Digital Video Forecast and Trends Q3 2026

Private Programmatic Deals Swallow CTV Ad Buying

Download
Share
About This Report
Connected TV ad buying is shifting toward private programmatic deals as advertisers seek greater control. But fragmented buying paths, limited transparency, and mounting ad tech fees complicate the push for efficiency.
Table of Contents

Private programmatic deals dominate connected TV (CTV) advertising, offering greater control but adding complexity. Smaller advertisers are being courted. But fragmented supply paths, limited transparency, and ad tech fees challenge buyers seeking efficient CTV campaigns.

Key Question: How is programmatic CTV ad buying evolving, and what challenges do advertisers face in maximizing efficiency, transparency, and performance?

Key Stat: Programmatic direct will account for over 80% of US CTV ad spending through 2028.

authors

Ross Benes

Contributors

Rahul Chadha
Director, Report Editing
Madison Hall
Data Visualization Editor
Erika Huber
Director, Report Editing
Chris Keating
Director, Research
Kyndall Krist
Senior Copy Editor
Andrew Spink
Senior Forecasting Analyst
Matt Torpey
Senior Data Visualization Editor
Unlock Unlimited Insights with PRO+