Technology-led innovations have played a significant role in reshaping the OOH landscape. From interactive displays to augmented reality experiences, advertisers are leveraging cutting-edge technology to create immersive brand experiences that capture attention and drive engagement.

e4m caught up with Jayesh Yagnik, Chief Executive Officer, MOMS Outdoor Media Solutions, about the OOH industry’s growth and future. “In India, the OOH industry is expected to continue growing post-COVID, fuelled by data analytics, AI-driven insights, and creativity. By leveraging technology and innovation, advertisers can create impactful campaigns that resonate with consumers in an increasingly digital and mobile world.”

According to the Pitch-Madison Advertising Report 2024 as well, OOH seems to be finding favour with more advertisers and believers are using it more intensively now. This is reflected in the 13 per cent growth rate OOH achieved in 2023, which is substantially higher than that achieved by TV and Print.

Moreover, expansion into smaller towns and emerging markets has been another trend observed in the post-COVID era, as per Yagnik. As infrastructure improves and connectivity increases, OOH advertisers are tapping into new geographic regions to reach previously untapped audiences.

Top key drivers for growth

“One notable development is the rise of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising. With its flexibility and ability to deliver dynamic content, DOOH has gained momentum as advertisers seek more engaging and targeted ways to reach audiences,” Yagnik said.

He highlighted that digital billboards enable advertisers to communicate with customers in real-time and with more targeted engagement. When considering audience demographics and behaviour, customised material may be sent and creatives can be changed remotely with DOOH, providing more flexibility and efficiency than static signs.

Furthermore, how advertisers approach OOH ads is being revolutionised by the combination of data analytics and targeting capabilities, he said.

“Advertisers can enhance their understanding of the habits, routines, and mobility patterns of the target audience through the utilisation of data sources - mobile location data, social media insights and third-party consumer behaviour data,” shared Yagnik.

Programmatic OOH is another buzzword for the industry as of now. This is when advertisers use every tracking feature available, including cookies, browser history, and mobile location data, to identify trends in the behaviour of unidentified customers. Depending on the selected parameters, such as the number of individuals in the vicinity, whether or not nearby customers match the appropriate profiles, the weather, or the time of day, the data is utilised to automatically alter which digital adverts are displayed.

Yagnik added, “Similar to programmatic online advertising, programmatic DOOH enables marketers to buy real-time ad space using digital platforms and ad exchanges. They can target certain audiences and maximise campaign effectiveness by utilising data-driven insights.”

All these developments have also enabled OOH to be recognised as a medium that can lend status and prestige to a brand, the report stated. The ability of OOH to tell a story through video, which was earlier the exclusive domain of TV, is also an attractive proposition for advertisers now.

How to leverage these trends?

To leverage all these new and upcoming technologies, businesses also need to know how to leverage OOH effectively. Spending money on technology alone cannot help them reach the right audience, Yagnik noted.

He also harped on effectively leveraging outdoor advertising in the Indian market. Businesses must understand the demographics, preferences, and habits of their target audience. This knowledge will help them strategically place OOH advertisements in high-traffic areas where the audience will likely see them.

Creating compelling content is another important factor. “In a busy and visually stimulating environment like India, it's essential to create OOH advertisements that instantly catch attention. Use intriguing visuals, clear messaging, and impactful design to ensure the ads stand out amidst the clutter,” he said.

To maximise reach and engagement, businesses should integrate OOH advertising with digital platforms. This allows for a seamless experience across multiple channels and ensures the message reaches consumers wherever they are, added the executive.

And finally, Yagnik opines that since the Indian market is dynamic and ever-changing, businesses should stay flexible and be prepared to adjust their OOH advertising tactics in response to evolving market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape.