Streaming TV (STV) is the hottest thing since sliced bread—or at least since people started cutting the cord. In January 2025, Nielsen reported that Streaming TV accounted for 42.6% of the time Americans spent watching TV, surpassing both cable and broadcast! Additionally, the estimated number of minutes Americans spent streaming in 2024 was said to be a whopping 12 trillion, but many local advertisers are still on the fence. But why?
To clear up the confusion (and the hesitation), we sat down with January Spring’s Streaming TV expert, Sarah Solowiej, to break down how small businesses can master the world of Streaming TV advertising.
We will address your Streaming TV barriers to entry, answer your burning Streaming questions, and help you gain confidence to start advertising on these platforms as a local business!
1. Breaking Down Barriers: How to Start Advertising on Streaming TV
Here’s the deal: if you don’t have a TV commercial, you can’t advertise on TV. No ad. No Spot. Right? No. No. And No.
“Back in the day, the cost of entry was sky-high, and finding a production team felt like searching for a unicorn,” Sarah explains. “Now, with lower costs and easier access to production tools, advertisers don’t have to break the bank to get on screen.”
January Spring offers non-AI streaming ad creative for around $1500. There are many great local creative agencies, graphic designers and freelancers equipped to build really good commercials
With these innovations, small businesses and publishers no longer have to sit on the sidelines—they can launch studio-quality ads quickly, easily, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional production methods.
Oh, and those sky-high ad spends? Hulu once required a $10,000 minimum budget, but today, small businesses have more cost-effective advertising options than ever before.
2. The Production Myth: Do I Need a Fancy TV Commercial?
Even if you’ve got a killer video ad, launching a Streaming TV campaign isn’t as easy as hitting ‘play.’ New advertisers often hit these roadblocks:
- Understanding the tech – Platforms, data, algorithms—oh my! Getting a handle on the streaming landscape can feel overwhelming.
- Managing cross-platform campaigns – Making sure your ad plays nice across Hulu, Pluto, Tubi, Netflix, and beyond.
- Handling higher CPMs – Streaming TV has a heftier price tag than some other digital ads, but strategic bundling can help advertisers get more bang for their buck.
Sarah’s advice? “Blend Streaming TV with programmatic video and display ads. It keeps costs down and expands your reach—because let’s be real, nobody wants to put all their eggs in one basket.”
3. Measuring Streaming TV ROI: How Do I Know If My Ads Are Working?
Let’s talk numbers. Unlike digital ads where you can obsess over click-through rates (CTR), Streaming TV is all about Video Completion Rate (VCR).
“We’re talking 96-100% completion rates because, well, viewers can’t skip the ads! That means eyeballs on your brand, guaranteed. But for an extra layer of measurement, pair Streaming TV with website retargeting to track engagement beyond just views.”
So don’t get hung-up on clicks. In Streaming TV, the measurement is the view. With a super-high completion rate, advertisers can feel confident their message was seen.
4. Streaming TV Cost-Effectiveness & Budgeting: Is Streaming TV Too Expensive for Small Businesses
Many local advertisers assume Streaming TV is out of their price range, but that’s not reality. It can be more cost-effective than traditional TV or even some digital formats.
“If you look at effective CPMs instead of just base CPMs, Streaming TV is often cheaper than you think,” Sarah points out. “By blending ad formats and taking advantage of added-value placements, you can get premium exposure without maxing out your budget.”
A smaller business can launch a robust Streaming TV, video and digital display program for about $3500/month in 2025.
5. Overcoming Generational Barriers
One of the biggest challenges isn’t technology or cost—it’s mindset. Many advertisers don’t believe their audience is watching Streaming TV because they don’t watch it themselves. 75% of Americans are planning to cut the cord by the end of 2025 (eMarketer). The change is now.
“The biggest hurdle I see is outdated thinking,” Sarah explains. “Decision-makers either don’t stream, don’t recognize what counts as Streaming TV, or assume no one in their town is watching. But with streaming penetration through the roof, trust me—your audience is there.”
The key? Education. Helping advertisers understand the full scope of Streaming TV is half the battle.
6. What’s Next for Local Streaming TV Advertising?
Streaming TV isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As ad costs drop and targeting improves, local businesses have more opportunities than ever to compete with the big guys.
“Highly targeted campaigns in small markets are a game-changer,” Sarah says. “With AI, machine learning, and smarter programmatic buying, even mom-and-pop shops can launch powerful ad campaigns.”
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Get in the Game
If you’ve been holding off on Streaming TV, it’s time to jump in. With the right approach—mixing in pre-roll, tracking engagement with QR codes, and educating advertisers on the evolving landscape—local businesses can make a big splash without a blockbuster budget.
Have questions about how to get started with Streaming TV advertising? We’re ready to help you shine on the big (or small) screen!