101: Advertising on
Streaming Services
& CTV

Learn how Connected TV and streaming ads work, and how brands use them to reach the right audience at scale.

From Linear TV to Addressable TV: A New Era of Advertising

For decades, television advertising followed a simple model: one ad broadcast to millions of viewers at the same time, no matter who they were. This is known as linear TV. While effective for mass reach, it lacked precision. Everyone watching a show saw the same commercial, whether they were interested or not.

The growth of streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix, and Hulu, along with the rapid adoption of internet-connected TVs, has changed that. By delivering content over the internet to smart TVs and streaming devices, ads can now target specific households with tailored messages, just like digital ads on websites or social media.

This shift makes addressable TV advertising possible, where different viewers watching the same content on platforms or TV channels can see different ads based on their interests, demographics, or location. And AllMediaDesk as a booking platform makes exactly that possible.

What Is Connected TV (CTV) Advertising?

Connected TV advertising refers to video ads shown on TV devices within streaming content or apps on internet-connected televisions.

This includes:

  • Smart TVs
  • Gaming consoles
  • Streaming devices such as Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV

Unlike traditional TV, where everyone sees the same thing, CTV ads can be targeted, personalized, and measured, making them highly effective for both brand awareness and performance marketing.

What Is Streaming Video Advertising?

Besides ads on Connected TVs, we also offer advertisers the ability to book ads on streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Peacock, Tubi, and Pluto TV.

While connected TV is defined by the device used to watch content, streaming video advertising focuses more on where the advertising is placed. In other words, it can run on well-known streaming services and around quality content regardless of the device. Streaming video ads can also play on mobile devices or computers, while CTV is limited to the TV screen.

What Is Addressable TV Advertising?

Addressable TV advertising means showing different ads to different households, even during the same show, based on data such as location, interests, income, or behavior. It is one of the most significant changes in TV advertising history.

Addressable TV vs Linear TV:

Linear TVAddressable TV
Same ad to all viewersDifferent ads to different households
Broadcast modelData-driven targeting
Limited measurementAdvanced metrics and insights

CTV vs Addressable TV: What's the Difference?

While they often overlap, it is useful to distinguish:

CTV (Connected TV)

CTV (Connected TV)

The device and content environment, for example streaming via a smart TV.

VS
Addressable TV

Addressable TV

The ad strategy that uses data to target specific households.

CTV enables addressable advertising, but the two terms are not exactly the same.

What Is OTT and How Does It Relate to CTV?

OTT (Over-the-Top)

OTT (Over-the-Top)

Refers to video content delivered over the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite. Think of Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, these are OTT platforms.

VS
CTV (Connected TV)

CTV (Connected TV)

One way viewers access OTT content, specifically via televisions.

Difference Between OTT and Connected TV:

OTT = Content and platforms

OTT = Content and platforms

(for example Netflix or Hulu)

VS
CTV = Devices used to watch OTT on a TV screen

CTV = Devices used to watch OTT on a TV screen

(for example Smart TVs or Roku)

That is why you often see terms like CTV OTT, CTV advertising meaning, or OTT CTV meaning used together, they are part of the same ecosystem.

CTV in Digital Marketing

CTV has become a vital component in digital marketing strategies. It combines the big-screen impact and storytelling power of TV with the targeting, flexibility, and measurement of digital advertising.

Advertisers can:

  • Target based on age, interests, ZIP code, or device
  • Limit frequency to avoid ad fatigue
  • Measure impressions, viewability, and conversions
  • Reach cord-cutters and younger audiences who do not watch traditional TV

Why Use CTV Advertising?

Massive reach across premium content like Netflix, Disney+, and others

Massive reach across premium content like Netflix, Disney+, and others

Personalized ads shown to the right audience

Personalized ads shown to the right audience

Actionable insights to improve performance

Actionable insights to improve performance

Ease of access through platforms like AllMediaDesk's self-service tool

Easy access through platforms such as AllMediaDesk's self-service tool