SmartLists 2.0 adds direct activation into Google Ads, OpenX and Media.net, giving buyers a faster way to manage dynamic inclusion and exclusion strategies. 

New York, NY — May 12, 2026: Sightly, the AI-powered media intelligence company, today introduced SmartLists 2.0, an evolution of its dynamic content curation and activation product designed to move advertisers beyond static inclusion and exclusion lists with curation that refreshes continuously as content changes. The release extends Sightly's YouTube-native technology to YouTube Shorts, online video, programmatic display, and the open web, with direct activation into Google Ads, OpenX, and Media.net. 

SmartLists 2.0 is powered by Sightly’s Brand Mentality® platform, which helps advertisers understand how culture and audience behavior are evolving in real time. Traditional keyword blocklists often struggle to account for context, causing advertisers to unintentionally exclude relevant or suitable content long after conversations or news cycles evolve. SmartLists 2.0 continuously refreshes inclusion and exclusion decisions as content changes across platforms. 

Advertisers are putting more pressure than ever on where their ads show up, and the tools haven’t kept up. According to IAS, nearly half of media experts say brand suitability is now their top priority, yet many are still managing it with outdated workflows. SmartLists 2.0 leverages a cross-platform strategy within relevant content environments, extending Sightly’s existing YouTube intelligence across YouTube Shorts, programmatic web, online video, and display, with direct activation into platforms like Google Ads, OpenX, and Media.net. 

SmartLists 2.0 is built on a combination of deeper data access and integrated workflow automation. 

Key capabilities include: 

• A smarter alternative to keyword blocklists: Replace static lists that can overblock or become outdated with dynamic, content-level curation that updates in real time
• Content-level precision: Target at the video, channel, and page level, not broad keywords 
• Cross-channel activation: Deploy across YouTube, Shorts, OLV, and the open web
• Direct integrations: Activate instantly in Google Ads, OpenX, and Media.net
• Real-time updates: Lists refresh continuously as content changes 
• Connected intelligence and execution: Automatically apply updates with guardrails like ad group pausing, enabling, hourly refreshes, and failure recovery

“Culture moves faster than the systems advertisers use to manage it,” said Adam Katz, CEO of Sightly. “Static keyword lists can quickly become outdated, especially during fast-moving news or cultural moments, often causing advertisers to block content that’s no longer risky or was never unsuitable to begin with. SmartLists 2.0 helps buyers continuously adapt their media decisions as content and conversations evolve.” 

“Media quality decisions are only as valuable as your ability to execute on them,” said Karan Dalal, COO at Media.net. “With this integration, we’re making it easier for advertisers to apply more precise, dynamic controls directly within our marketplace, improving both the overall experience and desired outcomes for buyers.” 

The April 2026 release introduces distinct SmartLists for Shorts, standard videos, channels, and web inventory, along with open web activation workflows. DV360, CTV list building, expanded reporting capabilities and seamless optimization recommendations for an all-in-one workflow are planned as part of the product roadmap.

For more information or to request a demo, visit Sightly.