SmartNews Launches Campaign to Mark First Anniversary of Self-Serve Ads for Advertisers

SmartNews Inc. (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kaisei Hamamoto), whose mission is to deliver quality information from around the world to those who need it, is running a '1st Anniversary Campaign' targeting new advertisers from June 1, 2026 (Monday), ahead of the first anniversary of its 'Self-Serve Ads' on the SmartNews app on July 10, 2026. This service allows advertisers to place and manage their own ads.

The campaign offers up to 100,000 yen in ad credits to support the first ad placement for advertisers who open a new ad account and start ad delivery during the period. Additionally, both new and existing advertisers who spend a certain amount will receive ad credits based on their spending. New advertisers can receive a combined total of up to 1.1 million yen in credits, while existing advertisers are eligible for credit back based on their spending.

SmartNews Ads 'Self-Serve Ads' 1st Anniversary Campaign Overview

Item: Details
Campaign Name: SmartNews Ads 'Self-Serve Ads' 1st Anniversary Campaign
Period: June 1 (Mon) - July 31 (Fri), 2026 *Period may be extended
Target: New advertisers (Benefit 1 'New Advertiser Benefit' and Benefit 2 'Spending-Based Rebate Benefit'), Existing advertisers (Benefit 2 'Spending-Based Rebate Benefit')
Benefit 1 New Advertiser Benefit: Up to 100,000 yen in ad credits for advertisers who open a new account and start delivery during the period.
Benefit 2 Spending-Based Rebate Benefit: For both new and existing advertisers, 5% of monthly spending over 1 million yen will be returned as ad credits the following month, and 10% for spending over 2 million yen. (Rebate capped at 1 million yen per month)
Offer Details: New advertisers receive a maximum of 1.1 million yen in ad credits from the two benefits combined. Existing advertisers receive ad credit rebates based on spending.
Notes: Ad credits are valid for 90 days from issuance. Campaign details are subject to change or termination without notice. Please check the campaign page for details.
▼Campaign Page (Application Page): https://ads.smartnews.com/lp/selfserve_03/

Background of the Campaign

Ahead of its first anniversary, revenue has grown approximately 3x in the last six months, and monthly sales reached a new record high.

Since its launch on July 10, 2025, SmartNews Ads 'Self-Serve Ads' has seen growing adoption as an advertising service that allows advertisers to place and manage their own ads. In the last six months (*), revenue has grown approximately 3x, and in May 2026, it achieved its highest monthly sales since launch. The total number of advertisers has also approximately doubled in the same period, with advertisers from over 30 industries including real estate, finance, and human resources. Leveraging the convenience of starting with small amounts and completing delivery and management online, the service supports the marketing activities of a wide range of advertisers, from companies without dedicated marketing staff to large enterprises.

(*) Based on company data. Revenue and advertiser numbers compare November 2025 and May 2026. 'Record high' refers to monthly sales since launch. Industry count as of May 2026.

Supporting an environment where small and medium-sized businesses can easily and safely start digital advertising.

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) working with limited staff and budgets, opening an ad account, verifying effectiveness with small budgets, and making post-delivery adjustments can be hurdles to starting digital advertising. The reliability and brand safety of ad placements are also important considerations. 'Self-Serve Ads' has supported creating an environment where advertisers can easily and safely start, through a system that completes delivery and management online and ad placement within the trusted information environment of the SmartNews app. This campaign aims to reduce the burden on new advertisers at the start of their ad placements through the provision and rebate of ad credits.

Key Features of SmartNews Ads 'Self-Serve Ads'

SmartNews Ads 'Self-Serve Ads' leverages the unique user touchpoints of the SmartNews app to help reach audiences that are difficult to reach with social media ads, including a broad range of purchasing-powerful users, primarily in their 30s to 50s. It allows starting with small budgets and enables advertisers to adjust operations and verify effectiveness themselves, making it easy for those with limited budgets and resources.

Key Features
- Ad delivery on SmartNews, reaching audiences difficult to reach with social media ads
- Targeting a broad range of purchasing-powerful users, primarily in their 30s to 50s
- Start ad delivery with small amounts, no minimum spend required
- Complete online process from account opening to delivery settings, budget management, and payment
- Flexible control over start/stop of delivery and creative changes by the advertiser
- Supports three types of targeting (user attributes, region, delivery optimization) and multiple formats (static images, video, carousel)

Comment from the Person in Charge

Kazuya Imabari, Business Manager of SmartNews Ads 'Self-Serve Ads'

"'The power to communicate, for every business' — with this feeling in mind, we launched this product. Even with excellent products and services, they are not always fully communicated to the world. Our sole desire was to turn the 'want to tell' of companies facing such frustration into 'being told.' Marking this first anniversary, we will continue to support the success of each and every company as we further encourage those taking on new challenges."

Contact for Advertisers and Agencies
ads-promotion@smartnews.com