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.

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.