Best Software for 2025 is now live!

Best Demand Side Platform (DSP)

Yukta Rustagi
YR
Researched and written by Yukta Rustagi

Demand side platforms (DSPs) are advertiser campaign management products that provide advertisers features for buying ad placements online in real time. Buying ad placements in real time through DSPs gives advertisers the ability to target their desired audiences as they are actually browsing websites. DSPs are typically managed by in-house marketing teams, advertising agencies, or agency trading desks that specialize in real-time advertising. By providing clarity into impressions and conversions, DSPs help advertisers spend their digital advertising budgets more effectively. DSPs are nearly always packaged into advertiser campaign management products that can manage ads across display, mobile, social, search, and video advertising channels. To purchase ads in real time, DSPs integrate with ad exchanges, which serve as a marketplace for ad inventory. Supply side platforms (or SSP) parallel DSPs. Publishers use SSPs to sell their advertising inventory in ad exchanges. Some DSPs can also integrate directly with SSPs to foster direct buys.

To qualify for inclusion in the DSP category, a product must:

Integrate with or be included in advertiser campaign management products
Integrate with ad exchanges or directly with SSPs to buy ads in real time
Allow users to make bids on ad inventory on an impression-by-impression basis (in real time)

Best Demand Side Platform (DSP) At A Glance

Best for Small Businesses:
Best for Mid-Market:
Best for Enterprise:
Highest User Satisfaction:
Best Free Software:
Show LessShow More
Best for Enterprise:
Highest User Satisfaction:
Best Free Software:

G2 takes pride in showing unbiased reviews on user satisfaction in our ratings and reports. We do not allow paid placements in any of our ratings, rankings, or reports. Learn about our scoring methodologies.

No filters applied
160 Listings in Demand Side Platform (DSP) Available
(751)4.8 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
1st Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    StackAdapt is a multi-channel advertising platform that specializes in multi-channel solutions including native, display, video, connected TV, audio, in-game, and DOOH ads. StackAdapt's state-of-th

    Users
    • Digital Strategist
    • Digital Marketing Manager
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Financial Services
    Market Segment
    • 63% Small-Business
    • 31% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • StackAdapt Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    120
    Customer Support
    115
    Helpful
    97
    Team Helpfulness
    90
    Campaigns
    72
    Cons
    Reporting Limitations
    26
    Poor Reporting
    24
    Reporting Issues
    22
    Integration Issues
    14
    Learning Curve
    13
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • StackAdapt features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.8
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    9.4
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    9.4
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    9.2
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2014
    HQ Location
    Ontario
    Twitter
    @StackAdapt
    2,547 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,279 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

StackAdapt is a multi-channel advertising platform that specializes in multi-channel solutions including native, display, video, connected TV, audio, in-game, and DOOH ads. StackAdapt's state-of-th

Users
  • Digital Strategist
  • Digital Marketing Manager
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Financial Services
Market Segment
  • 63% Small-Business
  • 31% Mid-Market
StackAdapt Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
120
Customer Support
115
Helpful
97
Team Helpfulness
90
Campaigns
72
Cons
Reporting Limitations
26
Poor Reporting
24
Reporting Issues
22
Integration Issues
14
Learning Curve
13
StackAdapt features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.8
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
9.4
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
9.4
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
9.2
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Company Website
Year Founded
2014
HQ Location
Ontario
Twitter
@StackAdapt
2,547 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,279 employees on LinkedIn®
(101)4.5 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
7th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Contact Us
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    The Trade Desk's self-service, cloud-based platform enables ad buyers to create, manage, optimize and measure advertising campaigns across ad formats and devices. Integrations with hundreds of global

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Retail
    Market Segment
    • 47% Mid-Market
    • 27% Enterprise
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • The Trade Desk Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Customer Support
    19
    Ease of Use
    19
    Helpful
    14
    Features
    13
    Team Helpfulness
    13
    Cons
    Learning Curve
    6
    Poor Reporting
    6
    Reporting Issues
    6
    Slow Performance
    6
    Expensive
    5
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • The Trade Desk features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.9
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    8.6
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.5
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.8
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2009
    HQ Location
    Ventura, CA
    Twitter
    @TheTradeDesk
    19,691 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    4,047 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

The Trade Desk's self-service, cloud-based platform enables ad buyers to create, manage, optimize and measure advertising campaigns across ad formats and devices. Integrations with hundreds of global

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Retail
Market Segment
  • 47% Mid-Market
  • 27% Enterprise
The Trade Desk Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Customer Support
19
Ease of Use
19
Helpful
14
Features
13
Team Helpfulness
13
Cons
Learning Curve
6
Poor Reporting
6
Reporting Issues
6
Slow Performance
6
Expensive
5
The Trade Desk features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.9
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
8.6
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.5
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.8
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Company Website
Year Founded
2009
HQ Location
Ventura, CA
Twitter
@TheTradeDesk
19,691 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
4,047 employees on LinkedIn®

