Verve vs Virtual Minds

Gaming Spurs Real-World Brand Discovery, Captify UK Data

Captify (part of Verve) analysed UK search data from January–July 2026 alongside Fandom survey data and finds gaming is increasingly a commerce and brand-discovery channel. One-third of UK gamers (33%) are more likely to consider a brand after an in-game interaction (47% for 18–24s); 55% of 18–24s discover brands in-game versus 27% overall. The report highlights specific campaign lifts (e.g., The Sims 4 drove a 40% rise in searches for Coach) and shows Fortnite players searched Lamborghini far more often than Porsche. Captify also found AI responses broaden brand comparisons (AI mentions both PlayStation and Xbox far more than users do). Anticipation for GTA VI is already driving console research: 20% of GTA VI searchers researched Xbox and 16% researched PlayStation. The findings signal opportunities for brands to engage younger, high-consideration gaming audiences.

• Captify analysed billions of UK real-time search signals from January–July 2026 alongside Fandom 2026 UK survey data.
• 33% of UK gamers said they are more likely to consider a brand after an in-game brand interaction; that rises to 47% among 18–24-year-olds.
• 55% of 18–24-year-old gamers discover brands through in-game presence versus 27% of gamers overall.

AI-Generated Ads Reduce Brand Trust for One in Three

A representative survey of 2,000 Germans commissioned by Verve Group and conducted by Censuswide finds mixed consumer attitudes toward AI in advertising. Thirty-five percent said they would trust a brand less if they knew an ad was AI-generated, rising to 45% among 18–24-year-olds, while 69% could imagine buying on the recommendation of an AI chatbot. Eighty percent prefer ad-funded app benefits over paying fees, and many respondents expressed data-protection concerns and use self-help measures (rejecting cookies, incognito mode). The findings coincide with Article 50 of the EU AI Act, which requires clear labeling of AI-generated ads from 2026-08-02. Verve CEO Remco Westermann says consumers accept AI when it works in the background but lose trust when its use is visible, with implications for creative strategy, compliance, and labeling practices.

• Article 50 of the EU AI Act requires clear labeling of AI-generated advertising from 2026-08-02.
• Verve Group commissioned the representative survey, conducted by Censuswide among 2,000 people in Germany.
• 35% of respondents said they would trust a brand less if they knew an ad was AI-generated; 45% among 18–24-year-olds.

Verve Expands Its AI Advertising Platform with AI Native Ads Solution

Verve Expands Its AI Advertising Platform with AI Native Ads Solution

Virtual Minds: Building Interoperable Operating Model for Total Video

Virtual Minds argues that true convergence between linear TV and CTV advertising requires an interoperability layer rather than replacing existing systems, preserving the strengths of each environment. Managing Director Ricarda Jebsen and Business Development Manager Max Deyerl highlight that while audiences already consume video seamlessly, planning and measurement remain siloed. The company cites progress in Austria, where broadcasters under JIC AGTT have adopted digital buying logic, CPMs, and real-time HbbTV signals (Teletest 2.0) to optimize linear TV via Virtual Minds' Media Manager. The approach aims to extend this model to all video channels, including mobile and DOOH, and emphasizes that AI will only improve workflows if data silos are integrated first. Virtual Minds advocates for industry-wide collaboration to establish common standards and avoid fragmentation, positioning its infrastructure as the solution for a converged 'Total Video' operating model.

• Virtual Minds proposes an interoperable convergence layer for linear TV and CTV integration, preserving strengths of each environment.
• Since 2024, AGTT/Teletest members in Austria use Virtual Minds Media Manager for dynamic linear TV optimization using CPMs and real-time HbbTV signals.
• Ricarda Jebsen is Managing Director of Virtual Minds and d-force, while Max Deyerl is Manager Business Development.

European netID Exec Discusses Deterministic IDs and AI's Impact

In an interview, Daniel Dagehus, CTPO of the European netID Foundation, discusses the evolving role of deterministic identifiers in the open web. He argues that while AI and probabilistic models are useful for planning and simulation, deterministic IDs remain essential for campaign activation and delivery to real people across devices. netID has integrated with major ad tech platforms, including The Trade Desk, enabling advertisers to target deterministic segments. Dagehus emphasizes the importance of publisher login relationships to maintain direct user contact and independence from tech providers, especially as AI chatbots change the customer journey. He also highlights FedCM as a standard that can simplify logins and support publisher strategies for direct audience relationships.

• Daniel Dagehus is CTPO of the European netID Foundation.
• netID has integrated with The Trade Desk, allowing booking of netID and Utiq segments in its Data Marketplace.
• netID is a deterministic identifier tied to user accounts and email addresses, providing cross-device identity.

Broadcasters Can Compete with Big Tech, Says Expert

An article published by VideoWeek on 2026-07-13 reports Dirk von Borstel, Managing Director at Virtual Minds, saying European broadcasters can compete with large technology companies if they pick the right battleground. Von Borstel argues broadcasters should leverage local knowledge rather than trying to match Silicon Valley on metrics like unique users, measurement, or spending. The short piece was filmed in Cannes and is presented as an analysis/interview segment on VideoWeek.

• Article published on 2026-07-13 by VideoWeek.
• Dirk von Borstel is Managing Director at Virtual Minds and is quoted saying, "big tech is everywhere, and everywhere is nowhere."
• The piece was filmed in Cannes.