WunderKIND Ads announced an integration with Yahoo DSP Thursday that will unlock scalable access to Wunderkind’s connected TV (CTV) pause ad inventory through private marketplace (PMP) deals. Wunderkind’s and Yahoo DSP’s integration delivered a 12.6% lift in purchase intent for what the announcement refers to as a “leading luxury retailer”; an almost 10% lift in brand favorability; and a 28% more cost-effective CPC than the retailer’s holiday average. Those using Yahoo DSP can now take advantage of Wunderkind’s high-performing pause ads, unlocking scalable access to formats proven to lift purchase intent, strengthen brand perception, and drive more efficient results.

The news: Global ad spend growth is slowing but staying positive, with WARC projecting a 6.2% rise to $1.16 trillion in 2025 and MAGNA forecasting a 4.9% climb to $979 billion. Retail media is outpacing linear TV for the first time, and Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon continue to control the majority of digital revenues. Measurable channels like short-form video, retail media, and ad-supported VOD are gaining ground. Our take: Amid economic pressures and trade concerns, advertisers are prioritizing performance, shifting budgets geographically and platform-wise. With elections, AI, and major global events on the horizon, platforms that prove outcomes—not impressions—will shape the next era.

Positivity pays on Pinterest: A new study determined that platforms deemed “positive” can significantly boost ad performance.

Ad revenues outlook declining amid economic uncertainty: The latest Magna ad sales forecast indicates several factors are at play in the downturn.

Pure-play advertising fuels US ad growth: Recurring events like the Olympics drive spending, but the market is steadily expanding even without them.

Study finds B2B ads lacking in creativity: Emotional appeal and humor boost effectiveness, with creative ads leading to greater brand loyalty.

Ad market growth to slow but not stop in 2023: Connected TV and retail media will drive strength in uncertain economy, per forecasts.

Worldwide ad spend soars: Total media ad spending will grow faster than anticipated this year, spurred by strong growth in digital and the rapid economic recoveries seen in countries with vaccine access.

Advertisers are embracing the popularity of connected TV by allocating more money to streaming platforms.

Ad dollars and viewers are pouring into digital video platforms as the TV industry continues to lose subscribers.

US advertisers are committing more dollars upfront for linear TV and digital video, however the percentage of digital video ads being sold programmatically continues to increase.

Over-the-top video inventory demand is very strong, but the supply of impressions is limited. This has created an opportunity for fraudsters to trick advertisers into buying inventory that does not really exist.

Out-of-home advertising is weathering the digital storm better than other legacy ad mediums. It offers measurability and continues to evolve by embracing digital technologies like automated ad buying.