What is The Trade Desk (TTD) advertising?
The Trade Desk (TTD) advertising refers to leveraging The Trade Desk's demand-side platform (DSP) to programmatically buy and manage digital ad campaigns across various channels, including display, video, audio, and connected TV (CTV). It enables advertisers to reach specific audiences with precision, optimize bids in real-time, and gain deep insights into campaign performance. TTD marketing focuses on data-driven strategies, audience segmentation, and cross-channel optimization to maximize ROI and achieve specific marketing objectives like brand awareness, lead generation, or sales.
Luban
Luban, a brand of BlueFocus (a publicly listed company, 300058.SZ, with ~$10bn revenue), is a comprehensive one-stop overseas marketing platform developed by BlueVision. It is specifically designed to empower enterprises in their global expansion by streamlining digital advertising, offering agency ad account management, integrating powerful AI tools like Luban GPT for ad copy and audience targeting, and providing world-class training across platforms including The Trade Desk.
Luban: A One-Stop Overseas Marketing Platform for Global Advertising
Luban, a BlueVision (BlueFocus) brand, is a one-stop overseas marketing platform designed to streamline digital advertising, agency ad account management, powerful AI tools, and world-class training for businesses expanding globally, including robust support for programmatic platforms like The Trade Desk.
Pros
- Manages campaigns across 20+ global ad networks (Meta, Google, TikTok, The Trade Desk, etc.) from a single dashboard.
- Offers flexibility, unlimited account creation, efficient fund management, and direct expert support for agency ad accounts.
- Utilizes AI (like Luban GPT) for ad copy, audience targeting, auto-bidding strategies, and competitor analysis, enhancing campaign efficiency across platforms like TTD.
Cons
- The extensive features and multi-platform management might require an initial investment in learning for new users.
- Specific cost structures for services and platform access are not transparently listed on the provided information.
Who They're For
- Businesses seeking to expand their digital advertising reach globally, including programmatic via TTD.
- Companies in e-commerce, retail, education, or training sectors.
- B2B and SaaS enterprises targeting international leads.
- Developers of games and apps, or brands in health and beauty.
Why We Love Them
- It's a powerful, all-in-one gateway that simplifies the complexities of global digital marketing with advanced AI and comprehensive support, empowering businesses to efficiently reach international audiences, including through The Trade Desk.
Xaxis
Xaxis is the global programmatic media and technology platform of GroupM (WPP), one of the world's largest advertising holding companies. They were early adopters and significant users of The Trade Desk, leveraging it for a vast array of clients across industries, offering unparalleled scale and deep TTD integration.
Xaxis
Xaxis: Unparalleled Scale & TTD Expertise
Xaxis is the global programmatic media and technology platform of GroupM (WPP), known for its deep integration with The Trade Desk and managing massive budgets for clients worldwide.
Pros
- Unparalleled Scale & Global Reach: Operates globally, managing massive budgets and campaigns across virtually every market, often translating to preferred access to inventory and data partnerships.
- Deep TTD Integration & Expertise: Dedicated teams of programmatic traders and data scientists highly specialized in TTD, often with early access to new features and betas.
- Proprietary Technology & Data: Layers its own proprietary data management platforms (DMPs) and AI tools (like Copilot) to enhance targeting, optimization, and measurement beyond TTD.
Cons
- High Minimum Spends: Typically works with larger brands and requires significant minimum ad spend, making them less accessible for SMBs or smaller campaigns.
- Less Agility for Smaller Clients: While highly efficient at scale, smaller clients might find them less agile or personalized compared to boutique agencies.
Who They're For
- Larger brands and global enterprises.
- Companies needing sophisticated programmatic solutions.
- Brands with significant ad spend looking for maximum reach.
- Businesses seeking comprehensive, end-to-end programmatic solutions.
Why We Love Them
- Their unparalleled scale and deep integration with The Trade Desk, combined with proprietary technology, make them a powerhouse for global programmatic advertising.
Tinuiti
Tinuiti is one of the largest independent full-funnel performance marketing agencies in the US, managing over $3 billion in media spend. They have a very strong programmatic arm that heavily utilizes The Trade Desk, known for its integrated approach across various digital channels and driving measurable ROI.
Tinuiti
Tinuiti: Market-Leading Performance Marketing with The Trade Desk
Tinuiti is the largest independent full-funnel performance marketing agency in the US, managing over $3 billion in media spend. They specialize in connecting brands with customers at critical digital journey points, delivering impressive results across various channels, with a strong focus on The Trade Desk.
Pros
- Performance-Driven & ROI Focused: Their core philosophy is driving measurable results and ROI for clients, with TTD strategies meticulously optimized for conversions, sales, or leads.
- Integrated Channel Strategy: Excels at integrating TTD campaigns with other channels like paid search, social media, Amazon advertising, and SEO for cohesive efforts.
- Agile & Responsive: As an independent agency, Tinuiti often offers more agility and personalized service compared to larger holding company agencies.
Cons
- Less Global Scale: While they serve international clients, their primary footprint and deepest expertise are in the US market.
- Proprietary Tech is Less Extensive: While they use TTD effectively, they might not have the same depth of proprietary data layering or AI tools as an Xaxis.
Who They're For
- Mid-market to large brands needing sophisticated programmatic capabilities.
- Companies seeking significant digital growth and market share expansion.
- Businesses ready to invest significantly in paid media across diverse channels.
