AI + CTV in 2026
How advertisers turn streaming attention into revenue.
Waymark and AdWorldNews released AI + CTV in 2026, a real-time analysis of how connected TV (CTV) advertising is changing as streaming becomes the default TV experience. The report outlines what shifted in 2025 and what advertisers, agencies, and media sellers should prioritize in 2026.
AI + CTV in 2026 was developed through interviews with dozens of subject matter experts across streaming, CTV measurement, and AI-driven creative, combined with current industry research.
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Key Findings
CTV planning now sits inside the performance mix
Teams evaluate CTV alongside search, social, and retail media.
AI changes creative economics
Faster production makes iteration practical across audiences, formats, and placements.
Measurement readiness determines who scales.
Clear outcomes and decision rules support confident budget moves.
CRM and retail signals increasingly shape CTV decisions.
Buyers want proof tied to downstream impact.
Governance is now part of creative operations.
Simple standards and review steps enable safe AI-assisted creative at scale.
What’s in the Report
- A 2026 playbook with step-by-step actions
- A measurement-first planning structure
- Guidance for building an AI-assisted creative engine
- A readiness checklist for media, creative, and data teams
- Supporting data graphics and practitioner perspectives