This is how G2 Deals can help you:

  • Easily shop for curated – and trusted – software
  • Own your own software buying journey
  • Discover exclusive deals on software
(126)4.2 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
11th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Quantcast is a pioneer in programmatic advertising and the leader in applying AI to the digital advertising landscape. Founded in 2006, the company’s mission is to radically simplify advertising on th

    Users
    • Programmatic Manager
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Information Technology and Services
    Market Segment
    • 48% Mid-Market
    • 30% Small-Business
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Quantcast Platform Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    41
    Campaign Management
    22
    Customer Support
    22
    Insights
    18
    User Interface
    16
    Cons
    Missing Features
    12
    Budget Management
    9
    Budget Constraints
    8
    Limited Features
    8
    Campaign Management
    7
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Quantcast Platform features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.8
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    7.3
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.1
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.1
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Quantcast
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2006
    HQ Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Twitter
    @Quantcast
    10,544 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    479 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Quantcast is a pioneer in programmatic advertising and the leader in applying AI to the digital advertising landscape. Founded in 2006, the company’s mission is to radically simplify advertising on th

Users
  • Programmatic Manager
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Information Technology and Services
Market Segment
  • 48% Mid-Market
  • 30% Small-Business
Quantcast Platform Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
41
Campaign Management
22
Customer Support
22
Insights
18
User Interface
16
Cons
Missing Features
12
Budget Management
9
Budget Constraints
8
Limited Features
8
Campaign Management
7
Quantcast Platform features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.8
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
7.3
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.1
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.1
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Quantcast
Company Website
Year Founded
2006
HQ Location
San Francisco, CA
Twitter
@Quantcast
10,544 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
479 employees on LinkedIn®
(270)4.1 out of 5
9th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    The Viant DSP is a self-service omnichannel demand-side platform solution that allows brands and agencies the ability to execute programmatic advertising campaigns across Connected TV, Linear TV, desk

    Users
    • Programmatic Trader
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Online Media
    Market Segment
    • 40% Mid-Market
    • 39% Small-Business
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Viant Technology Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    32
    Customer Support
    25
    Helpful
    17
    Audience Targeting
    16
    Targeting
    16
    Cons
    Reporting Limitations
    12
    Functionality Limitations
    11
    Poor Reporting
    11
    Inaccuracy
    9
    Not User-Friendly
    9
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Viant Technology features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.0
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    8.2
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    7.9
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.0
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    1999
    HQ Location
    Irvine, California
    Twitter
    @viant_tech
    2,973 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    391 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

The Viant DSP is a self-service omnichannel demand-side platform solution that allows brands and agencies the ability to execute programmatic advertising campaigns across Connected TV, Linear TV, desk

Users
  • Programmatic Trader
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Online Media
Market Segment
  • 40% Mid-Market
  • 39% Small-Business
Viant Technology Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
32
Customer Support
25
Helpful
17
Audience Targeting
16
Targeting
16
Cons
Reporting Limitations
12
Functionality Limitations
11
Poor Reporting
11
Inaccuracy
9
Not User-Friendly
9
Viant Technology features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.0
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
8.2
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
7.9
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.0
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Company Website
Year Founded
1999
HQ Location
Irvine, California
Twitter
@viant_tech
2,973 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
391 employees on LinkedIn®
(133)4.5 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
2nd Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Simpli.fi is the leading advertising success platform, providing programmatic advertising solutions and workflow software to over 2,000 media teams, agencies, and brands. Simpli.fi empowers advertiser

    Users
    • Account Manager
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Broadcast Media
    Market Segment
    • 56% Small-Business
    • 36% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Simpli.fi Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Customer Support
    21
    Ease of Use
    16
    Helpful
    14
    Team Helpfulness
    13
    Campaign Management
    11
    Cons
    Campaign Management
    6
    Unclear Communication
    5
    Campaign Management Issues
    4
    Dashboard Issues
    4
    Lack of Clarity
    4
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Simpli.fi features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.1
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    9.1
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.8
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.5
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Simpli.fi
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2010
    HQ Location
    Fort Worth, TX
    Twitter
    @simpli_fi
    1,810 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    631 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Simpli.fi is the leading advertising success platform, providing programmatic advertising solutions and workflow software to over 2,000 media teams, agencies, and brands. Simpli.fi empowers advertiser

