Gracenote

Global leader in entertainment metadata and content recognition data, deeply embedded in smart TV, streaming, and broadcast ecosystems

Gracenote is a global leader in entertainment metadata and data services, providing rich content information for music, video, and sports across streaming platforms, broadcasters, pay-TV operators, and consumer electronics manufacturers. Originally founded as CDDB (Compact Disc Database) in 1993, Gracenote built its reputation by enabling CD players and music software to automatically identify and display track information. Over the years, it expanded into video metadata, sports data, and advanced content discovery solutions. Sony acquired Gracenote in 2008, and Nielsen subsequently acquired it in 2016, integrating it into its broader media measurement and data ecosystem. In the AdTech and media ecosystem, Gracenote plays a critical role by providing the foundational data layer that enables content recognition, audience segmentation, and targeted advertising. Its Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) technology is embedded in millions of smart TVs and streaming devices, allowing platforms to understand what content viewers are watching in real time. This data is invaluable for advertisers seeking to reach audiences based on viewing behavior, enabling advanced TV advertising targeting and cross-screen measurement. Gracenote's product portfolio spans video metadata (episode guides, cast, crew, ratings), music metadata (artist, album, track data), sports data (scores, schedules, statistics), and advanced data services including content IDs and audience insights. Its technology underpins major streaming services, EPGs (Electronic Program Guides), voice assistants, and smart TV interfaces worldwide. As part of Nielsen, Gracenote strengthens the company's position in connected TV measurement and addressable advertising, making it a significant player in the evolving landscape of data-driven television advertising.