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Dentsu and SAB unlock smarter, AI-powered YouTube buying with Google’s VRC

As part of SAB’s commitment to innovation and performance, dentsu partnered with Google to test a more efficient way of running YouTube campaigns — leveraging Google’s AI-powered Video Reach Campaign (VRC).
Dentsu and SAB unlock smarter, AI-powered YouTube buying with Google’s VRC

Driving greater media efficiency

The objective was clear: enhance media efficiency, improve performance, and maximise brand exposure for four of SAB South Africa’s leading brands — Corona, Castle Lite, Brutal Fruit, and Flying Fish.

AI vs traditional media buying: The test

YouTube campaigns typically require separate budgets and manual optimisation for each format — bumpers, in-stream, in-feed, and shorts — often leading to inefficiencies. With VRC, we consolidated these formats into a single, AI-optimised campaign, allowing Google’s machine learning to dynamically allocate spend in real time for optimal results.

Dentsu’s role in delivering success

  • iProspect South Africa led strategic planning, ensuring alignment with SAB’s learning agenda.
  • Dentsu Performancemedia managed execution and ongoing optimisation, harnessing the full potential of VRC’s automation.

Results: Increased reach, lower costs, greater impact. The VRC test outperformed traditional campaign structures, delivering:

  • Higher reach and frequency – AI-driven delivery broadened audience coverage efficiently.
  • Lower CPMs and improved ROI – Automated budget allocation reduced costs while maximising exposure.
  • Optimised creative performance – Real-time format selection ensured the best creatives reached the right audience.

Why this matters: A new era for SAB’s media strategy.

This successful test marks a significant shift in SAB’s digital media approach, proving that AI-powered automation can drive both efficiency and performance at scale.

Dentsu and SAB unlock smarter, AI-powered YouTube buying with Google’s VRC

Thanks to Google for their collaboration and to dentsu for providing strategic leadership, this initiative equips SAB with valuable insights to future-proof media strategies and lead in data-driven marketing innovation.

As the landscape evolves, AI-optimised solutions like VRC will continue to play a pivotal role in maximising the impact of SAB’s brands — today and into the future.

20 Mar 2025 12:00

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About the author

Kevin Cogill & Kgabele Memela are addressable trading managers at dentsu Performancemedia.