Users
  • Account Manager
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Broadcast Media
Market Segment
  • 56% Small-Business
  • 36% Mid-Market
Simpli.fi Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Customer Support
21
Ease of Use
16
Helpful
14
Team Helpfulness
13
Campaign Management
11
Cons
Campaign Management
6
Unclear Communication
5
Campaign Management Issues
4
Dashboard Issues
4
Lack of Clarity
4
Simpli.fi features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.1
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
9.1
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.8
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.5
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Simpli.fi
Company Website
Year Founded
2010
HQ Location
Fort Worth, TX
Twitter
@simpli_fi
1,810 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
631 employees on LinkedIn®
(285)4.5 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
3rd Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Basis is everything you need to plan, buy, analyze and streamline your best-performing digital media campaigns. Basis is more than just streamlined media buying—Basis is a comprehensive and automated

    Users
    • Digital Marketing Manager
    • Digital Media Planner
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Newspapers
    Market Segment
    • 64% Small-Business
    • 28% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Basis Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    17
    Customer Support
    15
    Campaign Management
    10
    Campaigns
    9
    Helpful
    9
    Cons
    Limited Features
    4
    Poor Reporting
    4
    Reporting Limitations
    4
    Limited Reporting
    3
    Poor Usability
    3
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Basis features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.4
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    8.6
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.7
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.7
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2001
    HQ Location
    Chicago, IL
    Twitter
    @basisglobaltech
    4,895 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    1,391 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Basis is everything you need to plan, buy, analyze and streamline your best-performing digital media campaigns. Basis is more than just streamlined media buying—Basis is a comprehensive and automated

Users
  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • Digital Media Planner
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Newspapers
Market Segment
  • 64% Small-Business
  • 28% Mid-Market
Basis Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
17
Customer Support
15
Campaign Management
10
Campaigns
9
Helpful
9
Cons
Limited Features
4
Poor Reporting
4
Reporting Limitations
4
Limited Reporting
3
Poor Usability
3
Basis features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.4
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
8.6
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.7
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.7
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Company Website
Year Founded
2001
HQ Location
Chicago, IL
Twitter
@basisglobaltech
4,895 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
1,391 employees on LinkedIn®
(103)4.8 out of 5
5th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Say goodbye to boring advertising. Say hello to brand impact. Eskimi is a global, full-stack, end-to-end creative and media tech platform. It delivers data-driven creatives that capture attention,

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Food & Beverages
    Market Segment
    • 62% Small-Business
    • 24% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Eskimi Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Customer Support
    11
    Team Helpfulness
    8
    Ease of Use
    5
    Communication
    4
    Creativity
    4
    Cons
    Ad Restrictions
    2
    Budget Management
    2
    Inefficient Targeting
    2
    Data Management
    1
    Delay Issues
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Eskimi features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.7
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    9.1
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    9.3
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    9.0
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Eskimi
    Year Founded
    2006
    HQ Location
    Vilnius, LT
    Twitter
    @eskimidsp
    429 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    212 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Say goodbye to boring advertising. Say hello to brand impact. Eskimi is a global, full-stack, end-to-end creative and media tech platform. It delivers data-driven creatives that capture attention,

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Food & Beverages
Market Segment
  • 62% Small-Business
  • 24% Mid-Market
Eskimi Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Customer Support
11
Team Helpfulness
8
Ease of Use
5
Communication
4
Creativity
4
Cons
Ad Restrictions
2
Budget Management
2
Inefficient Targeting
2
Data Management
1
Delay Issues
1
Eskimi features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.7
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
9.1
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
9.3
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
9.0
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Eskimi
Year Founded
2006
HQ Location
Vilnius, LT
Twitter
@eskimidsp
429 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
212 employees on LinkedIn®
(1,698)4.4 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
8th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
View top Consulting Services for Demandbase One
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Demandbase is the leading, enterprise-grade account-based GTM platform for sales and marketing teams designed to make every moment and every dollar count. Since creating the category in 2013, we h

    Users
    • Account Executive
    • Business Development Representative
    Industries
    • Computer Software
    • Information Technology and Services
    Market Segment
    • 51% Mid-Market
    • 31% Enterprise
    User Sentiment
    How are these determined?Information
    These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
    • Demandbase One is a platform that provides resources for tracking performance, customizing outreach, and identifying high-value accounts, with a focus on account-based marketing.
    • Users like the platform's ability to provide granular insights and personalized targeting capabilities, its robust data analytics, and its comprehensive reporting tools which significantly improve lead generation and engagement rates.
    • Reviewers experienced issues with the platform's complexity and navigability, some found its integration with existing systems not seamless, and others mentioned limitations with the advertising platform and the accuracy of some data.
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Demandbase One Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    167
    Intent Data
    141
    Insights
    124
    Lead Generation
    112
    Intent Analysis
    94
    Cons
    Learning Curve
    48
    Steep Learning Curve
    38
    Complexity
    36
    Data Management
    35
    Missing Features
    35
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Demandbase One features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.8
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    8.6
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.3
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.2
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2005
    HQ Location
    San Francisco, CA
    Twitter
    @Demandbase
    21,833 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    981 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Demandbase is the leading, enterprise-grade account-based GTM platform for sales and marketing teams designed to make every moment and every dollar count. Since creating the category in 2013, we h

