DirecTV to Launch AI-Driven Ads with User Likenesses in 2026

BREAKING: DirecTV has just announced plans to debut personalized advertisements featuring customers’ own likenesses on television screens starting in early 2026. This innovative move signifies a major shift in advertising, leveraging artificial intelligence to transform idle TV screens into interactive, shoppable experiences.

In partnership with Glance, an AI company known for interactive content, DirecTV’s new initiative will target users of its Gemini streaming devices. This technology is designed to analyze viewing habits and preferences, using on-device AI to create bespoke ads that could place viewers in virtual scenarios—such as trying on clothing or using promoted products. All personalization is opt-in, with strict privacy controls in place to ensure user consent.

As reported by CNET, this groundbreaking feature could revolutionize advertising during downtime, turning passive screens into active revenue-generating hubs. Experts highlight the urgency of this development as streaming services increasingly adopt ad-supported models to combat cord-cutting trends.

The implications for consumers are significant. DirecTV’s initiative is not just about ads; screensavers will also display trending news, weather updates, and entertainment snippets, customized for individual profiles. This marks a strategic pivot for DirecTV, owned by AT&T and TPG, aiming to monetize its over 12 million subscribers more effectively.

However, experts caution about privacy concerns. The use of personal imagery raises questions about data security, with consumer advocacy groups expressing worries about the potential for intrusive advertising experiences. DirecTV assures that no data will be shared without explicit permission, aligning with regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act.

This move positions DirecTV as a pioneer in the AI-enhanced advertising space, potentially boosting its ad revenue, which has faced pressure from competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Glance claims to have achieved up to 30% higher interaction rates in pilot tests, underscoring the appeal of hyper-targeted content.

As the tech landscape evolves, DirecTV’s screensavers may also incorporate full programming interstitials in the future. This integration of AI models, similar to those used in tools like DALL-E, promises a seamless viewer experience, minimizing latency through on-device processing.

While this initiative aims to enhance viewer engagement, industry insiders warn of possible backlash against AI’s role in personal spaces. The balance between innovation and user trust will be crucial, as any misstep could jeopardize customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive market.

As highlighted by Ars Technica and The Verge, this initiative signals a new era in which AI is not only recommending content but actively involving users in it. With regulatory scrutiny on AI ethics intensifying, DirecTV’s gamble could either redefine viewer engagement or lead to a reevaluation of digital boundaries in the home.

Stay tuned as this story develops—DirecTV is set to reshape the advertising landscape through AI, but how consumers will respond remains to be seen.