Advertising Trends Shaping 2025
The advertising world is evolving at lightning speed, but are we keeping up? Traditional media outlets are facing significant challenges, from layoffs to restructuring. Meanwhile, Big Tech is changing the game, introducing new platforms that are reshaping the way we connect with audiences.
And then thereâs AI. Itâs the buzzword everyoneâs talking about, but how are advertisers actually using it? While the promise of smarter targeting and higher conversions is enticing, the industry is still figuring out how to fully leverage AI-driven channels.
On top of all this, new players are entering the scene – companies like Apple, Amazon, Uber, and Netflix arenât just tech giants anymore; theyâre vying for ad dollars, too.
Finally, creative tech is pushing the boundaries. From AR/VR to the return of QR codes and new digital out-of-home (OOH) placements, brands now have exciting new ways to engage audiences in immersive, innovative ways.
Shaping Your 2025 Strategy
Weâve analyzed some of the data for you, and uncovered some key insights that will help shape your 2025 strategyâfrom traditional TV and sports to emerging experiential advertising opportunities.
– Digital continues to dominate consumer media habits, making a digital-first approach essential. However, maintaining a balanced strategy with a portion of the budget allocated to traditional media channels remains important.
– Social media and TV stand out as the most influential platforms across all generations. In 2025, make sure your brand is focusing on social media advertising, tailoring content and budgets to specific audience segments. An âalways-onâ TV strategyâblending traditional and digitalâwill ensure consistent visibility throughout the year and hit your target audiences at different stages of the marketing funnel.
– Live sports, particularly the NFL, continue to attract massive viewership and attention from high-income audiences. This presents a valuable opportunity to tap into this audience in a variety of ways, including TV ads, team partnerships, league or player sponsorships, OOH executions, or digital targeting based on geography.
– Reddit and YouTube are the most trusted platforms for financial information. Increasing investments in YouTube and allocating more ad spend to Reddit will effectively engage these highly active users.
Unpacking Key Advertising Opportunities
Now that weâve covered the key strategies for 2025, letâs take a look at some of the exciting new advertising opportunities that are shaping the landscape.
Generative AI is stepping into the ad game, and Perplexity AI is leading the charge. Their platformâpart search engine, part Wikipedia, part ChatGPTâoffers a fresh approach to AI-powered information. Advertisers can place images or videos next to relevant queries or even sponsor recommended questions, and to a limited extent, approve the answers to specific questions. Itâs an early look at how generative AI could reshape advertising, giving brands a chance to connect with audiences in contextually rich and engaging ways.
New Age TV is reshaping advertising. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu now offer targeted ads based on demographics and viewing history, helping brands reach niche audiences (i.e. financial news watchers). However, many high-earning households choose ad-free plans, limiting reach, and others arenât used to seeing ads alongside their streaming content. Plus, streaming ads are still new, so their effectiveness isnât fully proven. As this space evolves, itâs an opportunity worth watching.
New media platforms are shaking up the landscape, attracting engaged and loyal audiences. Channels like FA Upside and Markets Brew have built strong followings, with readers who trust their news and are more likely to take action. Alongside these, creator-led platforms are gaining traction. Influencers like Josh Brown , Guy Adami, Dan Nathan, Jeff Rose and others hold significant influence. These platforms are looking for blue-chip sponsors, especially from financial services companies, and are often open to flexible budgets and custom partnerships.
The advertising landscape in 2025 will be shaped by new technologies, evolving platforms, and creative strategies. At Vested, weâre here to help you stay ahead of the curve, adapt to these shifts and craft innovative campaigns that resonate with your audience. With the right approach, brands can thrive in this dynamic environment. Letâs start a conversation about how we can help you lead the way!