Users
  • Account Executive
  • Business Development Representative
Industries
  • Computer Software
  • Information Technology and Services
Market Segment
  • 51% Mid-Market
  • 31% Enterprise
User Sentiment
How are these determined?Information
These insights, currently in beta, are compiled from user reviews and grouped to display a high-level overview of the software.
  • Demandbase One is a platform that provides resources for tracking performance, customizing outreach, and identifying high-value accounts, with a focus on account-based marketing.
  • Users like the platform's ability to provide granular insights and personalized targeting capabilities, its robust data analytics, and its comprehensive reporting tools which significantly improve lead generation and engagement rates.
  • Reviewers experienced issues with the platform's complexity and navigability, some found its integration with existing systems not seamless, and others mentioned limitations with the advertising platform and the accuracy of some data.
Demandbase One Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
167
Intent Data
141
Insights
124
Lead Generation
112
Intent Analysis
94
Cons
Learning Curve
48
Steep Learning Curve
38
Complexity
36
Data Management
35
Missing Features
35
Demandbase One features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.8
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
8.6
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.3
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.2
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Company Website
Year Founded
2005
HQ Location
San Francisco, CA
Twitter
@Demandbase
21,833 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
981 employees on LinkedIn®
(72)4.8 out of 5
Optimized for quick response
4th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
30% off: $4200 /year
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    AdLib is the premium DSP for everyone. Reach your audience on the world’s most popular sites, apps, and streaming platforms. No Contracts. No Minimums. Most marketers struggle to access premium pr

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Online Media
    Market Segment
    • 85% Small-Business
    • 15% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • AdLib DSP Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    19
    Customer Support
    10
    Campaign Management
    8
    Campaigns
    8
    Helpful
    8
    Cons
    Reporting Limitations
    7
    Poor Reporting
    6
    Limited Reporting
    4
    Audience Targeting
    3
    Dashboard Issues
    3
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • AdLib DSP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.7
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    9.0
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    9.0
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.9
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2016
    HQ Location
    New York, New York
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    12 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

AdLib is the premium DSP for everyone. Reach your audience on the world’s most popular sites, apps, and streaming platforms. No Contracts. No Minimums. Most marketers struggle to access premium pr

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Online Media
Market Segment
  • 85% Small-Business
  • 15% Mid-Market
AdLib DSP Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
19
Customer Support
10
Campaign Management
8
Campaigns
8
Helpful
8
Cons
Reporting Limitations
7
Poor Reporting
6
Limited Reporting
4
Audience Targeting
3
Dashboard Issues
3
AdLib DSP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.7
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
9.0
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
9.0
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.9
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Company Website
Year Founded
2016
HQ Location
New York, New York
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
12 employees on LinkedIn®
(87)4.3 out of 5
10th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
Entry Level Price:Contact Us
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    illumin is a leading journey advertising technology company that empowers marketers to make smarter decisions about targeting and communicating with online consumers. Its omnichannel journey advertisi

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 57% Small-Business
    • 30% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • illumin Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    15
    Features
    10
    Customer Support
    9
    Audience Targeting
    7
    Campaign Management
    7
    Cons
    Integration Issues
    4
    Poor Reporting
    4
    Campaign Management
    3
    Learning Curve
    3
    Limited Audience Reach
    3
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • illumin features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.1
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    8.2
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.1
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.4
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    illumin
    Company Website
    Year Founded
    2009
    HQ Location
    Toronto, Canada
    Twitter
    @AcuityAds
    266 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    263 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

illumin is a leading journey advertising technology company that empowers marketers to make smarter decisions about targeting and communicating with online consumers. Its omnichannel journey advertisi

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 57% Small-Business
  • 30% Mid-Market
illumin Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
15
Features
10
Customer Support
9
Audience Targeting
7
Campaign Management
7
Cons
Integration Issues
4
Poor Reporting
4
Campaign Management
3
Learning Curve
3
Limited Audience Reach
3
illumin features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.1
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
8.2
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.1
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.4
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
illumin
Company Website
Year Founded
2009
HQ Location
Toronto, Canada
Twitter
@AcuityAds
266 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
263 employees on LinkedIn®
(18)4.4 out of 5
View top Consulting Services for Amazon DSP
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Amazon DSP (formerly Amazon Advertising Platform, or AAP) is a demand-side platform that allows you to programmatically reach your audiences both on Amazon sites and apps as well as through our publis

