A TV content-focused ad sales executive is now in demand for Apple TV+. With Apple’s burgeoning live sports partnerships, including Major League Soccer and MLB Friday Night Baseball, the company is already planning to increase its role in video advertising.
Apple wants to expand Apple TV+ advertising with the help of a new TV exec
As reported by Business Insider, Apple is looking for an ad sales executive for TV content. In addition to this, it is rumored that the tech giant could launch an ad-supported tier for Apple TV+, which is something that an ad executive could help with. The report says that Apple wants candidates such as Paramount Global’s chief digital advertising officer and Netflix ad sales VP Peter Naylor.
Apple TV+ is currently the only major streaming service provider without a lower-cost ad-supported tier. Its competitors Netflix and Disney launched their own ad-supported plans towards the end of 2022.
With unlimited 4K streaming for up to six family members and no advertisements or commercials, Apple TV+ costs $6.99 per month. Apple’s original content has struggled to get widespread public exposure despite receiving high praise from critics. A more affordable tier with advertisements could encourage users to watch it.
As more content means more viewers and therefore more options for ad placement, a move into advertising may be another reason for Apple to expand TV+’s “all originals” strategy. The BI report also says that the Cupertino tech giant intends to be well-represented at Cannes this year.
In November 2022, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said that Apple plans to heavily push its advertisements at Major League Soccer games, starting in 2023. The move is a part of the tech giant’s larger objective to expand its advertising business and achieve double-digit growth in revenue.
We already know that Apple plans to expand its advertisement business by displaying ads during MLS games when the season kicks off in late February. The tech giant is working closely with advertising partners and MLS sponsors to make that happen. Apple will also run ads in a dedicated subscription package, the paid Apple TV+ service, and for free in the TV app on Apple devices.
