OTT Advertising Costs by Channel Type

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 the average CTV advertising costs?

The blended average U.S. Connected TV (CTV) CPM in 2026 is around $26 [1]. Most campaigns fall within the $25 to $35 range, though the full market range can span from $15 to $45 [1]. Antebyte's delivery log from July to September 2026 shows an average billed CTV CPM of $20.56 across 3,553 impressions [0]. The overall U.S. CTV ad spend is projected to reach approximately $38 billion in 2026 [1].

What is the cost of advertising on FAST platforms?

FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) platforms typically have CPMs ranging from $15 to $25 [1]. These platforms, which include services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel, offer valuable access to audiences who prefer ad-supported streaming and may not subscribe to multiple paid services [1]. The lower CPMs are attributed to a broader, more diverse audience compared to subscription-gated platforms, meaning advertisers are not paying a "premium-content tax" [1]. Antebyte's rate card includes several FAST channels, such as Pluto TV at $23.35 CPM, Vizio WatchFree+ at $13.80 CPM, Fawesome at $25.25 CPM, and FilmRise Action at $22.75 CPM [0]. Video completion rates on FAST channels are generally between 88% and 93% [1].

What is the cost of advertising on subscription-with-ads platforms?

Subscription-with-ads platforms generally command CPMs from $25 to $45 for standard programmatic placements [1]. This category includes services like Hulu, Peacock, Max, Paramount+, and Prime Video, which offer ad-supported tiers alongside ad-free options [1]. These platforms feature premium content, engaged audiences, and more sophisticated targeting capabilities [1]. For example, Antebyte's rate card lists ESPN at $26.50 CPM [0]. The ad experience is typically considered premium and brand-safe, with targeting options often more precise due to first-party data [1]. Video completion rates on premium AVOD are high, often exceeding 94% for mid-roll ads [1].

What is the cost of advertising on live TV streaming platforms?

Live TV streaming, particularly live sports, commands the highest CPMs, typically from $45 to $65 for premium direct-sold pods and live sports adjacency [1]. This segment attracts highly engaged, often unduplicated audiences due to the real-time nature of the content [1]. Advertisers pay a premium for these placements due to guaranteed viewership and heightened attention during live events [1]. U.S. TV ad spending on sports content is projected to grow by 27% from $19.5 billion to $24.8 billion through 2030 [6]. Antebyte's programmatic rates for live TV streaming channels include Fubo at $18.75 CPM, CBS News at $18.95 CPM, KARE 11 at $18.35 CPM, and Telemundo at $18.25 CPM [0]. These programmatic rates are typically lower than the premium direct-sold pods mentioned in broader market research.

What factors influence CTV advertising prices?

Several key factors influence CTV advertising prices [1]. Audience targeting and data sophistication increase CPMs when reaching specific, narrow demographic segments [1]. Content environment and quality, such as premium content or live sports, command higher rates [1]. Inventory quality and placement, like guaranteed or non-skippable ads, are more expensive [1]. The specific platform or publisher also impacts pricing based on audience size and content exclusivity [1]. Ad format, market dynamics (supply and demand), time of year, and measurement capabilities also play a role [1]. Advertisers increasingly demand site-level delivery reporting and written invalid traffic rates due to potential fraud in open programmatic environments [1].

What are the minimum spends for self-serve CTV advertising platforms?

Hulu Ad Manager requires a minimum spend of $500 per campaign [1]. Roku Ads Manager campaigns can launch with a $500 minimum [1]. Peacock Ad Manager has a variable minimum, but some aggregators offer access from $50 [1]. Tubi has no strict minimum if using platforms like Vibe.co, allowing campaigns to start with a modest budget, or $30 per day through programmatic platforms [1]. Amazon Streaming TV ads via the Amazon Ads console require no minimum spend [1]. Antebyte also has no minimum spend for campaigns [0]. Works with Claude and any MCP-compatible assistant.