2026 Connected TV Ad Spending: Costs and Factors

Antebyte is a self-serve ad platform that buys connected TV, mobile and web impressions with no minimum and shows the price of every impression.

What are typical CTV advertising CPMs?

Connected TV (CTV) advertising CPMs typically range from $20 to $80+, with some sources indicating averages around $25-$50 [1]. These figures are estimates based on late 2024 and early 2025 data. For Antebyte's self-serve platform, the average billed CPM for CTV impressions from 2026-07-03 to 2026-09-11 was $20.56 [0].

Specific app CPMs on Antebyte's rate card as of 2026-09-13 include ESPN at $26.50, Fawesome at $25.25, Pluto TV at $23.35, and FilmRise Action at $22.75. Other rates are iFood TV $21.00, Haystack News $19.95, CBS News $18.95, ViX $18.80, Fubo $18.75, KARE 11 $18.35, Telemundo $18.25, FilmRise Mystery $16.65, Bloomberg TV $15.90, LG Channels $15.85, FilmRise $15.00, Plex $14.75, FilmRise Western $14.00, and Vizio WatchFree+ $13.80. For any other CTV app, the rate is $18.00. In-app (mobile) impressions are $19.50, and web video and display are $16.50 [0].

What are the minimum spend requirements for CTV advertising?

Antebyte has no minimum spend requirement for CTV advertising [0]. Many self-serve platforms aim for accessibility, offering lower entry points than direct buys. While specific minimums for platforms like Hulu Ad Manager, Roku Ads Manager, Peacock Ad Manager, and Tubi are not publicly published, these platforms are generally designed to be accessible to a wide range of advertisers [1]. Amazon DSP for CTV also offers programmatic buying, with minimums varying based on campaign specifics and engagement with their sales team [1]. It is recommended to consult platforms directly for current minimum spend requirements.

How do different seller types affect CTV ad prices?

Different seller types, including self-serve tools, Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs), and agencies, influence CTV ad prices through their inventory access and service models [1]. Self-serve tools, like Antebyte, often provide competitive entry points, though prices can increase with advanced targeting options [1]. DSPs offer access to a broad range of inventory and advanced targeting, which can lead to higher CPMs for premium inventory and specific audience segments [1]. Agencies often use their buying power and relationships to secure favorable rates, but their services also include fees [1].

What factors influence CTV advertising costs?

Several key factors influence the price of CTV advertising [1]. Audience targeting is a primary driver, with more specific and desirable audience segments commanding higher CPMs [1]. The quality and exclusivity of inventory also play a role, as premium content and popular apps typically have higher prices [1]. Ad format and placement, such as non-skippable ads or prominent placements, can increase CPMs [1]. Seasonality and demand also affect prices; for example, prices tend to be higher during peak advertising seasons like Q4 holidays or major sporting events [1]. Platforms offering strong measurement, attribution, and reporting tools can justify higher CPMs [1]. Finally, campaign goals for high reach or specific frequency caps across a broad audience, as well as the choice between programmatic versus direct buys, can also influence pricing [1].

What is Antebyte's CTV advertising rate card?

Antebyte's rate card, as of 2026-09-13, lists specific CPMs for various CTV apps and general channel rates [0]. For example, ESPN is $26.50 CPM, Pluto TV is $23.35 CPM, and Vizio WatchFree+ is $13.80 CPM. The general CTV (any other app) rate is $18.00 CPM. Antebyte operates with no minimum spend, uses a prepaid wallet system, and allows for daily budgeting. Advertisers can view an impression log that shows the billed price for every impression [0].

Antebyte's delivery log from 2026-07-03 to 2026-09-11 shows 7,972 impressions, with 5,320 completes, resulting in a 66.7% completion rate. During this period, there were 207 clicks and delivery to 2,227 cities. By channel, CTV impressions totaled 3,553 at an average billed CPM of $20.56. In-app impressions were 2,906 at $16.98 billed, and web impressions were 1,368 at $15.53 billed [0]. Works with Claude and any MCP-compatible assistant.