YouTube getting advertiser-branded QR codes, more WNBA on YouTube TV

Abner Li | May 15 2024 - 4:50 pm PT

YouTube Brandcast is a keynote aimed at advertisers, and the 2024 edition has some announcements that viewers will certainly notice, including branded QR codes.

Be on the lookout for branded QR codes on YouTube that puts the advertiser’s logo at the center of the graphic. It can appear to the right of a video ad so that viewers can easily learn more about the product, service, etc.

YouTube TV will benefit from a Google and Scripps Sports agreement for “locally televised WNBA Friday night games on ION to be shown” on the cord-cutting service. This applies to “home and away markets of teams playing” and available to Base Plan subscribers.

YouTube TV will be the only dMVPD carrying both local and national WNBA games this season, starting May 31 and continuing through the regular season.

Another thing to be aware of is how “brands will be able to collaborate with top creators to own 100% share of voice on their channel.” These YouTube Select Creator Takeovers were first piloted at the end of 2023. It’s now being formalized and expanding.

Meanwhile, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan this week said “it’s time a creator won an Emmy” in an op-ed.

“Creators are drawing audiences on the big screen because they’re the new Hollywood. They have business strategies, writers’ rooms and production teams. They’re reimagining classic TV genres, from morning shows to sports commentary. And they’re inventing entirely new ones! You’ll see more about that tonight. Along the way, creators are redefining what we think of as “TV.” And they deserve the same acclaim as other creative professionals. I believe it’s time a creator won an Emmy.”
Neal Mohan