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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryCTV, Video & AudioHost-Read Ad

CTV, Video & Audio

Host-Read Ad

A podcast or radio ad read by the show's host in their own voice, valued for authenticity and listener trust.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A host-read ad is a podcast or radio ad read by the show's own host in their own voice, often in a conversational style or with personal commentary. It is valued for authenticity and listener trust, since audiences have an established relationship with the host, and it typically commands higher rates than announcer-read ads.