US Healthcare and Pharma Ad Spending 2025

Marketers Lean Into Digital as Linear TV Investment Stalls

Healthcare and pharma ad spending is shifting from traditional to digital channels, away from linear TV—where, historically, the industry has invested a significant share of ad dollars. Digital channels like connected TV (CTV) and social are surging as brands swap reach for targeted, data-driven channels that still scale.

Key Question: What factors are affecting the current and future state of US healthcare and pharma ad spending?

Key Stat: Healthcare and pharma digital ad spending will increase to $24.77 billion this year, up 13.3% YoY, while traditional ad spending will continue to drop.

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    Table of Contents

    1. Executive Summary
    2. Dependence on linear TV is declining amid a government crackdown on D2C drug ads
    3. Marketers will continue to grow spending across digital channels
    4. Advertising growth is fueled by CTV ads
    1. Digital video ad spending will continue growing by double digits
    2. Search is a stalwart marketing channel, but growth is slowing
    3. Social network ad spending is having another blockbuster year
    4. Recommendations
    1. EMARKETER Interviews
    2. Sources
    3. Media Gallery

    Interviewed for This Report

    Michael Bologna
    BrightLine
    Chief Accelerator
    Interviewed October 3, 2025
    Reed Kiely
    VAB
    Director, Data Insights and Trends
    Interviewed October 10, 2025

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    authors

    Beth Snyder Bulik

    Contributors

    Eleni Digalaki
    Zach Goldner
    Senior Forecasting Analyst
    Rajiv Leventhal
    Penelope Lin
    Director, Data Visualization
    Oscar Orozco
    Senior Director, Forecasting
    Heather Sprung
    Senior Editor
    Emman Velasco
    Chart Editor
    Paul Verna
    VP, Content
    Ali Young
    Senior Copy Editor and Manager of Content Operations