Let’s paint a picture: you’re running a small business, and your social media is on fire. Your Facebook ads are the talk of the town, your TikToks are going viral, and your Instagram photos are getting bookmarked left and right. You know you’ve got content that works for your audience. But you start to wonder how you could leverage this success. How do you go from dominating small screens to making an impact on the biggest screen in the house—the TV?
This is exactly where Roku and Spaceback step in, rewriting the rulebook on what it takes to create and run TV ads. By making it easier than ever for brands to bring their social media magic to connected TV (CTV), they’re helping businesses punch above their weight. And the results? They’re nothing short of transformative. Let’s break it all down and see how this partnership is paving the way for a new era of advertising—and what you can learn from it.
Taking social content to the big screen
Roku, the streaming giant, has teamed up with Spaceback, a platform that specializes in repurposing social media content for TV. Think of it as a creative shortcut. Instead of spending months and thousands of dollars producing a traditional TV commercial, you can take that TikTok video your audience already loves and turn it into a polished, TV-ready ad in no time.
Here’s the kicker: Roku is covering the cost of using Spaceback through the first quarter of 2025 for advertisers running campaigns on their Ads Manager platform. Not only is it a freebie, but it’s also kind of a bold move: empowering smaller companies that would have otherwise thought TV ads were just out of their league. Roku is opening up CTV to brands that had previously tested only social media by lowering the creative and budgetary hurdles.
Why this move is brilliant
Let’s talk about why this strategy is so smart. For years, TV advertising was dominated by big-budget brands—think Super Bowl commercials and glossy product placements. But streaming has changed everything. Today, viewers are watching more CTV than ever, and advertisers are catching on.
Roku’s approach isn’t just about selling ad space; it’s about solving a problem. They’ve realized that most firms lack the resources to repurpose social media content for television, even though it’s often really great at arresting people’s attention. Roku is bridging those two worlds with Spaceback. “You don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” they say. Together, we can expand on what is already working.
This strategy works because it taps into something we’ve all seen: the power of familiarity. If your audience already loves your content on social media, they’re more likely to connect with it on TV. It’s about meeting people where they are—whether they’re scrolling on their phone or streaming their favorite show.
Early wins for brands
The proof is in the pudding—or in this case, the data. Brands that have jumped on this opportunity are already seeing impressive results. One brand says that people who viewed their Spaceback creative on Roku spent three times as much time on their website compared to users who came through other paid media. That’s not just nice—that’s revolutionary.
What’s even better? It is not only for the big players.
Small and medium-sized businesses are finding their footing in a space they never thought they’d be able to afford. By repurposing existing social content, they’re cutting down on costs, saving time, and driving real results.
What other businesses can learn
So, what does this mean for brands and entrepreneurs outside the streaming world? A lot, actually. Roku and Spaceback’s partnership offers some powerful lessons for anyone looking to level up their marketing strategy:
1. Work smarter, not harder
It’s not always necessary to start at the beginning. Examine what is already effective, such as a well-received email campaign, a blog post that has gained popularity, or a viral video, and look for ways to make it more widely known.
2. Break down barriers
Roku’s move to slash creative costs is a great reminder that reducing barriers to entry can pay big dividends. Think about how you can make it easier for consumers to engage with your business, whether through free trials, simplifying processes, or making prices more transparent and accessible.
3. Meet your audience where they are
Roku knows their audience is split between social media and streaming platforms, so they’ve created a way to bridge the two. For your brand, this might mean doubling down on the platforms where your customers spend the most time or finding ways to connect across different channels.
4. Focus on what solves a problem
Fundamentally, Roku’s is all about finding a practical solution for advertising rather than selling fancy features. Step back and assess the challenges your clients are facing. How can you present your service or product as the answer?
The future of advertising is here
Roku’s partnership with Spaceback isn’t just a clever marketing move; it’s a glimpse into the future of advertising. As tools like these become more accessible, the playing field is leveling. Small businesses no longer have to settle for less—they can compete with the big guys, reaching audiences in ways that were once out of reach.
For brands and entrepreneurs, the takeaway is clear: innovation doesn’t always mean creating something new. Sometimes, it’s about taking what you already have and finding new ways to use it. Roku and Spaceback are proving that with the right tools, the right mindset, and a little creativity, the possibilities are endless.
So, the next time you’re scrolling through your social media feed, think about this: what if that post, that video, that ad wasn’t just on a phone screen? What if it was on TV? With the right strategy, it could be. And who knows? It might just be the thing that takes your business to the next level.
FAQ’s
1. How can small businesses repurpose content for TV ads?
Adapt your most successful YouTube videos or social media posts to television. It’s a super easy way to reach an extended audience without having to start fresh with new content.
2. What’s a budget-friendly way for small businesses to get into TV advertising?
Look to regional television networks or streaming services. These allow you to effectively target your audience without going over budget and are often more affordably priced.
3. Why should businesses combine TV and digital advertising?
A mix of digital and television produces a message that is continued organically across all platforms, reaching more people and retaining viewers at any point.