CTV Ad inventory has exploded in the past year, and ad budgets have finally started to follow the eyeballs that have moved to streaming.  While its no longer the Wild West, the amount of platforms, channels and services with separate inventories and analytics has created a complex ecosystem for media buyers to navigate.  Amongst it all, who is delivering transformative results for their company and clients, and who is leading the CTV industry towards a more innovative and collaborative future? This category if for execs that are consistently innovating to connect brands to viewers in meaningful and measurable ways, via trailblazing ad products and experiences.

This award honors the exceptional executive who excelled in acquiring content and/or strategically distributing it across platforms. Whether negotiating for exclusives, diversifying content offerings, optimizing end-user pricing, or expanding partnerships, this individual demonstrated outstanding leadership in driving engagement, growth, and revenue while keeping viewers’ interests at heart. Their efforts not only navigated the complexities of content acquisition and distribution but also positioned their organization strategically for future success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

From acquisition, to engagement, to retention, marketing leaders have their hands full in this competitive environment. This award honors the executive who challenged the status quo to best elevate their brand, capture new viewers, drive tune-in, and combat churn.

From the latest in user experience and discovery, to monetization technology, and the explosion in AI and cloud based applications, the streaming television industry is currently rich with innovation.  This award is for the Technology Executive that made the most meaningful innovations and contributions to their organization, as well as the industry at large, while ultimately delighting viewers in a seamless and enjoyable way. 

The advertising industry finds itself in a very exciting era, marked by shifting consumer trends towards streaming services, presenting a growing need for innovation in viewer targeting, engagement, and measurement strategies. The Innovation in Advertising award shines a spotlight on trailblazers who have pushed the boundaries of creativity and technology in delivering, measuring, or supporting video content. Whether through pioneering ad formats, cutting-edge targeting techniques, or ingenious measurement solutions, the recipient has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in connecting brands with their audiences in the streaming space.

This accolade recognizes the visionaries who have flipped the script on how content is distributed and delivered to audiences worldwide. From game-changing advancements in content optimization to the development of ultra-low latency streaming solutions, the recipient of this award has demonstrated unparalleled expertise in ensuring seamless, high-quality viewing experiences across a myriad of devices, network conditions and live streaming. This award acknowledges their outstanding contributions in driving the evolution of streaming technology, shaping the future of digital content consumption for generations to come.

With so many different models in play, which monetization approach will prevail in 2025 and beyond? The innovation in monetization award observes the trailblazers who’ve transformed the art of turning eyeballs into revenue in the streaming realm. From spearheading new pricing models and inventive bundling packages to creating innovative ways to integrate ads seamlessly, the recipient of this award has demonstrated unequaled business savvy. Their approaches not only ensure sustainable revenue streams for content creators and platforms but also enhance the viewer experience by striking the right balance between monetization and user engagement.

This award recognizes pioneering efforts that enhance and redefine how users engage with streaming services. It celebrates forward-thinking innovations that prioritize user-centric interface and design, seamless discoverability, and immersive, personalized user experiences. With an extraordinary dedication to prioritizing viewers’ needs, this recipient demonstrates a commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional user paradigms, enriching the streaming landscape with inventive strategies that prioritize user satisfaction, accessibility, and engagement.

This accolade celebrates the marketing campaign that has successfully captivated audiences, driven engagement, and elevated brand awareness through innovative and strategic approaches. Whether through compelling storytelling, thinking outside the box content distribution, or strategic partnerships, the recipient of this award has demonstrated exceptional creativity, ingenuity, and effectiveness in reaching and resonating with target audiences. This exceptional campaign has not only generated buzz but has also fostered lasting connections with viewers, playing a key role in the growth and success of their brand.

While ad investment on CTV has come a long way over the past decade, there is more of a need than ever for agencies that are willing to innovate, collaborate and set the bar for the rest of the industry. This award goes to the agency that is the ultimate leader in CTV, embracing new ideas, formats, and/or technologies for the betterment of their clients, while helping push the streaming television industry forward towards a more efficient, measurable, and attributable future.

Now in it’s 8th year, StreamTV’s Emerging Leaders Program honors the industry’s leaders of the future. In order to qualify, nominees need to work in or provide services to the streaming television industry and be 35 years of age or younger.

The Impact Award is a celebration of those exceptional companies whose profound influence and positive contributions have significantly shaped the streaming industry. This recipient personifies the drive, ingenuity and innovation necessary to overcome the challenges presented in an ever-changing streaming landscape, ultimately driving the OTT industry forward and leaving a lasting legacy in the process.

FAST Channels have seen unprecedented growth over the last few years, and are poised to be a significant part of the streaming TV ecosystem for years to come. This category honors the channel that stood out from the crowd via it’s engagement levels, growth, creative programming, and/or other innovative strategy.

From subscription based to ad-supported and FAST, their are hundreds of platforms for viewers to choose from. In such a competitive landscape, who is making the biggest strides in not only capturing share of heart, and minds--but share of market? Who is setting the example for other platforms in the industry via content differentiation, business model, or innovation? This award honors the platform that has made the most advancements over the past 12 months, be it through strategic direction, innovation, viewer engagement, revenue, or other means of performance.