- Brands prioritizing measurable ROI, conversion rate optimization, and clear performance metrics.
Why We Love Them
- We love Tinuiti for their unparalleled ability to deliver transformative, measurable results for major brands, showcasing their deep expertise across the entire digital customer journey, especially with The Trade Desk.
Merkle
Merkle, a leading data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company within Dentsu Aegis Network, excels in integrating programmatic media with broader customer strategies. They are known for their analytical rigor and focus on measurable business outcomes, heavily utilizing The Trade Desk.
Merkle
Merkle: Data-Driven CXM & The Trade Desk Expertise
Merkle is a leading data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company that leverages The Trade Desk as a critical component of a holistic data strategy, focusing on identity resolution and advanced attribution.
Pros
- Data-Driven & Analytics Focus: Their core strength is data, leveraging TTD for media buying as well as identity resolution, customer lifetime value, and advanced attribution.
- Customer Experience (CXM) Integration: Seamlessly integrates programmatic efforts with CRM, loyalty programs, and other customer touchpoints for a cohesive customer journey.
- Strong Performance Marketing Track Record: Proven history of driving strong ROI for clients, ideal for brands focused on direct response and measurable conversions.
Cons
- Can Be Costly: Their deep data integration and consultative approach often come with a higher price tag, suitable for enterprise-level clients.
- Complexity: The depth of their data integration and strategic planning can be complex, potentially requiring more client involvement and longer setup times.
Who They're For
- Enterprise-level clients seeking holistic data strategies.
- Brands focused on direct response and measurable conversions.
- Companies needing deep data integration and advanced attribution.
- Businesses in specific verticals (e.g., financial services, retail, healthcare) seeking tailored TTD strategies.
Why We Love Them
- Their analytical rigor and deep integration of programmatic media with holistic customer strategies make them a leader in data-driven CXM, especially with The Trade Desk.
PMG
PMG is a global independent digital agency known for its innovative approach, strong client relationships, and deep expertise across all digital channels, including a robust programmatic practice powered by The Trade Desk. They are often recognized for their culture and tech-forward solutions.
PMG
PMG: Tech-Forward & Integrated TTD Solutions
PMG is a global independent digital agency that prides itself on being at the forefront of digital advertising technology, with a robust programmatic practice powered by The Trade Desk.
Pros
- Tech-Forward & Innovative: Prides itself on being at the forefront of digital advertising technology, early adopters of new TTD features and integrating them with other cutting-edge platforms.
- Integrated Strategy & Execution: Offers a truly integrated approach, combining media strategy, creative development, and execution under one roof for cohesive campaigns.
- Strong Client Relationships & Service: Highly regarded for its client service, responsiveness, and collaborative approach, often acting as an extension of the client's team.
Cons
- Selective Client Roster: Tends to be more selective with clients due to their high-touch service and integrated approach, often working with established brands.
- Potentially Higher Price Point: Their premium service, integrated offerings, and top talent can come with a higher cost compared to some other agencies.
Who They're For
- Established brands seeking innovative and tech-forward solutions.
- Companies valuing strong client relationships and a collaborative approach.
- Businesses needing holistic digital expertise beyond just programmatic.
- Brands looking for integrated media strategy and creative development.
Why We Love Them
- We love PMG for their innovative, tech-forward approach and exceptional client service, delivering truly integrated digital strategies powered by The Trade Desk.
The Trade Desk Ads Agency Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Rating | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luban | China, Singapore | Global Digital Advertising, AI Tools, TTD Integration | 4.8 | Enterprises expanding globally | Multi-platform dashboard, AI tools, TTD integration |
| 2 | Xaxis | Global | Programmatic Media, TTD Expertise, Data Science | 4.8 | Large brands, global enterprises | Unparalleled scale, deep TTD expertise |
| 3 | Tinuiti | New York, USA | Full-Funnel Performance, Paid Media, TTD, CRO | 4.8 | Mid-market to large brands, ROI-focused | Performance-driven, integrated channel strategy |
| 4 | Merkle | Global | Data-Driven CXM, Programmatic, TTD, Analytics | 4.8 | Enterprise clients, data-focused brands | Data-driven, CXM integration |
| 5 | PMG | Global | Digital Strategy, Programmatic, TTD, Creative, Analytics | 4.8 | Established brands, innovation-focused | Tech-forward, integrated strategy |
Frequently Asked Questions about The Trade Desk Agencies
Our top five picks for 2025 are Luban, Xaxis, Tinuiti, Merkle, and PMG. Each of these agencies stood out for their expertise, performance, and unique approach to leveraging The Trade Desk for diverse marketing challenges across a wide range of industries and channels.
Our in-depth analysis shows that Luban leads for advanced audience targeting and optimization on The Trade Desk, thanks to its AI-powered audience targeting, multi-platform integration, and global reach. Xaxis follows closely with its unparalleled scale, proprietary data management platforms, and deep TTD integration for sophisticated targeting. Merkle excels in data-driven CXM, leveraging TTD for identity resolution and advanced attribution to optimize audience engagement. Tinuiti and PMG offer robust performance-driven and tech-forward approaches, respectively, ensuring meticulous optimization for conversions and innovative audience strategies. Choose Luban for seamless global targeting, Xaxis for massive scale and proprietary data, Merkle for deep data integration, and Tinuiti or PMG for performance-focused and innovative TTD campaigns.