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 50% Mid-Market
    • 28% Small-Business
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Amazon DSP Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Customer Support
    1
    Data Accuracy
    1
    Ease of Use
    1
    Features
    1
    Insights
    1
    Cons
    Difficult Setup
    1
    Difficult Usability
    1
    Learning Curve
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Amazon DSP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.6
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    8.0
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    7.8
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    7.3
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Amazon
    Year Founded
    1994
    HQ Location
    Seattle, WA
    Twitter
    @amazon
    6,020,295 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    730,927 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    AMZN
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Amazon DSP (formerly Amazon Advertising Platform, or AAP) is a demand-side platform that allows you to programmatically reach your audiences both on Amazon sites and apps as well as through our publis

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 50% Mid-Market
  • 28% Small-Business
Amazon DSP Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Customer Support
1
Data Accuracy
1
Ease of Use
1
Features
1
Insights
1
Cons
Difficult Setup
1
Difficult Usability
1
Learning Curve
1
Amazon DSP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.6
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
8.0
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
7.8
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
7.3
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Amazon
Year Founded
1994
HQ Location
Seattle, WA
Twitter
@amazon
6,020,295 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
730,927 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
AMZN
(295)4.1 out of 5
13th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
View top Consulting Services for Google Marketing Platform
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Google's DoubleClick™ provides ad management and ad serving solutions to companies that buy, create, or sell digital advertising. The world's top marketers, publishers, ad networks, and agencies use D

    Users
    • Account Manager
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    • Internet
    Market Segment
    • 47% Mid-Market
    • 27% Enterprise
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Google Marketing Platform Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ad Management
    1
    Advertising
    1
    Advertising Management
    1
    Business Growth
    1
    Campaign Management
    1
    Cons
    Expensive
    1
    Integration Issues
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Google Marketing Platform features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    7.6
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    7.2
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    8.4
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    7.6
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Google
    Year Founded
    1998
    HQ Location
    Mountain View, CA
    Twitter
    @google
    32,520,271 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    301,875 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    NASDAQ:GOOG
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Google's DoubleClick™ provides ad management and ad serving solutions to companies that buy, create, or sell digital advertising. The world's top marketers, publishers, ad networks, and agencies use D

Users
  • Account Manager
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Internet
Market Segment
  • 47% Mid-Market
  • 27% Enterprise
Google Marketing Platform Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ad Management
1
Advertising
1
Advertising Management
1
Business Growth
1
Campaign Management
1
Cons
Expensive
1
Integration Issues
1
Google Marketing Platform features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
7.6
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
7.2
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
8.4
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
7.6
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Google
Year Founded
1998
HQ Location
Mountain View, CA
Twitter
@google
32,520,271 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
301,875 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
NASDAQ:GOOG
(35)4.7 out of 5
6th Easiest To Use in Demand Side Platform (DSP) software
Save to My Lists
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    BidTheatre is a software company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Founded in 2012, the company builds and provides BidTheatre DSP, a powerful platform for data driven advertising. BidTheatre DSP provides

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 89% Small-Business
    • 6% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Bidtheatre Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Customer Support
    5
    Ease of Use
    4
    Helpful
    4
    Campaign Management
    2
    Easy Setup
    2
    Cons
    Inaccuracy
    2
    Limited Reporting
    2
    Reporting Limitations
    2
    Slow Performance
    2
    Slow Processing
    2
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Bidtheatre features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    9.2
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    9.0
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    9.0
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    8.4
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Year Founded
    2012
    HQ Location
    Stockholm
    Twitter
    @BidTheatre
    56 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    9 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

BidTheatre is a software company based in Stockholm, Sweden. Founded in 2012, the company builds and provides BidTheatre DSP, a powerful platform for data driven advertising. BidTheatre DSP provides

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 89% Small-Business
  • 6% Mid-Market
Bidtheatre Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Customer Support
5
Ease of Use
4
Helpful
4
Campaign Management
2
Easy Setup
2
Cons
Inaccuracy
2
Limited Reporting
2
Reporting Limitations
2
Slow Performance
2
Slow Processing
2
Bidtheatre features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
9.2
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
9.0
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
9.0
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
8.4
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Year Founded
2012
HQ Location
Stockholm
Twitter
@BidTheatre
56 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
9 employees on LinkedIn®
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Opera Ads, the advertising platform by global web innovator Opera, powers advertising with extensive reach, user-centric engagement, and dedicated global support. It fuels monetization and user engage

