This year’s IAB NewFronts has finally come to a close, capping off a week of new tech and video announcements, high-profile concerts and even Conan O’Brien.
Adweek was on the ground for all the biggest events throughout the week—with the exception of TikTok’s presentation, an event that was closed to the media. From the effect of the Writers Guild of America strike on presentations to concerts and FAST changes, here are the biggest moments. (And see all of our NewFronts coverage here.)
YouTube
YouTube kicked off NewFronts week by establishing itself as a place where culture happens. The video platform featured a segment where people on the street were given side-by-side pictures of traditional celebrities and YouTubers, and often, the pedestrians identified the YouTubers and not household names that have typically been on the cover of magazines. Many of YouTube’s biggest creators populated the event itself, including Alan Chikin Chow, a top Shorts creator with over 23 million subscribers, who made a humorous short specifically for the NewFronts, playing with the idea of running late for the cross-country journey from Los Angeles to New York for the event. Attendees got cookies in the shape of Chow’s exasperated face, in addition to access to a host of new ad formats on the Shorts platform. — Catherine Perloff
Vizio
Vizio’s second in-person NewFronts moved to a new venue—New York’s Penn 1. Despite having seating this year, it was still standing-room-only for the connected TV company’s presentation. Vizio debuted its Branded Content Studio and gave attendees a sneak peek at upcoming home screen enhancements. Followed by a reception with a full bar, guests left with their own Vizio soundbar. — Mollie Cahillane
Amazon Ads
Amazon’s nearly two-hour presentation went all in on AVOD, with the announcement that 100 Prime Video originals will be available to stream on Freevee by the end of the year. Speaking of Freevee, James Marsden of the hit series Jury Duty took to the stage and talked about the docu-comedy series before pointing out Ronald Gladden in the crowd. Plus, Marcus Mumford performed Look at Us Now (Honeycomb) from Daisy Jones & The Six live for the first time. — M.C.