Advertisers prioritise video as digital ad spend grows 5% in H1 2023

The data shows that investment in digital advertising remained resilient at £13.8 billion in H1 2023 - a year-on-year increase of 5% despite the volatility of the UK's economy. 

Spend on video ads saw the strongest growth - up 11% - as advertisers increasingly harnessed the brand building potential of the format. The growth in spend is in line with the popularity of short-form video content, with Ofcom’s Media Nations report showing that over a third of UK adults watch short-form online videos daily, rising to 68% of 15-24 year olds. Overall, spend on display formats (including both video and non-video) grew by 8% year-on-year. 

Meanwhile, search ads continued to attract the lion’s share of investment, accounting for 50% of the total market. The category grew 5%, attracting nearly £7 billion across the first six months of 2023. 

Classified ads were the only format to see spend decline with a fall of 13%, although this is markedly less sharp than the 21% fall seen in H1 2022. When it comes to split by device, spend on mobile ads grew by 9% with non-mobile formats remaining flat. 

Commenting on the results, Jon Mew, IAB UK’s CEO, said: “The results we’ve released today reflect two things – that the digital ad market isn’t immune to wider economic pressures, but also that it’s repeatedly resilient in the face of challenging circumstances. Over the years, we have become used to seeing extremely strong growth and there is no getting away from the fact that spend has slowed so far this year. And yet the industry is still growing despite the UK’s soaring inflation, the threat of recession, and the impact of structural changes - such as the removal of IDFA. 

“It’s particularly encouraging that video formats are seeing strong investment. Advertisers are increasingly harnessing the creative power of digital channels to bring campaigns to life and deliver long-term results, and we see this reflected in robust video investment. As we head into the final months of 2023 and the lead up to Christmas, advertisers should be doubling down on a digital-first approach to make an impact, drive results and resonate with consumers where they’re choosing to spend their time.”