This FAQ covers what AI creative optimization is, which tools are available, how consumers react, and how marketing teams should reorganize for the shift.

Commerce powers Netflix ads with an Amazon DSP integration that gives Netflix retail-grade targeting as CTV budgets focus on outcomes.

Spotify is scaling its programmatic push, with Ad Exchange advertisers jumping 222% as reserved buys and stronger measurement court brand budgets.

For the past several years, commerce media has been defined by proliferation: New networks, new formats, new acronyms. As the category heads into 2026, industry leaders agree that growth alone is no longer the story. What matters now is connection: Across channels, across data, and across the full customer journey.

Agentic AI is expanding across ad platforms; CES reveals acceleration in autonomous planning and optimization, even as many marketers hesitate to trust full automation.

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.

Netflix reported a strong Q3 on Tuesday, increasing revenues 17.2% YoY, in line with the forecast issued in Q2. The company stated that it is on track to double its ad revenues in 2025, claiming Q3 was its strongest quarter yet for ad sales—proving that momentum is largely being driven by Netflix’s maturing ad offerings. Marketers can capitalize on audience appetite for ad-supported tiers, but should focus their investment in platforms with proven results as less dominant connected TV (CTV) providers are likely to struggle in Q3 and beyond.

The news: Netflix is proving its power as the dominant subscription streaming platform with several recent ad wins. The streamer announced that it’s sold all of its available commercial time in preparation for its two Christmas day NFL games, also noting sponsorship deals with partners like Google and FanDuel. Our take: With its strong lead in ad revenue growth, position as the most-used subscription video service in the US, consistently low subscriber churn rate, and content strategy tailored to unique markets, Netflix is likely to continue dominating advertiser investment in connected TV.

The news: At Cannes Lions 2025, Netflix announced it has added Yahoo’s DSP to its growing list of programmatic partners, joining Google, The Trade Desk, and Microsoft. The expansion boosts flexibility for advertisers targeting Netflix’s 94 million monthly ad-tier users across 12 countries, with new capabilities for first-party data and interest-based buying. Our take: With its Ads Suite now live globally, Netflix is done crawling—it’s competing directly with YouTube and social platforms for CTV budgets. As its per-user ad revenues rebound and its content ecosystem broadens, Netflix is evolving into a full-funnel marketing platform poised to reshape premium video monetization.

Spotify rebrands ad platform, expands features: Ads Manager reflects a notable shift toward programmatic growth and expanding advertiser appeal.

Lowe’s looks to expand the reach of its retail media network: The home improvement retailer rebranded the service Lowe’s Media Network and plans to launch four new channels this year.