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    No information available
    Market Segment
    • 55% Small-Business
    • 27% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Opera Ads Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Ease of Use
    7
    Low Costs
    4
    Simple
    4
    Audience Targeting
    3
    Features
    2
    Cons
    Limited Audience Reach
    4
    Ad Restrictions
    3
    Lack of Clarity
    2
    Slow Performance
    2
    Expensive
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Opera Ads features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    8.3
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    7.5
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    7.8
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    6.9
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Opera
    Year Founded
    1995
    HQ Location
    Oslo, Norway
    Twitter
    @opera
    638,273 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    2,143 employees on LinkedIn®
    Ownership
    Opera Limited (NASDAQ: OPRA)
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Opera Ads, the advertising platform by global web innovator Opera, powers advertising with extensive reach, user-centric engagement, and dedicated global support. It fuels monetization and user engage

Users
No information available
Industries
No information available
Market Segment
  • 55% Small-Business
  • 27% Mid-Market
Opera Ads Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Ease of Use
7
Low Costs
4
Simple
4
Audience Targeting
3
Features
2
Cons
Limited Audience Reach
4
Ad Restrictions
3
Lack of Clarity
2
Slow Performance
2
Expensive
1
Opera Ads features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
8.3
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
7.5
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
7.8
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
6.9
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Opera
Year Founded
1995
HQ Location
Oslo, Norway
Twitter
@opera
638,273 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
2,143 employees on LinkedIn®
Ownership
Opera Limited (NASDAQ: OPRA)
  • Overview
    Expand/Collapse Overview
  • Product Description
    How are these determined?Information
    This description is provided by the seller.

    Epom DSP is a highly-customizable ad-buying solution that has proven itself in recent years. From format previews to bid floor visibility this platform has everything for the best ad performance.

    Users
    No information available
    Industries
    • Marketing and Advertising
    Market Segment
    • 60% Small-Business
    • 40% Mid-Market
  • Pros and Cons
    Expand/Collapse Pros and Cons
  • Epom White Label DSP Pros and Cons
    How are these determined?Information
    Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
    Pros
    Real-time Updates
    6
    Speed
    5
    Audience Targeting
    4
    Campaign Management
    4
    Optimization
    4
    Cons
    Learning Curve
    3
    Lack of Clarity
    1
    Poor Customer Support
    1
  • User Satisfaction
    Expand/Collapse User Satisfaction
  • Epom White Label DSP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
    10.0
    Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
    Average: 8.3
    10.0
    Cross Channel Capabilities
    Average: 8.2
    9.7
    Performance and Reliability
    Average: 8.2
    10.0
    Cross-Device Capabilities
    Average: 7.9
  • Seller Details
    Expand/Collapse Seller Details
  • Seller Details
    Seller
    Epom
    Year Founded
    2011
    HQ Location
    Kiev, Ukraine
    Twitter
    @EpomAdServer
    1,139 Twitter followers
    LinkedIn® Page
    www.linkedin.com
    97 employees on LinkedIn®
Product Description
How are these determined?Information
This description is provided by the seller.

Epom DSP is a highly-customizable ad-buying solution that has proven itself in recent years. From format previews to bid floor visibility this platform has everything for the best ad performance.

Users
No information available
Industries
  • Marketing and Advertising
Market Segment
  • 60% Small-Business
  • 40% Mid-Market
Epom White Label DSP Pros and Cons
How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Real-time Updates
6
Speed
5
Audience Targeting
4
Campaign Management
4
Optimization
4
Cons
Learning Curve
3
Lack of Clarity
1
Poor Customer Support
1
Epom White Label DSP features and usability ratings that predict user satisfaction
10.0
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Average: 8.3
10.0
Cross Channel Capabilities
Average: 8.2
9.7
Performance and Reliability
Average: 8.2
10.0
Cross-Device Capabilities
Average: 7.9
Seller Details
Seller
Epom
Year Founded
2011
HQ Location
Kiev, Ukraine
Twitter
@EpomAdServer
1,139 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
97 employees on LinkedIn®

Learn More About Demand Side Platform (DSP)

What is a Demand Side Platform (DSP)?

Demand side platforms (DSPs) act as a central hub to manage all the data related to advertising campaigns. A DSP is used by advertisers to buy different types of ads (mobile, social, video, etc.) from a marketplace where publishers list advertising inventory. To be efficient, advertising teams need to target the right audience, at the right time, on the right channel. Since many companies compete to get their ads on the same channels, they have to bid on impressions to ensure they can reach their goals. 

