AMC’s Fearfest and the Walking Dead Premiere Expected to Draw High Viewership, Allowing Media Buyers to Reach Targeted Viewers at Scale
SpotX, the leading global video advertising and monetization platform, announced an expanded partnership with AMC to power programmatic monetization for over-the-top (OTT) video throughout the Halloween season. The weeks leading up to Halloween earn high viewership for AMC, which is the #1 cable network in October thanks to “The Walking Dead” and the annual FearFest programming event, creating a once-in-a-year opportunity for media buyers to get in on the bloodcurdling action — only through SpotX.
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Horror films began airing on AMC October 1st, with FearFest running from October 13th through October 31st. FearFest will feature 104 scary titles and 400+ hours of programming, including classics like “Halloween,” “Alien,” “Leprechaun,” and “Friday the 13th.” Season 10 of “The Walking Dead” premieres on October 6th. Viewers can access AMC programming, including FearFest and “The Walking Dead” on the AMC app and website across various OTT devices including desktop, mobile, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, and Amazon Fire.
“Last year, AMC viewership grew across digital by nearly 80% in video views and nearly 10% in reach, so this is an exciting opportunity for advertisers to reach consumers that they otherwise may not be reaching,” said David Pudjunis, director, yield management at AMC Networks. “We ultimately chose to work with SpotX because of its programmatic infrastructure, data enablement capabilities, and expert service.”
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SpotX’s global Demand Facilitation Team works to connect media buyers with premium inventory (such as AMC’s) that runs across the SpotX platform, offering brand-safe supply in both open and private marketplaces as well as access to exclusive video inventory. SpotX also advises buyers on how to purchase media efficiently on OTT/CTV, target audiences, and activate data.
“Horror content is one of the most engaging genres for audiences because of its compelling nature and ‘lean-in’ behavior it evokes in viewers,” said Mike Evans, SVP, demand facilitation at SpotX. “We are extremely proud to offer this inventory to advertisers and look forward to supporting AMC with monetization efforts throughout October and beyond.”
Historically, the fourth quarter is a busy period for AMC’s popular programming. In addition to FearFest, the network kicks off its “Best Christmas Ever” holiday content in late November which also draws significant viewership for AMC. With nearly 50% more digital video views in this time period, it aligns perfectly with what is traditionally the highest spending quarter in the digital video industry.
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