IAB 30th Anniversary: Three Decades of Digital Leadership

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For three decades, the digital advertising industry has been defined by innovation, resilience, and collaboration, and driven by the people and companies who continue to shape it. Together, we’ve transformed how brands connect, how media is experienced, and how technology powers it all, from 90s-era breakthroughs to the evolution of programmatic, mobile, commerce media, streaming, the creator economy, and AI. Along the way, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has worked alongside its members to help guide progress, set standards, and navigate change.

Now, as we celebrate 30 years of growth and innovation, we invite you to explore the milestones, watch the stories unfold, and join the conversation, sharing your own experiences as we celebrate this journey together!

Digital Ad Revenue Climbs to Nearly $300B as IAB Celebrates 30 Year Anniversary

Now in its 30th year, IAB released its 2025 Internet Advertising Revenue Report, conducted by PwC, which was first issued in 1996 and continues to serve as the industry’s definitive benchmark.

Despite concerns about economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the industry drove record revenue, reaching $294.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a 13.9% year-over-year increase. These results were particularly notable given that 2025 lacked major cyclical events such as the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, or elections, which historically drive increased ad spending across the digital ecosystem.

Key findings include:

• Overall digital advertising revenue grew +13.9% YoY
• Video, social, and commerce media drive growth as AI reshapes the ecosystem
• Creator advertising is now a core media channel, with spend reaching $37B