UK SMBs are increasingly turning to AI for their ads — and many consider it their secret weapon for expansion

A recent survey by Amazon Ads reveals that small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in the UK are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) for their advertising efforts on streaming TV platforms. According to the poll of 4,100 respondents across 14 countries, 73% of UK SMBs find AI advertising tools make streaming TV an affordable and accessible platform for their promotional messaging.

The shift towards AI-powered advertising stems from the cost barrier that once hindered access to streaming TV, which was the primary hurdle for SMBs three years ago. Now, 54% of SMBs interested in TV advertising see AI tools as crucial for reaching new audiences and boosting brand awareness. Moreover, 68% of UK SMBs have reported that AI advertising has supported their growth, while 52% believe it has facilitated expansion into other countries.

With 88% of SMBs planning to use AI for creating adverts and 74% aiming to utilize the technology for streaming ads, a clear trend is emerging. Notably, 45% of surveyed businesses intend to employ AI for competitor analysis in the future. This growing confidence in AI's capabilities has been highlighted by Cyril Clerget, General Manager of Global SMB Advertising at Amazon Ads, who noted that SMBs are now viewing cross-border campaigns as more accessible than they were just three years ago.

The survey underscores the potential of AI as a game-changing tool for SMBs seeking to remain competitive in the future, with affordable AI solutions proving attractive for those wishing to tap into the streaming TV advertising market.