DSPs enable automated ad buying or programmatic ad buying. This type of software is integrated into multiple ad exchanges to enable advertisers to automate buying ads that may include banner ads on websites or mobile ads on apps. The automated bidding process, where ad placements are auctioned off within microseconds, is called real-time bidding (RTB). While DSPs help companies with all media-buying activities, it is also important to have personnel with advanced expertise in this field or work with external consultants or agencies. 

What Does DSP Stand For?

DSP stands for demand side platform, and the term “demand” can be seen as synonymous with “buying”. These platforms help companies identify advertising opportunities across multiple ad networks and helps find the best prices for the targeted audience. 

What Types of Demand Side Platform (DSP) Exists?

Mobile DSP

When searching for a DSP, some companies may want a specific DSP for mobile ad-buying capabilities. A mobile DSP is not a standalone product, but is part of and integrated with any robust DSP and is responsible for buying mobile ad inventory. A mobile DSP is focused on buying ads across varying apps, browsers, locations, and devices and also ensures that the advertiser’s creatives are displayed correctly and are optimized for mobile screens. These types of DSPs assist app publishers and app developers in offering available mobile impressions. That being said, buyers don’t need to purchase a separate DSP for desktop and mobile programmatic ad-buying.

Omnichannel DSP

Omnichannel DSPs enable companies to manage ads across multiple channels, like desktop, video, audio, OTT, etc. These types of DSPs help companies manage ad campaigns without having to switch between platforms. 

Single-channel or niche DSP

These types of DSPs can serve the needs of businesses that only want to send ads on a specific channel. Single-channel DSPs can help small businesses that may have a lower budget or a more focused advertising strategy. 

What are the Common Features of Demand Side Platform (DSP)?

The following are some core features within DSPs that can help users in a variety of ways:

Campaign management: Omnichannel campaign management is used to target audiences across multiple channels, from traditional media such as TV and newspapers to online and social media channels.

Ad retargeting: Retargeting allows companies to resume media assets for new campaigns and to target different audiences without starting from scratch. 

Buy management: DSPs help manage different types of programmatic buys such as preferred deal, programmatic guaranteed, or private marketplace. 

Ad variety: This feature provides different types of advertising such as native ads and mobile or cross-device promotions to target broader audiences.

Audience segmentation: Audience segmentation allows media companies to choose whom to target based on multiple types of criteria (demographics, technology platforms used, etc.).

Asset management: Asset management helps manage creative assets to allocate them to each campaign, based on the audience and its characteristics such as region, language, age, and so on.

Bidding: Bidding allows companies to acquire advertising inventory or impressions that are used to place ads on various channels. DSP software usually provides access to multiple sources of inventory.

Reporting: Reporting and analytics features assist in tracking key performance indicators such as effective cost per click (eCPC) and effective cost per action (eCPA).

Brand safety: The software integrates with or provides brand protection or brand safety features to monitor and block fraudulent ad-buying activity. 

Other features of demand side platforms: API / Integrations, Contextual Targeting, Creative Optimization, Fraud Protection, In App Ads, Machine Learning Optimization, and User, Role, & Access Management.

What are the Benefits of Demand Side Platform (DSP)?

Key benefits of DSPs include accelerating the process of buying online advertisements through direct interaction with web publishers, reducing spend on impressions that are not part of a target audience, gaining transparency in the advertisements that are purchased by knowing the demographics of every impression, and increasing ad conversion rates by putting ads in front of people who are more likely to click on ads, in turn increasing the return on ad spend (ROAS). 

Some of the challenges advertisers face nowadays that can be addressed by DSP software are:

Omnichannel: Omnichannel is both a challenge and an opportunity for media companies. On the bright side, they now have more options than ever to target audiences, but this also makes it harder for them to find the right audience segments and promote content on their preferred channels. Companies cannot afford to invest in advertising on all possible channels and need to focus on the ones that are the most efficient.

Real-time tracking: Real-time performance tracking is critical to determine what content works on which channels. It also helps companies adjust their campaigns to make them more efficient or cancel advertising that is costly and brings little or no revenue. Since companies invest a lot of time and money in advertising, it is difficult for them to cancel campaigns even when they don’t seem to be very successful. Real-time data is therefore essential to determining when campaigns can be considered successful; it also enables companies to quickly react to any changes that may jeopardize their advertising efforts.

Brand safety: Brand safety is more challenging than ever, mostly due to technologies like social media which can disseminate information very quickly. Individuals and institutions also scrutinize brands, and it is very common that controversial advertising becomes viral and has a negative impact on the brand. The challenge with brand safety is that advertising content can be shared outside of the channels used by the company, which makes it almost impossible to retract.

Who Uses Demand Side Platform (DSP)?

