Episode 77: Gokul Rajaram on building AdSense and Facebook ad platforms
Jun 21, 2024
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Former AdSense lead and Facebook ad products head, Gokul Rajaram, discusses challenges introducing image ads at Google, acquiring DoubleClick, differences in Google and Facebook ad strategies, AI in marketing, retail media collaborations, event networking on yachts, open web programmatic struggles, and industry impacts of company strategies and acquisitions.
Gokul led AdSense and Facebook's ad products, showing expertise in diverse platforms.
Accurate inventory labeling is crucial for transparency in ad buying, as seen in the Yahoo Video incident.
Oracle's strategic shift away from advertising assets hints at a focus on more profitable ventures.
Deep dives
Mozilla Acquires Anonym to Enhance Privacy
Mozilla has acquired Anonym, a privacy-centric company developing clean room technology. The acquisition aligns with Mozilla's commitment to privacy and may lead to innovative attribution products within the browser, similar to industry sandbox efforts.
Trade Desk Threatens to Demonetize Yahoo Video
The Trade Desk issued a warning to demonetize Yahoo Video due to accusations of mislabeling inventory, such as incorrectly categorizing in-stream content. This highlights the significance of accurately labeling inventory and paves the way for better transparency in ad buying.
Oracle's Shutdown of Advertising Business
Oracle's decision to shut down its advertising business has led to speculation about the fate of its valuable assets like Moat, Glass Shop, BlueKai, and DataLogix. Oracle reportedly does not sell businesses it plans to sunset, signaling a strategic shift away from these offerings.
Reactions to Oracle's Advertising Business Shutdown
The industry reacts to Oracle's shutdown of its advertising business, with notable interest in potential acquisitions of its specialized assets like GraXot and BlueKai. Despite the financial implications, Oracle's strategic move indicates a shift in priorities towards more profitable ventures.
Boost in CTV and Retail Media Enthusiasm
The podcast industry is buzzing with excitement over the growth of Connected TV (CTV) and retail media opportunities. These emerging trends are reshaping the advertising landscape, with increased focus on targeting and engagement in premium environments.
Focus on AI Transforming Advertising
General enthusiasm surrounds the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping the advertising space. While still in the exploratory stage, industry experts foresee AI as a driving force for positive business outcomes and enhanced targeting strategies.
Gokul was the product lead on AdSense, the deal champion for buying DoubleClick, and the head of ad products for Facebook.
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