3 Possibilities for Cookie Depreciation and the Future of Post-Cookie Identifiers

3 Possibilities for Cookie Depreciation and the Future of Post-Cookie Identifiers

While Google’s recent press release on the deprecation of third-party cookies offered little in the way of new information, it forced the ad tech world to face the future with a bit more clarity and perspective. Google dashed any last hopes of a silver bullet with regard to unique identifiers (I now realize there was a small part of me still hoping for a browser based Ad ID), and made it clear that they would not involve themselves in any alternative, consent-based identifier framework (though it also seems that they will not obstruct such efforts). The programmatic advertising world is facing their options having heard Google’s qualifications, but for real this time.

Three core tactics present themselves as Chrome depreciates the third-party cookie.

 

1. Consent-based, Cookie-less Identifiers and Strategies

One clear path will be to use consent-based, cookie-less identifiers. Many large players in the industry are working towards these identifiers including but not limited to LiveRamp, The Trade Desk, and Lotame. These solutions seek to preserve the framework by which the Lumascape primarily transacts programmatic advertising –identity–while sourcing identity in a privacy compliant manner. While Google clarified that they will not be investing in this type of solution, these new identity products should still work, with some caveats. The size and scale of the addressable web within the scope of these new identity products remains unknown, and the big question is, what portion of the web are advertisers willing to sacrifice in order to maintain the status quo? Quite a lot, I suspect, especially upon consideration of the investments made into DMP’s, first party data, and other countless data strategies over the years.

The typical tactics of audience targeting, re-marketing, and others will continue to work in some capacity, and agencies and brands will continue to be able to communicate those identities to DSPs and down the line for execution. The scale and addressability will all just be some amount worse, as it is now compared to a year ago, and as it was a year ago compared to the year before that.

 

google chrome no cookies

 

 

2. Google’s Proposal: FLoC Buy In

Another alternative is Google’s proposed set of solutions. The Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC) adheres to the rigors of privacy restrictions (self-imposed or otherwise) without requiring user consent. It sounds great, but there are a few trade-offs, most of which remain murky. Google claims “that advertisers can expect to see at least 95% of the conversions per dollar spent when compared to cookie-based advertising,” but the methodology with which they came to that conclusion is not transparent. Google additionally proposed that audience creation and measurement can be accomplished using FLoC; these proposals, however, remain incomplete and subject to change. The lack of clear information and plans from Google makes FLoC difficult to plan for and invest in. No one is clear about how well it’s going to work, and how much work it will take to get it to work.

We can at least say that FLoC will be one solution among three that will make a large portion of the web semi-addressable, with “semi” being a flexible and unknown qualifier for some time. Another large portion of the web (everything but Chrome) will remain non-addressable.

 

3. Just Let All These Post-Cookie Identifiers Go

While staring down the prospects of unique identity and FLoC in the future, one must ask, is it really worth it? Have we strayed too far from the light? Are all these sacrifices and efforts worth hanging on to whatever scraps are left of addressable programmatic media?

Each will have to answer that question for themselves; however, we can say that with a combination of intelligent contextual targeting with aggressive optimization based on non-identity signals, audience targeted programmatic does not have a monopoly on digital performance marketing. In fact, in the grand scheme of targetable audiences that exist in the ecosystem now, very few can justify their price against their performance. Dynamic and algorithmic optimization that goes beyond bid modifiers using non-identity signals reign supreme in performance, and letting go of identity seems like the sustainable bet.

Furthermore, while the addressable web shrinks, the rest of it goes on sale. As buyers concentrate their bidding power on those auctions where the user is known and consented, those auctions where the user is not known will have fewer bidders and ultimately lower media cost.

In the end, the smartest strategy will be one that can make the best use of all the available tools. A programmatic media plan that can work with the addressable web in the new era and understand its limitations while also testing and applying non-identity based programs will be the winner. The best planners and executors will also have a keen understanding of how their different identity and non-identity tactics will interact with their measurement and attribution solutions.