DSP is used by advertisers employed by a company to help with its advertising strategy or agencies that manage advertising activities on behalf of the customer.

Marketing departments: Advertising teams or departments use DSP software to create advertising campaigns and implement them to target or retarget different types of audiences. They also need to track the performance of each advertising campaign and address any issues that may impact their performance.

Advertising agencies: Advertising agencies use DSP software to implement strategies defined with the customer. Agencies usually manage most advertising activities but may also collaborate with customers on some operations. They also provide customers with reports on the performance and costs of advertising campaigns.

Software Related to Demand Side Platform (DSP)

Related solutions that can be used together with DSPs include:

Supply side platform (SSP): SSP allows publishers to make money from their websites by creating and selling ad inventory to marketers on an impression-by-impression or visitor-by-visitor basis. SSPs are used in conjunction with publisher ad servers—either as a single product or two separate integrated products—that provide the functionality to manage ad inventory and traffic incoming ads. SSPs, in turn, give publisher ad servers the ability to sell their advertising inventory in real time through advertising exchanges or directly to advertisers’ DSPs.

Ad network software: Ad networks aggregate ad inventory from websites and apps and match it with advertiser demand to facilitate the digital advertising buying process. For advertisers, ad networks show them the inventory that is available to buy. For publishers, ad networks package together inventory to be useful to advertisers and yield the highest profit. Ad networks serve as a bridge between advertiser campaign management and publisher ad management software, with both sets of software needing to integrate with ad networks.

Creative management platforms: A creative management platform (CMP) combines a variety of display advertising tools utilized by marketing and advertising professionals into one cohesive, cloud-based platform. These tools include ad design builders capable of making dynamic creative in bulk, cross-channel publishing, and marketing data collection and analysis. While most CMPs can be used to create and deploy full marketing campaigns on their own, many provide functionality or integrations that allow users to concurrently utilize another DSP to provide extra channel coverage.

Challenges with Demand Side Platform (DSP)

DSP can be complicated and expensive to implement and maintain. The structure of this type of software can vary from one vendor to another, as well as the way products are sold. Furthermore, vendors provide services to increase DSP adoption and integrations with other software solutions, which can make their offerings even more complicated.

Bid duplication: DSPs are starting to work against bid duplication, but this takes place when SSPs send more than one bid request for a single impression. This represents a single user as two separate users and removes the ability for DSPs to set a capacity for ads served at the requests of the advertiser. In short, bid duplication results in advertisers unknowingly bidding against themselves, driving up the price they pay.

Data privacy: As more and more data privacy regulations are created, DSPs are under more pressure to adapt as this type of software relies on audience data to target ads. Due to privacy regulations, personal data can only be collected and used with explicit permission from consumers. 

How to Buy Demand Side Platform (DSP)

The first step in evaluating DSPs, like a lot of software, is to determine the particular company goals and what outcomes are expected to be achieved. 

Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Demand Side Platform (DSP)

When evaluating DSP software options, it’s important to ask a few qualifying questions that may be important to the business and end goals. Some of these questions can include:

  • How does the DSP maintain data privacy? Does it comply with the CCPA and GDPR?
  • What software does the DSP integrate with (e.g., CDP software, ERP systems, etc.)
  • How is the data collected for targeting ads?
  • Can the DSP buy ads across a variety of channels (i.e., is it an omnichannel DSP)?
  • Does the DSP offer artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities for ad bidding?

Compare Demand Side Platform (DSP) Products

When comparing DSPs, businesses should compare targeting capabilities, available inventory types, data privacy maintenance, anti-fraud measures, pricing, available integrations i.e., with a data management platform (DMP), and ad reporting capabilities. 

Conduct demos

When conducting demos, buyers must make sure to narrow it down to only a few DSP options, the ones that align with the specific company goals. For example, if the company only wants to advertise on one channel, it may not be necessary to evaluate and demo omnichannel DSPs. Also, it is important to ensure all internal stakeholders are involved in the demos to provide feedback. 

Implementation of Demand Side Platform (DSP)

Who is Responsible for Demand Side Platform (DSP) Implementation?

Internal marketing or advertising teams can work with the software vendor they have selected to implement a DSP to start programmatically buying ads. If a company doesn’t have an internal advertising team, or marketing team that oversees digital advertising, it can hire a digital advertising agency to implement, and also manage, a DSP. 

What Does the Implementation Process Look Like for Demand Side Platform (DSP)?

For a DSP to start working, it must integrate with varying supply sources (i.e., SSPs and ad exchanges). The internal teams or ad agency implementing this software must ensure that the DSP can natively integrate with all desired ad exchanges and SSPs to serve ads on the channels that the company has identified.