CTV and Streaming Glossary

Few areas of the media landscape have taken the spotlight over the last year like streaming video has, fueled by increasing consumption and a wealth of new platform and content options. In June 2021, for example, streaming accounted for 27% of total TV time in the U.S., much of which is attributable to the fact that 77% of U.S. homes now have at least one connected device.

Given the growth in consumption and accompanying advertising opportunities, it’s not surprising that 60% of U.S. advertisers say they plan to shift ad dollars from linear TV to either connected TV (CTV) or over-the-top (OTT) this year. But given the breadth of the CTV universe, identifying ad opportunities isn’t always clear, and neither are many of the terms and acronyms that marketers and industry participants use, such as programmatic, CTV, OTT and advanced TV.

This glossary aggregates many of the terms and acronyms used to provide clarity amid a quickly evolving and important space in the broader media industry.

Glossary

Ad Sequencing

Ad serving method where a set of ads are shown in a predefined order i.e. creative B is shown after a user has been exposed to creative A.

Advanced TV

All non-traditional TV. It’s the umbrella term encompassing over the top, connected TV and addressable TV.

Behavioral Data

Data that represents buying and media consumption actions and habits.

Connected TV

TVs that have access to an internet connection and can stream video content. This can include smart TVs or standard TVs with a connected device (Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, etc.)

Global Frequency Capping

Ad serving feature that ensures a user is only exposed to a certain number of ads within an allotted time period.

Home Screen Ads

Static ads that sit on the home screen. They’re typically a short video or image and can feature a call to action like ‘learn more’.

In-stream Video Ads

15- to 30-second long ads that play before or during the program. They are a clever and cost- effective way to reuse your existing television ads for connected TV.

Incremental Reach

Unique audiences exposed to your ads, beyond those you are reaching via other screens or

Interactive Pre-Roll Ads

The same as in-stream video ads, except they allow the viewer to click through to a landing page. For example, if you’re advertising a movie, this type of ad could bring the viewer to a page where they could book a ticket.

Over-the-Top (OTT)

Streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV and Disney+ that can be streamed on any internet-connected device without a cable or satellite subscription.

Programmatic TV

Technology-automated and data-driven method of buying and delivering ads on linear TV.

Streaming

Streaming refers to the delivery of audio and video content to a device (phone, tablet, computer, TV) through an internet connection. Streaming content can be delivered wirelessly as well as through a wired connection.

Suppression

Utilize advanced techniques to prevent targeting someone who already bought a product or service.

Private Marketplaces (PMPs)

Customizable, invitation-only marketplaces where premium publishers make their inventory available to buyers.