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DOOH CPM benchmarks by vertical (2026)

By Highfloor Media
Last updated
programmatic

DOOH CPMs vary by vertical because vertical-specific compliance and audience-fit considerations affect the inventory pool. Cannabis runs at premium CPMs (compliance-eligible inventory is constrained); legal runs at standard CPMs; hospitality and nightlife run at standard CPMs with premium for sports nights.

DOOH CPM by vertical: 2026 directional

DOOH CPMs vary substantially by vertical due to inventory acceptance restrictions, audience-composition rules, and competition for limited cannabis-eligible or politically-cleared inventory.

$0$10$20$30$40
Cannabis (cannabis-eligible SSPs only)
$12: $28
Pharmaceutical (DTC)
$15: $35
Legal services (high-CPC verticals)
$14: $32
Auto / dealerships
$8: $18
QSR (quick-service restaurants)
$6: $14
CPG / consumer goods
$8: $16
Hospitality / travel
$10: $22
Political / issue advertising
$18: $40

CPM by vertical

VerticalBar TV CPMpDOOH CPM
Cannabis$30-$70 (compliance premium)$10-$25
Legal (PI/mass tort)$25-$50$8-$18
Hospitality$20-$45$6-$15
Nightlife events$25-$50$10-$20
Dating/social$25-$45$8-$18
Restaurants/delivery$20-$40$6-$15

What drives premium

Vertical-specific compliance constraints (cannabis, alcohol, gambling) compress eligible inventory and command CPM premium. Daypart desirability (sports primetime > daytime) compresses eligible inventory and commands premium. Market premium (Boston/NYC > Chicago > Phoenix > smaller). Venue tier (premium nightlife > mid-tier > broad).

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Why are cannabis CPMs higher than other verticals?

Cannabis-eligible bar TV inventory is constrained: only 21+ venues meeting state audience-composition rules can accept cannabis ads. Compliance-eligible inventory commands a premium relative to generic inventory.

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