Ad TechIndustry TrendMay 5, 2026
IAB forecasts $82B in digital video ad spend for 2026
Digital video advertising spending, encompassing CTV, social video, and online video (including YouTube), is projected to increase by 11% in the current year, reaching $82 billion by 2026. This forecast is based on data provided by the IAB.
Key Takeaways
- Digital video ad spend is projected to grow 11% in 2026.
- The forecast puts total spending at $82 billion.
- The scope includes CTV, social video, and online video, including YouTube.
- The estimate is based on data provided by the IAB.
Why It Matters
An $82 billion forecast signals that digital video remains a large and growing ad market across CTV, social video, and online video. For streamers, the number matters because it reinforces that ad inventory sits inside a broader video budget, not a niche line item. The IAB’s split of the market also underscores how CTV competes for spend alongside YouTube and social video. The next data point to watch is how much of that $82 billion is attributed to CTV versus the other digital video categories.
Read full article at mediapost.com