BUSINESS

Tech Giants Take Over U. S. Ads: What's Next for TV?

USASat Oct 11 2025

The U.S. advertising landscape has undergone a massive shift in the last decade.

The Big Five

Five tech giants now dominate the market:

  • Meta Platforms
  • Amazon
  • Microsoft
  • Alphabet (Google's parent company)
  • ByteDance (owner of TikTok)

Back in the day, these companies had a small slice of the pie. But now, they're expected to control 65% of the market this year.

The Shrinking Traditional Market

The rest of the market is shrinking. Here's the breakdown:

  • Total U.S. ad market growth: Expected, but not from traditional media.
  • TV ads:
  • Cable TV ads: Down by 8%
  • Broadcast ads: Down by 9%
  • Total loss for linear TV: $4 billion
  • Ad-supported streaming: Gaining about $2 billion

The Digital Advantage

Why is this happening? People are spending more time online, and these tech companies excel at targeted advertising. They know what you like and show you relevant ads.

The Role of AI

AI is changing the game, making ads more effective and engaging.

The Future of TV

It's not all doom and gloom for TV. Here's what's happening:

  • Big names: Companies are bringing in stars like MrBeast to attract advertisers.
  • New formats: Microdramas are gaining traction.
  • Companies like TelevisaUnivision and Telemundo are hoping to lure back some advertising dollars.

The Big Picture

Traditional media is struggling, while digital channels are thriving. This shift has been coming for years, and it's clear that the future of advertising is digital.

But will TV make a comeback? Or will it continue to lose ground to online platforms? Only time will tell.

questions

    What role does regulatory oversight play in ensuring a balanced and fair advertising market?
    If Big Tech companies keep taking over the ad market, will we soon see ads for cat videos on the moon?
    Could the decline in traditional TV advertising be a deliberate strategy by Big Tech to control media narratives?

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