Exploring DOOH Growth in the UK: Trends + Tips
Rain, red buses & really smart billboards.
The UK isn’t just about its double-decker buses and questionable weather, it’s also one of the world’s most advanced digital out-of-home (DOOH) markets.
With digital now making up 65% of all OOH revenue, and nearly half of the country’s panels packed into London alone, it’s a bit of a no-brainer if you’re looking to get your ads in front of a big, diverse, and switched-on audience.
Whether you're based in the UK or just thinking of crossing the (digital) pond, here’s what we’re seeing, and why we’re kinda obsessed with it.
Digital, dense, and efficient.
If you like your media buys easy, automated and loaded with creative options, you're in the right place.
Su Ozbek, the Global OOH Senior Account Manager at billups explained:
“The digitalization of OOH is making planning and buying much smoother, with live availability and automation tools that streamline the process.”
Some quick highlights:
- 65% of the UK’s OOH revenue comes from digital. Yep, that’s a lot of screens.
- With live availability and automation tools, traditional advertisers aren’t the only option anymore. No long negotiations, no lock-in contracts, just choose your billboard, your time, and get started.
- You’re the type who wants to change creatives on the fly (say, based on time of day or weather)? No problem, our platform’s already built for that.
Want to see how many boards we can fit onto one map? Check it out →
From London to the ‘lads’: where your ads hit the hardest.
You already know London’s a big player, but the UK’s full of cities with niche, high-value audiences. Here’s a quick vibe check:
- London: Think young professionals, tourists, and a booming multicultural community. With over 300 languages spoken, your ad can speak theirs. Iconic hotspots like Piccadilly Lights and the Underground make for serious exposure.
- Manchester: Creative, youthful, and totally digital-first, this is the perfect spot for tech and lifestyle brands.
- Birmingham: Retail central. Diverse families, big crowds, and a focus on entertainment.
- Glasgow & Edinburgh: Students, tourists, and locals all in the mix. Lots of foot traffic.
- Bristol: Green, innovative, and big on sustainability, it’s the dream for ethical brands.
Perfect for targeting urban creatives, suburban families, or for revenge on your ex. Use the map to filter by region.
But it’s not just who you reach, it’s how you speak to them. The UK audience is super diverse, and psychographics tell the real story. Busy city dwellers love brands that make life easier (bonus points if it feels aspirational). Families in the ‘burbs are all about trust, value, and quality.
Not sure where to start? Tools like Acorn or the Office for National Statistics (ONS) can show you exactly where your audience hangs out, so you’re not just guessing where to show up. I’ll admit, it does feel a bit creepy (like social media stalking your crush), but knowing when and where your audience will be is the secret to a seriously well-placed campaign.
Faster, smarter, more interactive: the glow-up of DOOH in the UK.
We’re seeing UK DOOH get faster, smarter, and more fun to play with:
- You can now target in real-time, down to the weather, price changes, or local footfall. It’s a game-changer for industries like finance, where Ts & Cs move faster than a sunny spell in London.
- Automation’s cut down planning from days to clicks. You can plan, book, and launch your campaign without all the media buyers and spreadsheets. It’s ad planning, minus the admin.
- With programmatic buying becoming the norm, it’s all way more accessible. Programmatic buying lets you access premium spots and scale your campaign with the same ease you’d book a flight. No gatekeepers, no fuss.
You can even target audiences based on local events. Whether it’s a music festival, a big sports game, or just the weather forecast, you can make sure your message is always on point. Picture this: a fashion brand at a summer festival, switching from promoting lightweight clothing in the morning to rain jackets when the weather takes a turn. It’s all about being fast, flexible, and showing up with content that matches the moment.
Going big in Britain.
The UK DOOH scene isn’t just about flashy screens and big names, it’s about being smart, flexible, and showing up at the right place with the right message. That’s where I come in. Whether you’re after major exposure in London or a more niche vibe in regional spots, I’ve got your back.
On my platform, you don’t need a fancy plan or a huge budget to make it happen. I keep it simple: plan, book, and launch your campaign in just a few clicks. No more long waits for approvals or endless emails, just premium locations, and you’re in charge of it all.
Want to target specific regions, get real-time data, or change up your creative on the fly? I got you. It’s all right there in the dashboard, so you can adjust your campaign as you go and keep everything fresh. Think of it as your advertising control center.
Don’t forget, we also help you track your campaign’s performance in real-time. Whether you want to dig into psychographics, target high-traffic areas, or take advantage of programmatic buying to scale, everything’s at your fingertips.
So, if you’re ready to take your DOOH game up a notch (or ten), check out our UK inventory. I’m here to help you reach your audience smarter, faster, and with way less stress. Let’s make some magic happen!
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