 

arthur hainline bidtellect

Arthur Hainline is the VP of Product at Bidtellect

Bidtellect Releases Generation 5.0 of Native DSP: These Are the Exact Updates

Bidtellect Releases Generation 5.0 of Native DSP: These Are the Exact Updates

This week, Bidtellect announced Generation 5.0 of its nDSP (Native Demand Side Platform). The latest generation is a culmination of at least two years of advancements that further differentiate Bidtellect from other Native and omni-channel DSPs in the industry, creating one of the most performance-driven, client-first, and brand- and privacy-safe platforms in the space.

The move to Generation 5.0 has been overseen by Chief Technology Officer, Michael Conway: “I take pride in the fact that we have defined a new level of performance within our platform that has outperformed our competitors in almost every KPI and metric when compared through head-to-head tests by our clients.”

Generation 5.0 is comprised of advancements in three main categories: Insights & Optimization, Usability, and Privacy. 

Here’s the breakdown:

Insights & Optimization: Improve Decision-Making from Placement-Level to High-Level Strategy

Bidtellect’s optimization capabilities through its IntellibidTM suite of technologies are a key component to earning maximum ROI for advertisers and informing strategic campaign decisions.To further support optimization goals and offer deeper insights for its clients, Bidtellect has released several new transparency and advanced analytics features. 

  • Pacing Visibility: Better pacing insight in the DSP 
  • CPCV10 CPCV10-New-Flat CPCV (10 seconds): A brand new bid type in the DSP, Cost per Completed 10 second View. Only pay when 10 seconds of video has completed 
  • Geo Reporting: Geo Reporting with visualization in the DSP 
  • Report Builder: Build custom reports and schedule email delivery from within the DSP 
  • PageURL Reporting
  • Native DCO (Dynamic Creative Optimization): improvements
  • Multiple Conversion Events for Optimization 
  • eCPC Optimization Goal Type: A brand new optimization goal whose objective is to achieve the least expensive cost per click for a campaign 

 

Usability: Client-First Ease of Use

In addition to optimization performance driven from placement level granularity and decision-making power, Bidtellect also prioritized usability for its clients. Generation 5.0 now provides more information and cuts down on the amount of time required to make changes to campaigns.

  • Bulk Edit / Advanced Bulk Editing: Bulk Edit Ad Types, Inventory Quality, Optimization Goals, Categories, and Audiences 
  • Audit Trail Enhancements: Better, searchable, more functional, and more complete audit trail 
  • Creative Flighting: Set start dates and end dates for individual creatives within a campaign 
  • Audience Page Redesign: A total redesign of the audience creation and management section of the DSP 
  • Cross Device and Frequency Capping
  • Creative Flighting
  • Creative Validation Refactor
  • New Visualization Library for DSP

 

Privacy and Compliance: Leading the Movement to a Cookie-Less Future

Bidtellect has continued to ensure that it complies fully with the industry’s ever-changing privacy and data regulations, giving consumers greater control and transparency into their data. To provide this assurance, Generation 5.0 adheres to the latest regulations and IAB frameworks required to maintain a competitive edge.

  • TCF 2.0 (Transparency Consent Framework) Compliance
  • GDPR Compliance
  • CCPA Compliance
  • TAG Certified
  • Cookieless: Trade Desk ID Integrations
  • Cookieless: LiveRamp Identity Link  (Bidtellect was the first DSP to integrate with both)
  •  

 

Reach out for a head-to-head performance test.

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This Week in Digital Advertising: Goodbye “Sadvertising” & Holding Agencies Hostage over TikTok

This Week in Digital Advertising: Goodbye “Sadvertising” & Holding Agencies Hostage over TikTok

Hello Bidtellectuals!

Congratulations to Bidtellectual of the Week Jennifer Zeidler Bender

The Latest:

Creative assets feeling a little stale lately? Holiday campaigns are underway, so consider a quick upgrade if you haven’t already. Check out these resources below. If you’re working with us, utilize our in-house creative team, [b]+studio.

Coronavirus Crisis: The Latest Numbers and How Advertisers Can Adjust

Some good news: Pfizer announced it had successfully developed a vaccine that was 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in participants. The only bummer is it makes you feel like you have a bad bad hangover. And the fatality rate of infected people has decreased by 30% since April due to improved treatment. 

Now the bad news: just in time for the holidays, coronavirus cases are spiking around the country, with several states breaking daily case records. California passed the grim milestone of 1 million infections. New York and New Jersey are re-implementing restrictions. 

Around the world, Japan suffered record infections and the UK has implemented a second lockdown. Rumor has it there’s a bacon shortage.

What does this mean for advertisers?

→ Adjust messaging to the changing climate. This isn’t like the holidays last year. 

→ It’s more important than ever for brands to get the tone of their ads right now,” said Kantar’s Head of creative excellence in the U.K. Lynne Deason. And stay away from “sadvertising.” It didn’t work the first time around.

→ Instead, focus on bringing hope through messaging, offering promotions for the shift to more cost-conscious buying, and local travel/limited family time this year. 

→ Don’t forget mobile. Everyone’s shopping on their phones, even from home.

MediaMath Teams Up with Merkle

The duo announced they’re teaming up to solve online identity for a world without cookies. Merkle’s Merkury ID solution will fully integrate into MediaMath’s SOURCE platform, designed to help advertisers identify consumers across devices. 

Two London Guys Hijak the TikTok Handles of Top UK Ad Agencies

That’s one way to get an interview. Two 27-year-old Londoners created TikTok handles for top agencies including Mother London, BBH London, AMV BBDO and Lucky Generals, and said they’d only give them up in exchange for jobs. I kind of love this? 

Good News

Holiday season is officially underway!

Stay safe friends, 
Charlotte

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Charlotte Otremba is Sr. Manager of Communications and Marketing at Bidtellect.

Why You Should Factor Diversity Into Your Strategy This Black History Month

How and why you should make diversity your advertising priority.

Behind the Platform: Using Peer39 For Brand Safety & Keyword Targeting

Bidtellect VP of Product Arthur Hainline demonstrates the three key uses for the Peer39 integration in Bidtellect’s DSP, while offering helpful tips for traders and advertisers to get the most out of Bidtellect’s product.

Behind the Platform: Tracking Emissions With Bidtellect Scope3 Integration, Plus What to Know About Supply Path Emissions

Bidtellect VP of Product Arthur Hainline demonstrates the new Scope3 integration in Bidtellect’s platform, how you can take actionable steps to reduce carbon waste, and the current state of the industry’s wasteful supply path emissions.

This Week in Digital Advertising: Weed Wins the Election. Plus: CCPA Upgrades & How to De-Stress

This Week in Digital Advertising: Weed Wins the Election. Plus: CCPA Upgrades & How to De-Stress

Hello Bidtellectuals!

Congratulations to Bidtellectual of the Week TJ Krzyzanowski!

The Latest:

Americans turned out in record numbers on Election Day: percentage-wise, this is the highest voter turnout rate among eligible citizens since 1900. Yet the outcome of the election remains uncertain. If you’re feeling anxious or just exhausted from this week’s news cycle, try these resources to unwind:

The Clear Election Winner? Weed

On Tuesday, voters made history by legalizing weed in some form in five states. In Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and South Dakota, voters legalized marijuana for recreational purposes. Obviously, these states also have legalized marijuana for medical purposes, as well as recreational, and this is now widely available and easy to find. For example, Arizona residents can get their MMJ card online. In Mississippi and South Dakota (separately), voters legalized medical marijuana only. The addition of these markets means that 230 million Americans – 70% of the population – live in areas with medical or recreational weed sales. The results are so definitive that they could accelerate the push for federal legalization. However, this must be made clear that though there is a legalization of marijuana, it must be understood that this must not be misused in any way. Marijuana might have medical properties, but due to its psychedelic effects, it may turn into an addiction for many, which might lead some towards centres similar to Discover Recovery Treatment.

