Scrolling through your favorite streaming service, an ad appears. But it’s not the kind you skip past without a second thought. This one feels different—simple, yet polished. It catches your attention not because it’s loud, but because it seems like it was made just for you. It’s visually striking, effortlessly personal, and completely avoids the “one-size-fits-all” vibe of traditional commercials.
You have just experienced the magic of AI-driven CTV advertising. A whole new world opens for the enterprise to reach its audiences, using innovative ways with creative ideas and cutting-edge technology to create ads more memorable, impactful, and approachable.
And the best part? It’s not just for the big players—brands of all sizes can jump in.
Here’s how it works, why it’s a game-changer, and how you can use it to take your marketing efforts to the next level.
Why CTV is a big deal for ads
Connected TV is where audiences are flocking. Unlike traditional TV, where ads are scattershot and often irrelevant, CTV lets viewers enjoy on-demand content with advertising tailored to their preferences. For brands, this is a goldmine—an opportunity to target the right people at the right time.
But here’s the catch: creating high-quality video ads for CTV hasn’t always been easy. Production costs can soar, and timelines stretch for months, leaving smaller brands feeling left out of the loop.
Enter AI. Tools like Kargo’s Narrative format simplify the process by taking a brand’s existing assets—images, audio clips, taglines—and transforming them into ready-to-launch CTV ads. No huge crews, no complicated shoots, just smart tech making things happen.
Why AI-powered ads work so well
AI-powered CTV advertising isn’t just about saving time and money (though it does that, too). It’s about delivering ads that genuinely connect with people. Here’s why this approach is so effective:
Faster, smarter production
Traditional ad production is no small feat. You’re talking about months of scripting, filming, editing, and fine-tuning. AI flips the script by taking what you already have—like a few high-quality product photos or an existing tagline—and turning it into a fully realized ad. It’s quick, efficient, and perfect for brands that need to move fast in a competitive market.
Made for today’s audience
Consumers today are tuned out by generic, mass-market ads. AI changes that by making it possible for marketers to create content that feels personalized. AI ensures that the ad feels like it is talking directly to the viewer, whatever the tone, messaging, or imagery is, increasing the chances of capturing and holding their attention.
Better results, all around
Let’s talk numbers: AI-powered ads outperform conventional campaigns, so they’re not just a neat idea. Especially among younger audiences, such as millennials, metrics like attention and engagement rates are on the rise. These ads are being remembered as well as seen.
Sierra Nevada’s AI-powered success story
Take Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, for example. The craft brewer used AI to create fresh, modern CTV ads as part of its brand refresh. Instead of going all-in on expensive production, they repurposed existing assets like photos and taglines, letting AI do the heavy lifting.
The results? Their ads didn’t just blend in—they stood out, particularly with millennials. Engagement was up, attention metrics were off the charts, and Sierra Nevada showed that you don’t need a Hollywood budget to make an impact.
What brands and entrepreneurs can learn
The beauty of AI-powered CTV advertising is that it’s not limited to big brands with deep pockets. Whether you’re running a small business or managing a startup, the same principles can apply to you. Here’s how:
Start with what you already have
No need to start from scratch. AI tools can take your existing content—photos, logos, audio—and transform it into a professional ad. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Make it personal
The days of generic messaging are over. AI lets you craft ads that speak directly to your audience’s preferences, values, and needs. When your ad feels personal, it sticks.
Focus on efficiency
For smaller brands, time and money are everything. AI makes it possible to produce high-quality ads without blowing your budget or spending months on production.
Why this is just the beginning
What’s happening in CTV right now is only the start. As AI becomes even more advanced, the possibilities for personalized, impactful advertising will grow exponentially. Imagine running campaigns where every viewer gets a unique version of your ad, tailored to their specific interests. Or launching new creative concepts in days instead of months.
This isn’t just the future of advertising—it’s happening now. Brands that embrace AI-powered tools will not only keep up with the competition but leave them in the dust.
Your next move
But here’s the real takeaway: AI-driven CTV advertising has nothing to do with big budgets and massive productions; it’s all about making real connections with your audience-targeted, personal, meaningful ads.
The answer for small business owners and entrepreneurs just starting out is simple: consider the top values of your audience, use AI to help you tell your story, and leverage your existing assets. Only those brands that truly connect—not necessarily the ones screaming the loudest—succeed in today’s marketplace.
So why wait? The tools to create the most outstanding marketing strategy are here. The audience is ready. And the possibilities are endless. Go make something amazing.
FAQ’s
How can small businesses use AI for CTV advertising?
AI tools make it easier for small businesses to create affordable, targeted ads using existing content like images and audio. It’s quick, cost-effective, and helps reach the right audience.
What’s the biggest advantage of AI in CTV ads?
AI helps you target your ideal audience more precisely, ensuring your ads feel relevant. Plus, it simplifies production, so you can focus on connecting with viewers.
How does AI improve ad results?
AI analyzes viewer behavior to deliver ads to people most likely to engage. This means better attention rates, more meaningful impressions, and smarter use of your budget.