CTV & Streaming Ads: Pros, Cons, and the Real Benefits of Connected TV Advertising
Connected TV (CTV) advertising and ads on streaming services are reshaping how brands reach viewers in today’s digital landscape. As audiences move away from traditional TV and spend more time on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Freevee, and YouTube, advertisers have an exciting opportunity to deliver high-impact video messages in an environment people trust and enjoy.
With AllMediaDesk, you can easily book both CTV and streaming ads in one simple workflow using our self-service platform. No complicated media plans, no long negotiations — just high-quality, data-driven video advertising made accessible for everyone.
Below, we’ll break down the key benefits of connected TV advertising, as well as the main pros and cons of CTV and streaming advertising, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your brand.
The Benefits of CTV and Streaming Advertising
Premium Ad Environment with Brand Uplift
Whether your ad appears on a streaming platform or via a connected TV device, you’re placing it next to high-quality content from trusted publishers and entertainment brands. This premium environment adds credibility to your campaign and often results in a positive brand halo effect — viewers associate your brand with the quality content they’re watching.
Full Viewer Attention
Unlike banners or social ads that are easy to ignore, CTV and streaming ads are watched with full attention. Whether it’s a binge-worthy series or a family movie night, viewers are focused on the content — and your ad is right in front of them, often unskippable and impossible to miss.
Big Screens Create Big Impact
One of the most underrated benefits of connected TV advertising is the visual dominance. Ads are shown on large TV screens rather than mobile devices, giving your message a cinematic feel and stronger emotional impact — perfect for storytelling and brand building.
Growing Reach Across Devices and Platforms
With more streaming services offering ad-supported options, the combined reach of CTV and streaming advertising is rapidly expanding. From global players like Disney+ and Netflix to niche AVOD (ad-supported video-on-demand) platforms, your campaign can now connect with viewers across a wide range of screens and content types.
Smarter Targeting Than Traditional TV
CTV and streaming campaigns allow you to target your audience with precision. Unlike traditional TV that broadcasts to everyone, you can focus your message on exactly the right viewer at exactly the right moment.
Flexible Budgets with Impression-Based Pricing
You don’t need a massive budget to advertise on streaming services or CTV. With cost-per-impression pricing, you only pay for what’s actually viewed. This makes the channel highly accessible even for small and mid-sized brands, and ideal for testing campaigns before scaling.
The Drawbacks of CTV and Streaming Advertising
Higher CPMs Compared to Online Video
One of the few downsides is the higher cost per thousand impressions (CPM) compared to platforms like YouTube or social media. You’re paying for premium placement and high engagement — which delivers quality but may reduce overall reach for the same budget.
Limited Inventory Due to High Demand
CTV and streaming ads are in high demand. As more brands jump in, available inventory can be limited, especially for specific target audiences or during peak viewing times. That means not all campaigns get delivered as planned — and media buyers sometimes face challenges in scaling quickly.