Game On: Captivating Viewers with Creative Formats During March Madness

As March Madness 2025 approaches, advertisers have a prime opportunity to connect with engaged audiences during one of the biggest sporting events of the year. In 2024, ad inventory for the men’s tournament sold out, generating over $1 billion in revenue for the NCAA, a trend that is expected to continue this year. With an influx of ad dollars, brands need to think beyond traditional placements and focus on creative strategies that capture attention and drive engagement.

With millions of fans tuning in across CTV, social media, and streaming platforms, standing out isn’t just about securing ad space—it’s about how brands engage with audiences. A well-executed creative strategy can transform a campaign from background noise into a memorable, action-driving experience.

Building on our previous post on five key advertising channels for March Madness, we now shift our focus to creative formats that help brands break through the clutter. Keep reading to explore two innovative strategies that can maximize engagement and create lasting impressions during the tournament.

2 Innovative Creative Formats: Your Key Players in March Madness

March Madness is loud, fast-paced, and full of emotional moments, making it the perfect environment for attention-grabbing ad formats. To maximize engagement, advertisers should lean into creative strategies that break through the clutter and encourage real-time interaction. Here are two formats that can help your brand win big:

Countdown Clock

In the high-stakes arena of March Madness advertising, timing is crucial. A Countdown Clock is more than a creative format; it’s a psychological catalyst. Incorporating a countdown timer in your ads introduces a sense of urgency and anticipation. Whether you’re counting down to a special event, an exclusive offer, or the final moments of a game, this tactic instills a sense of immediacy, prompting viewers to take immediate action.

QR Code Integration in CTV Creative

The landscape of March Madness viewing is evolving, with a notable trend towards streaming services. Seize this opportunity by integrating scannable QR codes into your Connected TV (CTV) ads. This strategy transcends traditional advertising, transforming it into an interactive experience. Viewers are invited to scan the code to access exclusive content, secure limited-time offers, or interact with your brand in innovative ways. This approach not only boosts brand engagement but also bridges the gap between digital and physical realm.

Game Plan Review: Dynamic Creative Formats Support Winning Strategies for Advertisers

March Madness presents one of the most competitive ad environments of the year, making creative execution just as critical as media placement. Dynamic creative formats like Countdown Clocks and QR Code Integration in CTV ads offer advertisers an edge by ensuring their messaging stands out, drives action, and enhances engagement.

With the right mix of strategy and execution, brands can ensure their ads aren’t just seen—they’re remembered.

For a deeper dive into data-driven insights and custom media solutions, download our March Madness 2025 Advertising Playbook to get a complete strategy guide. Next, we’re breaking down three unique advertising tactics that brands should consider to maximize their impact throughout the tournament. Explore the next post here.