There are several other advantages to marijuana that may not be obvious from a distance but may have contributed to its legalization. For instance, many studies have found that psychedelics such as marijuana and magic mushrooms may help in overcoming depression. On that note, nowadays people can order marijuana online for medical purposes as long as they are from a state where it is legalized. For other countries, let say Canada, one can visit weed smart or other such websites where they can easily order marijuana and get it at their doorstep. Coming back to the advantages, the Farm Bill allows hemp and hemp-derived products as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent Trusted Source tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD, unlike its sister compound tetrahydrocannabinol, does not get people high. Rather, experts claim that CBD oil can help with chronic pain and stress relief. Besides, CBD can be used as a skincare product because it has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe acne and may aid with the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Another CBD product that might help people who want to smoke weed but with a lower risk of developing lung problems might use vape cartridges. People who want to try vaping can go to websites such as getkush. The main advantage of vaping marijuana is that it contains fewer toxins than smoking it. Another advantage of vaping is that you don’t have to roll joints every time you want to get high. Because there is little to no smell, vaping THC cartridges is also a great way to remain discreet.

Now let’s start advertising.

CCPA Gets an Upgrade

The Consumer Privacy Rights Act – affectionately referred to as CCPA 2.0 – has been approved by voters in California, passing with 56.1% of the vote. The amendment bolsters CCPA by both instituting a handful of new privacy rights for California citizens and making it more difficult for regulators to weaken privacy laws in the future.

Unifying the Unified ID

The Trade Desk is on a mission to achieve industry-wide adoption of their Unified ID, what they hope will be a standard-identity replacement for third-party cookies. In just a week, they announced partnerships with LiveRamp, Criteo, and Nielson. “The more collaborators join this initiative, the more critical mass it will achieve in the market,” said Michelle Hulst, EVP of global data and strategy at The Trade Desk. BTW, Bidtellect has adopted the use of TTD UID as well as Liveramp’s Identity Link (IDL).

Good News: Record Number of Women Elected to Congress

Results are still coming in, but so far there will be at least 131 women in the next Congress, setting a record that surpasses the one set in 2019 (127 elected). The number includes as many as 106 women in the House and 25 in the Senate, representing 24.4% and 25% of all members respectively. Of the women elected so far, 83 Democrats and 23 Republicans will serve in the House and 17 Democrats and eight Republicans will be in the Senate; 43 are women of color.

Stay safe, friends!

Charlotte

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Charlotte Otremba is Sr. Manager of Communications and Marketing at Bidtellect.

Why You Should Factor Diversity Into Your Strategy This Black History Month

How and why you should make diversity your advertising priority.

Behind the Platform: Using Peer39 For Brand Safety & Keyword Targeting

Bidtellect VP of Product Arthur Hainline demonstrates the three key uses for the Peer39 integration in Bidtellect’s DSP, while offering helpful tips for traders and advertisers to get the most out of Bidtellect’s product.

Behind the Platform: Tracking Emissions With Bidtellect Scope3 Integration, Plus What to Know About Supply Path Emissions

Bidtellect VP of Product Arthur Hainline demonstrates the new Scope3 integration in Bidtellect’s platform, how you can take actionable steps to reduce carbon waste, and the current state of the industry’s wasteful supply path emissions.

Bidtellect: Contextual Targeting and the Cookie-less Advertising Future

Bidtellect: Contextual Targeting and the Cookie-less Advertising Future

With an ever-changing digital landscape, Bidtellect continues to innovate, advance, and adopt technology to support advertising future. Bidtellect’s contextual targeting and programmatic platform initiatives for the evolving privacy-first future.

