Remember when TV ads ruled the marketing world? Those days are fading fast. With over 60% of Gen Z and 55% of Millennials swapping traditional TV for streaming giants like Netflix and YouTube, the rules of engagement have changed. But this shift isn’t just shaking things up – it’s opening new doors. Streaming platforms are rolling out fresh, hyper-targeted ad opportunities, and savvy retailers are already rewriting the playbook to keep up.
Why Traditional TV Advertising Is Losing Its Punch
The days of gathering around the TV for prime-time ads are fading fast. Audiences now watch on their own terms: on-demand, across multiple devices, and often without a single ad break. Instead of passively sitting through commercials, they’re skipping, scrolling, or tuning into platforms where ads are either minimal or seamlessly integrated.
Traditional TV ads are struggling to hold attention in a world where viewers expect personalization, interactivity, and choice. Why wait for a scheduled show when entire seasons are available on demand? Streaming platforms have redefined entertainment, producing exclusive, high-quality content that rivals Hollywood blockbusters.
Learn everything you need to know about the new advertising tastemakers in the From Amazon Prime to Roblox: How New Platforms Are Supercharging Retail Advertising white paper.
Some streaming services have even introduced interactive formats, blurring the lines between watching and playing. It’s no surprise that streaming hit a record 43.3% of total TV and video usage by December 2024, surpassing traditional broadcast and cable.
Gaming platforms offer a similar appeal. Thanks to a high level of control, users can shape their experience in real time. The message is clear: audiences want more autonomy, engagement, and content on their terms – which goes against the static nature of traditional, linear TV programs.
For brands, that means one thing: it’s time to rethink where and how to connect with today’s consumers.
Creativity and Personalization: The New Advertising Powerhouses
One-size-fits-all ads just don’t cut it anymore. Today’s audiences expect ad experiences that feel relevant, engaging, and seamlessly integrated into the content they consume. Whether it’s interactive storytelling on streaming platforms, tailored product recommendations based on user behavior, or creative in-game integrations, the future of retail advertising belongs to brands that prioritize relevance and personalization.
New Advertising Platforms, New Rules: How Retail Brands Are Adapting
Successful enterprise retail has always been about meeting consumers where they are – and where they’re entertained. The future of retail is no different. Even more so, audiences today expect seamless, engaging brand experiences that fit naturally into their digital worlds.
From Passive Viewing to Active Participation
New platforms are powerful for brands because they encourage user participation. This organic interaction is key to a platform’s success. This includes:
- Immersive brand experiences: Advertising on gaming platforms, such as Roblox collaborations with brands use virtual stores, branded game features, and limited-edition digital merch to allow users to engage with brands in a way that feels fun and rewarding.
- Hyper-personalization through data: Streaming services, such as Netflix’s advertising campaigns, use vast amounts of viewer data to ensure advertising feels less like a disruption and more like a tailored recommendation. Brands integrate seamlessly into content, making marketing feel more like storytelling.
- Community-driven engagement: Promoting your advertising collabs platforms like Twitch allows audiences to engage, react, and participate in real time.
Curious about how top brands are thriving on new platforms?
Download the white paper, From Amazon Prime to Roblox: How New Platforms Are Supercharging Retail Advertising
Are You Ready for the Future of Retail?
Retail is evolving, and traditional ads alone won’t cut it. To stay ahead, brands must move beyond passive ads, leverage data and AI for hyper-personalized storytelling, and seamlessly integrate into entertainment. The brands that adapt quickly and embrace innovation will shape the future of retail – are you ready?
Want to stay ahead of the curve?
Download our streaming white paper and get ready to revolutionize your retail strategy.