this cutting-edge adtech is shaping the future!

The Power of Multicultural Targeting

We highlighted the incredible potential of reaching multicultural audiences. Why? Because the impact is undeniable, with $5.6 trillion in spending power in the U.S. ready to be unlocked. 

• 78% of Black podcast listeners are more likely to buy a product advertised on a culturally relevant show
• 45% of Asian American listeners prefer ads that reflect their identity
• 76% of Hispanic listeners feel pride and empowerment when they see positive Latino representation in media

Predictive Audiences, powered by Comscore, revolutionizes multicultural targeting by enabling advanced segmentation rooted in behavioral and cultural relevance. This cutting-edge solution empowers brands to deliver tailored messages that truly resonate with diverse communities. Using privacy-friendly contextual signals, Comscore Predictive Audiences helps brands seamlessly target audiences by focusing on the content where they over-index, rather than relying on traditional identifiers. 

Whether reaching Asian, Black/African American, or Hispanic audiences, this partnership provides future-proof podcast targeting with access to over 300 audience segments across categories such as TV viewership, shopping habits, gaming behavior, location-based insights, and more.

AudioMax: Manage All Programmatic Demand in One Platform

With AudioMax SSP, AdsWizz brings publishers and podcasters a seamless way to take control of their programmatic ad inventory. This cutting-edge, audio-native SSP connects to 80% of global demand sources, consolidating and optimizing deals across DSPs, agency trading desks, and ad exchanges.¹ 

Publishers can maximize efficiency with tools that streamline yield strategies, block unwanted categories, and apply advanced frequency capping to improve the listener experience. Plus, the ability to preview multi-format ad creatives before approval ensures every campaign meets the highest standards. With AudioMax SSP, managing programmatic demand is not a challenge, but an opportunity for growth.

AudioMatic: Plan, Buy, Measure, and Optimize

AdsWizz’s AudioMatic DSP is not just a tool—it’s the ultimate partner for executing effective audio campaigns. Designed for agencies and brands, AudioMatic provides a single platform to plan, buy, measure, and optimize campaigns. From targeting audiences by behavior, language, and genre to leveraging predictive inventory forecasting, AudioMatic DSP ensures advertisers can connect with listeners in the most meaningful way. 

The platform simplifies access to premium inventory, making it easier than ever to deliver high-performing campaigns that align with advertiser goals. AudioMatic DSP takes the guesswork out of digital audio advertising, so advertisers can focus on reaching and engaging audiences.

Brand Safety: Protecting Reputations, One Ad at a Time

At AdsWizz, we understand that where ads appear is just as important as the message they convey. That’s why we also underscored our brand safety tools designed to protect brands from being associated with harmful or misaligned content, safeguarding their integrity and reputation.

Our advanced features allow advertisers to block specific audience categories, publishers, IAB content segments, or topics, ensuring precise alignment with their values and target audiences. With AI transcription technology, advertisers gain deep insights into podcast content, while Invalid Traffic Filtering (IVT), powered by our partnership with HUMAN Security, ensures campaigns reach real people—not bots.

Looking Ahead

At CES 2025, AdsWizz reaffirmed our commitment to shaping the future of digital audio advertising. Through groundbreaking innovations in multicultural targeting, programmatic solutions, and brand safety, we’re empowering brands and publishers to connect with audiences like never before.

• Ready to amplify your audio strategy? Contact us today to discover how our platforms can elevate your campaigns!
• Also take a look at this recap of CES 2025, shared from the perspective of our sister company, SiriusXM Media!
• That’s not it! Check out some cool pics from the SiriusXM experience at CES 2025 below!

¹AdsWizz Internal Data as of March 2024.

The post AdsWizz at CES 2025 Recap appeared first on AdsWizz.