Current Events: Privacy and the Cookieless Movement

Since new privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S., the number of third-party cookies used per webpage declined from about 80 in April to about 60 July 2019. The number of third-party cookies found on news websites (major advertising publishers) in Europe declined by 22%. Apple released IntelligentTracking Prevention (ITP) software; Firefox and Safari browsers have blocked third-party cookies. Google Chrome announced it will do the same by 2022. The power has shifted. Consumers are gaining greater control over their own privacy and transparency into how their data is used. Advertising technology has to adapt to this new era. This includes contextual targeting and (one step further) contextual optimization.

What About Bidtellect?

As the Cookieless future advances, Bidtellect has a good starting point. Our technology is built to be inherently different from traditional omnichannel platforms, built around context. We are ahead of schedule by supporting industry technologies like Universal ID solutions. Our focus around the cookieless future is broken into three buckets: Performance & Optimization, Targeting, and Attribution.

Performance & Optimization: Context-First, Contextual Targeting

Bidtellect’s context-first buying platform utilizes multiple context signals (placement, type of ad, device, surrounding context, channel, viewability) and non-PIIidentiers/Cookies to identify where certain subsets of audiences frequent. Our algorithms then make intelligent decisions as to the value of those placements.

This is layered with a refined approach to contextual targeting utilizing natural language processing technology at the page URL level. We offer brands the ability to discover, align, and optimize against the true meaning of the content on any webpage with smarter cookie-less targeting and unrivaled accuracy and scale.

READ MORE: In a post-cookie world, RTB is key to effective digital marketing on TechCrunch

Universal ID: Audience Targeting

Bidtellect’s primary focus has been around building a differentiated context platform not reliant on the cookie. At the same time, we understood the market demand for audience solutions and have offered data providers within our platform. With challenges cookies face from dissipating to matching, Bidtellect is integrated with two of the largest companies in the space, LiveRamp, and The Trade Desk, to support Universal IDs. These solutions allow us to almost completely negate match rate when there is participation from DMP and SSP partners, as well as grow and expand audience-targeting capability beyond Bidtellect’s own universe. We believe these advanced ID technologies are leading the industry in 1st and 3rd party audience targeting into the future, and we will look to advance alongside them.

READ MORE: Major Regional Grocer Exceeds Video Goals Thanks to Contextual Targeting

Attribution: Measurement Solutions

Attribution is more complex. Bidtellect has developed advanced measurement solutions based on user engagement with content and will continue to develop solutions around conversion events within our platform. With that, we find advertisers rely and trust their third-party attribution partners vs “grade your own homework” approach. We will work to continue to advance our attribution solutions and continue to support Analytics partners as they develop theirs.

READ MORE: Forecasting 2.0: The Future of Contextual Targeting

As the industry continues to evolve Bidtellect will continue to provide solutions, innovation, and results for our advertisers.

Stay up to date via our newsletter and by checking Bidtellect.com.

Want more need-to-know info? Subscribe to our monthly Bidtellectual newsletter!


Charlotte Otremba is Sr. Manager of Communications and Marketing at Bidtellect.

Why You Should Factor Diversity Into Your Strategy This Black History Month

How and why you should make diversity your advertising priority.

Behind the Platform: Using Peer39 For Brand Safety & Keyword Targeting

Bidtellect VP of Product Arthur Hainline demonstrates the three key uses for the Peer39 integration in Bidtellect’s DSP, while offering helpful tips for traders and advertisers to get the most out of Bidtellect’s product.

Behind the Platform: Tracking Emissions With Bidtellect Scope3 Integration, Plus What to Know About Supply Path Emissions

Bidtellect VP of Product Arthur Hainline demonstrates the new Scope3 integration in Bidtellect’s platform, how you can take actionable steps to reduce carbon waste, and the current state of the industry’s wasteful supply path emissions.