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by 2Point

# Measuring CTV Incremental Reach: A Comprehensive Guide

Author: Haydn Fleming • Chief Marketing Officer

Last update: Jan 2, 2026 Reading time: 4 Minutes

Connected Television (CTV) advertising has transformed the way brands connect with audiences. As advertisers shift their focus from traditional broadcasting to more innovative platforms, understanding measuring CTV incremental reach has become crucial for maximizing campaign effectiveness. This guide explores the methodologies, benefits, and tools essential in measuring incremental reach, providing insight for brands looking to optimize their CTV strategies.

What is CTV Incremental Reach?

CTV incremental reach refers to the additional audience that a campaign can achieve through CTV platforms, beyond what can be accessed via traditional linear TV. By understanding incremental reach, advertisers can better assess the effectiveness of their campaigns and refine their strategies to achieve higher engagement.

Why Measuring Incremental Reach is Important

  • Better Audience Insights: Knowing the incremental reach helps pinpoint which segments of the audience are being engaged through CTV that would not have been reached via traditional media.
  • Resource Allocation: Understanding the performance of CTV campaigns allows brands to allocate budgets effectively, ensuring that investments yield optimal returns.
  • Formulating Strategy: Measurement can inform future advertising strategies by revealing which content types and ad placements are most effective.

Methods for Measuring Incremental Reach

To accurately measure CTV incremental reach, various methodologies can be employed. Here are some effective techniques:

1. A/B Testing

Implementing A/B testing helps in comparing the performance of campaigns directed at two different audience segments, one using CTV and the other using linear TV.

  • Control Group: Set a control group that does not receive CTV ads.
  • Test Group: Expose another group to CTV ads.
  • Measure differences in engagement and conversion rates between groups to identify incremental reach.

2. Cross-Platform Analytics

Using comprehensive analytics platforms can provide insight into viewership across different channels. These platforms can track:

  • Viewer Behavior: Understanding how viewers interact with ads on various platforms.
  • Conversion Tracking: Assessing actions taken by viewers who saw CTV ads compared to those who only saw linear TV ads.

3. Attribution Models

Attribution models help in identifying which touchpoints contribute to conversions. The most relevant models include:

  • Last Click Attribution: Gives credit to the last interaction before conversion, helping to evaluate the impact of CTV ads directly.
  • Multi-Touch Attribution: Considers multiple points of interaction, offering a more comprehensive view of how CTV fits into the overall marketing strategy.

Tools to Enhance Measurement Capabilities

Implementing effective tools can significantly improve the accuracy of measuring CTV incremental reach. Consider the following:

1. Measurement Platforms

Tools such as Nielsen, Comscore, and Roku Analytics provide essential insights into audience reach and ad performance, allowing brands to analyze viewership data effectively.

2. Data Management Platforms (DMP)

DMPs help in aggregating data from various sources, providing insights into audience demographics and preferences, which can be segmented for targeted campaigns.

3. Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM)

MMM helps evaluate the effectiveness of various marketing channels, including CTV. By adjusting according to the insights gained, marketers can better allocate resources.

Benefits of Measuring CTV Incremental Reach

Investing time and resources in measuring CTV incremental reach yields numerous benefits:

  • Enhanced Targeting: By understanding which segments of the audience are influenced by CTV, brands can further refine their targeting strategies.
  • Increased ROI: Insight into which channels produce the highest incremental reach leads to smarter budget allocation and improved campaign effectiveness.
  • Stronger Campaigns: Data-driven insights allow brands to develop stronger narratives and advertisements that resonate more effectively with audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between total reach and incremental reach in CTV?

Total reach refers to the overall audience exposed to a campaign, while incremental reach indicates the additional audience achieved through CTV that wouldn’t have been reached through other channels.

Why is it challenging to measure CTV incremental reach?

Measuring CTV incremental reach can be complex due to the fragmented nature of the media landscape, varying methodologies across platforms, and the unique audience behaviors inherent in digital environments.

How can brands improve measurement accuracy?

Brands can improve measurement accuracy by utilizing advanced attribution models, leveraging cross-platform analytics, and continuously testing various audience strategies.

Conclusion

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