T-Mobile on Tuesday announced the acquisition of Octopus Interactive, the largest national network of interactive video screens inside Uber and Lyft vehicles.
This move marks the next step for Marketing Solutions, T-Mobile’s fast-growing advertising technology business, in expanding its advertising offerings for marketers. Octopus Interactive helps brands reach audiences through video ads presented on screens inside rideshare vehicles, providing marketers a new way to reach consumers, and its impact is growing rapidly. Octopus’s rideshare network enables brands to execute comprehensive geotargeted campaigns across a range of highly engaged consumers. And beyond the rideshare network, this acquisition will connect T-Mobile’s Marketing Solutions group with big brands, like current Octopus clients Audible, Fox Entertainment, Philo and many more.
Moving forward, devices used by drivers in the rideshare network will be powered by T-Mobile’s network, connecting thousands of drivers across the country to the Un-carrier experience.
In the U.S., out-of-home advertising spend increased by nearly forty percent in the second quarter of 2021, and digital-out-of-home ad spend in particular increased by nearly eighty percent over the same time. In just the last quarter, the Octopus network of drivers grew by thirty five percent. Now brands can reach over 5 million unique riders per month on the Octopus platform. But it’s not only great for marketers. It enhances the riders’ experience too – delivering interactive games, prizes, premium video and infotainment curated specifically for Uber and Lyft audiences.
Mike Peralta, VP and GM of Marketing Solutions, a division of T-Mobile
With this move, we’re expanding our toolkit for marketers, meeting the needs of advertisers and empowering brands to better connect with consumers, beyond linear and traditional digital channels. As the Un-carrier, we’re committed to disrupting the ad tech space. We’re making good on that commitment through innovative solutions, like Octopus.
Cherian Thomas, Co-Founder and CEO of Octopus Interactive
We’re thrilled to join the T-Mobile team on their mission to provide better results for marketers and better experiences for consumers. Our rideshare technology will unlock massive opportunities for brands working with Marketing Solutions.
