Kick is rolling out ads — but it doesn’t care about ad revenue

Also: NBCUniversal's upfront sans Linda Yaccarino For now, Kick has no plans to introduce the pre-rolls and banner ads that are ubiquitous on rival platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Instead, it hopes to encourage brands to integrate directly into livestreamers’ content. May 16, 2023 [Why Kick is rolling out ads — even though it doesn't care about ad revenue]( As livestreaming platform Kick [introduces ads for the first time](, the platform's leaders are confident that its strong grasp on marketers' coveted 18-34 demographic will convince brands to make the jump. Additional coverage: - With hundreds of protestors outside Radio City Music Hall, media giant [NBCU held its first major event]( without its longtime head of ad sales during its annual Upfronts presentation. - Agencies who aren't already using generative AI are in the vast minority, [according to a Digiday+ Research survey](. But it's a very different story for brands — fewer than half are sold on using the technology just yet. - With more ad-free streaming platforms, more ad blocking and more consumers moving away from linear TV, marketers need to make content that will actually get people to tune in — which is where short films can come in. More in this [Digiday+ Marketing Briefing](. - TelevisaUnivision [has seen its core audience undercounted]( by measurement panels by as much as 35%, exec Donna Speciale said in the latest Digiday Podcast. - Key to success in Linda Yaccarino's new role as CEO will be [rebuilding Twitter's relationships with marketers]( who fled ever since Elon Musk took charge of the social network and controversially rolled back Twitter's earlier content moderation policies. - Ever have those days when you feel like you've worked non-stop but by the end of the day feel only a sense of dissatisfaction and weary frustration? Like, you haven't actually achieved anything? You're not alone. And guess what, [there's now a new term for it: digital debt](. Other things to know about - The buying and selling of ad inventory are ever-evolving processes, and [the companies offering these marketplaces are also changing](. Produced in partnership with Marketecture. - To ensure successful campaign execution, strategic brands see data as [the foundational piece of their operations — not a supplemental afterthought](. Sponsored by Alliant. - Misapplications of blocklists create [significant roadblocks for diverse, equitable and inclusive advertising and media](. Sponsored by Al Jazeera Media Network. Top Stories Ivy Liu [Gaming & Esports]( [Why Kick is rolling out ads — even though it doesn’t care about ad revenue]( For now, Kick has no plans to introduce the pre-rolls and banner ads that are ubiquitous on rival platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Instead, it hopes to encourage brands to integrate directly into livestreamers’ content. howdy! [Business of TV]( [NBCUniversal's upfront goes on without Linda Yaccarino, but with plenty of striking writers outside]( With hundreds of protestors outside Radio City Music Hall, media giant NBCU held its first major event without its longtime head of ad sales. [Sponsored by impact.com]( [The state of commerce content]( As publishers diversify revenue streams, they’ve found a successful and trustworthy one — commerce content. Consumers flock to it for reviews and product guidance, allowing media companies to monetize content via affiliate links and drive conversions. Advertisement howdy! [Strategizing for the Future]( [Digiday+ Research: Agencies embrace generative AI – 71% are already using it]( Agencies who aren’t already using generative AI are in the vast minority. But it’s a very different story for brands — fewer than half are sold on using the technology just yet. [Sponsored by DIRECTV ADVERTISING]( [Advertisers are taking an omnichannel approach to TV buying]( Advertisers are leveraging solutions that make the most significant impact on their business KPIs this upfronts season. howdy! [Beyond Ads]( [Marketing Briefing: Why BMW, Fender and Saint Laurent are hoping people will watch their short films — but some marketers are skeptical]( With more ad-free streaming platforms, more ad blocking and more consumers moving away from linear TV, marketers need to make content that will actually get people to tune in — which is where short films can come in. Advertisement [Sponsored by Unruly]( [Broadcasters are combining tools to tackle the new TV upfronts]( Using advanced programmatic strategies, broadcasters are tackling persistent challenges within TV buying and selling. Cross-platform planning tools, advanced self-service SSP solutions and purpose-built CTV ad servers allow broadcasters to gain flexibility, strategize more effectively and deliver a more premium experience for audiences. howdy! [Business of TV]( [TelevisaUnivision's Donna Speciale sees TV's measurement shift shoring up underrepresentation issue]( The Hispanic-centric TV network has seen its core audience undercounted by measurement panels by as much as 35%, Speciale said in the latest Digiday Podcast. howdy! [Future of Work]( [WTF is ‘digital debt’ and can AI help fix it?]( The sheer volume of digital information and communications we’re required to consume and respond to on a daily basis, is becoming overwhelming. [All Latest Stories]( You received this email because you’re a member of the Digiday community. If someone forwarded this to you, [subscribe for yourself here](#). [Unsubscribe from this newsletter or update your preferences](. I don't want to hear from Digiday anymore. 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