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The Great BTN Bake (Take) Off — Digital Trends for 2026: Agentic Ad Buying and the Video Podcast Winners | Behind the Numbers

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Ross Benes, Yory Wurmser · January 5, 2026 · 20 min

Summary

This episode serves up a forward-looking analysis of two major digital trends for 2026: agentic ad buying and the dominance of video podcasts on YouTube. Ecommerce operators will gain insights into how intelligent, autonomous ad systems will reshape media buying, and why investing in video podcasting, particularly on YouTube, offers a powerful new channel for audience engagement and brand building. The discussion highlights the strategic shifts required to capitalize on these evolving digital landscapes.

Key takeaways

Themes

paid acquisitionbrand & contentai & automation

Topics covered

agentic ad buyingvideo podcastsyoutube monetizationprogrammatic advertising evolutiondigital advertising trends 2026ai in advertising

Episode description

Our analysts (or “bakers”) will compete in a Great British Bake Off–style episode, discussing how new standards will unlock agentic ad buying and selling, and how (and why) YouTube will benefit most from the surge in video podcasts. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Senior Analyst Ross Benes and Principal Analyst Yory Wurmser. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify. Subscribe to EMARKETER's newsletters. Go to https://www.emarketer.com/newsletters Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities, contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information, visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-great-btn-bake-take-off-digital-trends-2026-agentic-ad-buying-video-podcast-winners-behind-n © 2026 EMARKETER

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Prepare for a shift towards agentic ad buying, where AI-driven systems automate and optimize ad purchases, demanding a new approach to campaign strategy and execution beyond traditional programmatic methods.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage YouTube's established infrastructure, massive user base, and sophisticated algorithms for video podcast distribution, as it is projected to be the dominant platform for video podcasts by 2026.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Explore new monetization strategies for video content, understanding that increased engagement on platforms like YouTube for video podcasts presents opportunities for advertisers and creators alike.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Understand how evolving data privacy standards will intersect with agentic ad buying, necessitating a focus on privacy-compliant targeting and measurement solutions.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Integrate video podcasts into your content strategy to tap into changing media consumption habits and reach target audiences through an engaging, growing format.

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