Observed Signal · Dec 22, 2025 · Partnership · Source: AdExchanger · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Nielsen and Roku Strengthen Data Partnership for Advertisers
Nielsen and Roku have extended their cooperation with a multi-year data-sharing agreement that deepens integration between Roku's streaming data and Nielsen's measurement tools. Under the deal, Roku's TV data will feed Nielsen's Big Data + Panel for both linear and streaming ratings, while Roku gains access to Nielsen's streaming ratings. The arrangement aims to give advertisers a clearer view of audiences across Roku devices and third-party apps on Roku OS, using Nielsen's identity graph to deduplicate data and ensure accurate attribution. The partnership builds on a decade of collaboration, including Roku's initial measurement of video ads on Roku TVs and Nielsen's digital ad ratings-based audience guarantees; Roku once acquired Nielsen's advanced video advertising business in 2021. Nielsen notes Roku accounts for about 21% of TV viewing on Roku devices, and The Roku Channel ranks No. 2 among ad-supported streaming apps. The move reflects growing emphasis on audience and outcome measurement in fragmented TV environments.
Expanded cross-company data-sharing and measurement capabilities affecting advertisers in TV/CTV.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Nielsen will continue to use Roku’s TV data in its Big Data + Panel offering for linear and streaming ratings.
- Roku will gain access to Nielsen’s streaming ratings.
- The Roku Channel is the No. 2 streaming app for ad-supported TV time.
- Roku and Nielsen have collaborated for a decade; Roku previously acquired Nielsen's advanced video advertising business in 2021.
- Roku accounts for about 21% of TV viewing on Roku devices.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Nielsen and Roku Expand TV Ad Measurement Partnership
Nielsen and Roku expanded a strategic partnership to integrate Roku’s first-party viewer data directly into Nielsen’s measurement suite, aiming to create a more accurate, de-duplicated currency across streaming and linear TV. The agreement gives Nielsen access to Roku’s footprint — which accounts for over 21% of U.S. TV viewing time — while Roku gains third-party-validated visibility via Nielsen’s Streaming Platform Ratings. The partnership builds on Roku’s 2021 acquisition of Nielsen’s Advanced Video Advertising business and leverages Nielsen’s Big Data + Panel system, which has been used as currency in Upfront transactions this year. Both companies framed the deal as a response to industry fragmentation and a step toward greater interoperability and measurement-driven ad performance.
Tubi and Roku Channel to Remain Separate After Fox Acquisition
Fox Corporation's planned $22 billion acquisition of Roku will not merge Tubi and The Roku Channel. Instead, both free ad-supported streaming services will continue to operate independently, preserving distinct brands, libraries, and user experiences. The key integration step is that Roku will take over ad sales management for Tubi, creating a unified sales structure across both platforms. This move is designed to offer advertisers a single point of contact for reaching both live-leaning and on-demand-leaning audiences. Fox cites different usage patterns – The Roku Channel focuses on live channels, while Tubi emphasizes on-demand movies and series – as the reason for keeping them separate. The deal is expected to close this year, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals, and the ad sales integration will only take effect after closing.
Best Buy Ads Expands Commerce Media Beyond Retail
Best Buy Ads showcased at 'The Drop' an expansion of its commerce media ecosystem, moving beyond retailer-owned properties. Key announcements include the launch of Best Buy CTV, partnerships with Amazon Fire TV, LG, and Roku, opening Best Buy Studios to brands, expanding its creator program, and planning a TikTok Shop launch. This signals a shift towards full-funnel media, where commerce media follows consumers across CTV, social, and in-store experiences. Best Buy also introduced multi-touch attribution and expanded incrementality testing, supported by Circana research showing its ads influence purchases beyond Best Buy's channels. The company's marketplace grew to over 1,200 sellers and nearly one million SKUs, with international sellers added. The article emphasizes that commerce media is becoming a customer-centric ecosystem, integrating content, media, and commerce.
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