The Ultimate Playbook For Summer Olympics CTV Advertising Success

The world is gearing up for the upcoming Summer Olympics, a celebration of sport and human potential that captivates billions. For marketers, this global event presents ample opportunities to reach actual people streaming the summer games. With the growing shift towards streaming services and Connected TV (CTV) platforms, there’s a new game at play. This one requires a strategic approach to successfully reach actual people during this event

By utilizing BRIDGE as a marketing partner during this year’s Olympics, you can reach out to a wide audience in a new and effective way. Advertising on CTV means you can create more customized and engaging ads, helping your brand connect better with viewers.

The Summer Olympics and the Streaming Sphere

This summer, all eyes will be on the Olympics—an event that has historically tied the world together. Consumer habits have undergone quite a change and the pandemic has only accelerated this. An overwhelming 99% of U.S. households now subscribe to at least one or more streaming services , with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+ topping the charts. Streaming services have understandably become the go-to source for entertainment, and live sports have not been immune to this transformation.

With the Tokyo Olympics being the first to be heavily streamed, concerns about traditional TV viewer engagement have sprung up. Add to that the time zone differences and it’s clear that this is the dawn of a new era for Olympic viewership.

The question now is not whether streaming will dominate the event, but rather how advertisers can best leverage this trend to ensure their campaigns connect with viewers in the most meaningful way possible.

Streaming: The New Normal for Sports Viewership

Streaming sports events is quickly becoming the new normal. High-profile examples, such as the NFL’s first-ever streaming broadcast on Peacock and the surge in streaming for various leagues during the pandemic, serve as testaments to this change.

By 2025, the number of US viewers who stream a sports event at least once a month is projected to rise to over 90 million , a leap powered by advancements in technology and a growing audience that craves the flexibility and personalization it offers.

So, what does this mean for the 2024 Summer Olympics? An unprecedented opportunity to reach audiences around the globe, but only for those who adapt their advertising strategies to the digital playing field.

Leveraging CTV Advertising: Smart Moves for a Strong Olympic Connection

Connected TV (CTV) advertising presents a new frontier for live events, such as the Olympics. Unlike traditional advertising, CTV allows for the targeting of specific households and individuals, which is crucial in delivering more relevant and impactful ads.

Smart marketers are turning to CTV because of its engagement rates, which surpass both linear TV and online video. With the impending deprecation of third-party cookies, the need for an alternative first-party people-based approach is urgent. This is where BRIDGE comes in. By working with a marketing partner like BRIDGE, you can leverage opt-in first-party data to reach actual people while they stream the most sought-after content available.

Targeting Actual Streamers with BRIDGE

BRIDGE is all about people—the actual people behind the screens. Our platform provides access to first-party audiences that are as diverse as the Summer Olympics audience itself. Marketers can build custom audiences based on a variety of categories ranging from lifestyle and demographics to interests and behaviors, ensuring your campaign is tailored specifically to the actual people most likely to engage with your brand.

Partnering with BRIDGE not only gives your business access to our people-based audience segments but also to real-time transparent reporting. You will know exactly who watched your ad and have actionable insights to help you optimize your campaign efforts. 

The Path to Olympic Advertising Excellence

With the Summer Olympics fast approaching, there’s no time to waste in preparing your CTV advertising strategy. The shift toward streaming demands agility, innovation, and precision in marketing. And in the arena of people-based CTV advertising, BRIDGE is your champion.

Our people-based, first-party audience segments will allow you to engage with actual live sports streamers. With our comprehensive solution, your path to Olympic success is clear and directed by the very people you aim to reach.

For those ready to make their mark on the Summer Olympics through CTV advertising, get in touch with us today .