Ad spend to grow more than expected in 2025 as tariffs sting less and AI gives a leg up

A new report from WPP Media says global ad revenue will reach $1.14 trillion this year

Posted Monday, December 8, 2025 11:30 am

Megan Graham | The Wall Street Journal

Advertising spending will grow more than predicted in 2025 because tariffs didn’t take as big a bite as expected and AI provided a boost, according to a new forecast from media investment group WPP Media.

Global ad revenue excluding U.S. political advertising will grow 8.8% in 2025 to $1.14 trillion, WPP Media said, raising its forecast from the 6% it predicted in June. Next year will see worldwide advertising grow 7.1%, it said, revising its June forecast of 6.1%.

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Ad spend to grow more than expected in 2025 as tariffs sting less and AI gives a leg up

A new report from WPP Media says global ad revenue will reach $1.14 trillion this year

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