The advertising industry is undergoing significant changes as we enter 2025. Recent market movements indicate a shift towards digital advertising, with a growing emphasis on connected TV (CTV), social media, and in-store media.
According to a recent report, 83% of advertisers plan to shift their ad dollars to explore different channels and platforms in 2025, with CTV emerging as a key channel for diversifying ad spend and reaching new audiences[1]. Additionally, 61% of media experts place social media at the top of their list, while 43% expect digital video to dominate formats, particularly as it becomes more intertwined with social media[3].
The rise of in-store media is also gaining traction, with 44% of Americans feeling overlooked by advertisers and 67% frustrated by irrelevant targeted ads. As a result, retail environments are becoming the next major ad frontier, offering brand-safe contexts and direct access to shoppers making active purchase decisions[5].
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing a pivotal role in shaping the advertising industry, with 96% of advertisers saying AI will have a major or moderate impact on advertising and marketing. AI-driven solutions are being used to reduce costs, increase the speed of output, and improve contextual targeting and creative alignment[1].
However, the industry is also facing significant challenges, including brand safety concerns, ad waste, and the need for more transparent and efficient media buying processes. A recent report found that 75% of marketers globally view brand safety as more urgent now than six months ago, with only 43% confident they aren't paying for bogus impressions and clicks from non-human traffic[5].
In response to these challenges, industry leaders are prioritizing transparency, accountability, and innovation. For example, Integral Ad Science's 2025 Industry Pulse Report highlights the need for advertisers to adapt quickly to emerging trends and technologies, such as social shopping and AI-generated content[3].
Compared to previous reporting, the current state of the advertising industry is marked by a growing emphasis on digital channels, AI-driven solutions, and in-store media. The industry is also facing increased scrutiny over brand safety, ad waste, and media buying processes. As we move forward in 2025, it's clear that advertisers will need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and innovation to succeed in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Recent statistics and data from the past week include:
* 83% of advertisers plan to shift their ad dollars to explore different channels and platforms in 2025[1]
* 61% of media experts place social media at the top of their list[3]
* 43% of respondents expect digital video to dominate formats[3]
* 44% of Americans feel overlooked by advertisers, while 67% are frustrated by irrelevant targeted ads[5]
* 75% of marketers globally view brand safety as more urgent now than six months ago[5]
Overall, the advertising industry is undergoing significant changes in 2025, driven by shifts in consumer behavior, technological advancements, and evolving market trends. As the industry continues to evolve, it's clear that advertisers will need to prioritize transparency, accountability, and innovation to succeed.