Streaming & Connected TV

Roku had a strong week, with the platform showcasing streaming momentum even as the broader CTV ad market remains competitive. The contrast with VideoAmp — which executed another round of significant layoffs — illustrates a bifurcating market: platforms with owned inventory, first-party data, and direct advertiser relationships are pulling ahead, while pure-play measurement and currency companies without sustainable revenue models are struggling to right-size. Roku's exchange business is increasingly positioned as a direct competitor to Amazon Publisher Services, Samsung Ads, and Vizio Ads in the battle for CTV supply-path dominance. Meanwhile, Netflix's exclusive deal to host a Grand Theft Auto VI preview trailer — securing a window before any other platform — underscores how premium streaming services are leveraging entertainment IP relationships to drive engagement and advertiser interest, blurring the line between content platform and marketing vehicle.