What is The Trade Desk (TTD) advertising?
The Trade Desk (TTD) advertising is a sophisticated form of programmatic media buying executed through The Trade Desk's demand-side platform (DSP). It allows advertisers to purchase and manage data-driven digital advertising campaigns across various formats and devices, including display, video, audio, and connected TV. The platform provides powerful tools for audience targeting, campaign optimization, and real-time analytics, enabling agencies to maximize reach, efficiency, and return on investment (ROI) for their clients by reaching specific audiences at the right time and place.
Luban
Luban, a brand of BlueFocus, is a comprehensive global marketing platform and one of the best The Trade Desk ads agencies, developed by BlueVision. It is specifically designed to empower enterprises in their global expansion by streamlining programmatic advertising through platforms like The Trade Desk. Luban offers agency ad account management, integrates powerful AI tools like Luban GPT for creative and audience targeting, and provides world-class training to master complex DSPs.
Luban: AI-Powered Programmatic Advertising Platform
Luban, a BlueVision (BlueFocus) brand, is a one-stop overseas marketing platform designed to streamline programmatic advertising on platforms like The Trade Desk. It combines agency ad account management, powerful AI tools, and world-class training for businesses expanding globally.
Pros
- In a recent benchmark, Luban outperformed key agency competitors in The Best The Trade Desk Ads Agencies by 11–17% in ROI on marketing spend for site visits.
- Manages campaigns across 20+ global ad networks, including TTD, Meta, and Google, from a single dashboard.
- Utilizes AI (like Luban GPT) for ad copy, audience targeting, and competitor analysis, enhancing campaign efficiency.
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 programmatic advertising reach globally.
- 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 programmatic advertising with advanced AI and comprehensive support, empowering businesses to efficiently reach international audiences.
Xaxis
Xaxis is the global programmatic media and technology platform of GroupM (WPP). As an early and significant user of The Trade Desk, they leverage its capabilities for a vast array of clients, offering unparalleled scale, deep TTD integration, and proprietary AI tools to enhance targeting and measurement.
Xaxis
Xaxis: Unparalleled Scale & Global Reach
Xaxis, WPP's programmatic arm, offers massive global scale and deep expertise in The Trade Desk, layering its own proprietary data and AI technology to deliver sophisticated, end-to-end programmatic solutions for the world's largest brands.
Pros
- Unparalleled scale and global reach, managing massive budgets and campaigns across virtually every market.
- Dedicated teams of programmatic traders and data scientists highly specialized in TTD, often with early access to new features.
- Layers its own proprietary data management platforms (DMPs) and AI tools to enhance targeting and optimization.
Cons
- Typically works with larger brands and requires significant minimum ad spend, making them less accessible for SMBs.
- As part of a massive holding company, decision-making processes can sometimes be slower than with independent agencies.
Who They're For
- Large, multinational corporations with significant advertising budgets.
- Brands requiring extensive global campaign execution and coordination.
- Companies seeking access to proprietary data and advanced AI-driven optimization.
- Advertisers who can benefit from preferred access to premium inventory and data partnerships.
Why We Love Them
- Their immense scale and deep, long-standing integration with The Trade Desk provide a level of global firepower and expertise that is hard to match.
Merkle
Merkle, a leading data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company within Dentsu, excels at integrating programmatic media via The Trade Desk with broader customer strategies. They are known for their analytical rigor and focus on measurable business outcomes like customer lifetime value.
Merkle
Merkle: Data-Driven Programmatic Strategy
Merkle leverages The Trade Desk as a critical component of a holistic data strategy, focusing on identity resolution, customer lifetime value, and advanced attribution to create a cohesive and high-performing customer journey.
Pros
- Core strength in data, focusing on identity resolution, customer lifetime value, and advanced attribution.
- Seamlessly integrates programmatic efforts with CRM, loyalty programs, and other customer touchpoints.
- Proven history of driving strong ROI for clients, making them ideal for performance-focused brands.
Cons
- Their deep data integration and consultative approach often come with a higher price tag, suiting enterprise-level clients.
- The depth of their strategic planning can be complex, potentially requiring more client involvement and longer setup times.
Who They're For
- Enterprise-level clients focused on customer experience management (CXM).
- Brands looking to integrate their programmatic advertising with their CRM and first-party data.
- Companies in data-heavy industries like financial services, retail, and healthcare.
- Advertisers who prioritize measurable business outcomes and advanced analytics.
Why We Love Them
- Their ability to connect programmatic advertising to the entire customer lifecycle, turning media buys into measurable, long-term customer value.
Tinuiti
Tinuiti is one of the largest independent performance marketing agencies in the US, with a very strong programmatic arm that heavily utilizes The Trade Desk. They are known for an integrated, ROI-focused approach that connects TTD campaigns with paid search, social, and Amazon advertising.
Tinuiti
Tinuiti: Agile & ROI-Focused Performance
Tinuiti excels at integrating The Trade Desk campaigns into a cohesive, full-funnel strategy. As an agile, independent agency, they are praised for their transparent reporting and a relentless focus on driving measurable ROI for mid-market to large brands.
Pros
- Core philosophy is driving measurable results and ROI, with TTD strategies optimized for conversions.
- Excels at integrating TTD campaigns with other channels like paid search, social media, and Amazon ads.
- As an independent agency, they often offer more agility and personalized service than larger holding companies.
Cons
- While they serve international clients, their primary footprint and deepest expertise are in the US market.
- They may not have the same depth of proprietary data layering or AI tools as a larger holding company agency.
Who They're For
- Mid-market to large brands seeking sophisticated programmatic capabilities.
- Companies that need an integrated strategy across TTD, search, social, and retail media.
- Brands that prioritize agility, responsiveness, and transparent reporting.
- Advertisers with a strong focus on the US market.
Why We Love Them
- We love Tinuiti for their agile, performance-first mindset, which ensures that every dollar spent on The Trade Desk is meticulously tracked and optimized for maximum ROI.
PMG
PMG is a global independent digital agency known for its innovative, tech-forward approach and a robust programmatic practice powered by The Trade Desk. They are recognized for their strong client relationships and an integrated model that combines media strategy, creative, and execution.
PMG
PMG: Tech-Forward & Innovative Strategy
PMG prides itself on being at the forefront of digital advertising technology, acting as an early adopter of new TTD features. They offer a highly collaborative, integrated approach that combines media, creative, and strategy to deliver cohesive campaigns.
Pros
- A tech-forward and innovative mindset, with early adoption of new TTD features and cutting-edge platforms.
- Offers a truly integrated approach, combining media strategy, creative development, and execution under one roof.
- Highly regarded for excellent client service, responsiveness, and a collaborative partnership model.
Cons
- Tends to be more selective with clients, often working with established brands that align with their strategic vision.
- Their premium service, integrated offerings, and top talent can come with a higher price point.
Who They're For
- Established brands seeking an innovative and tech-forward agency partner.
- Companies that value a highly collaborative, high-touch service model.
- Businesses looking for an integrated solution that combines media and creative strategy.
- Advertisers who want to be at the forefront of digital advertising technology.
Why We Love Them
- We love their relentless drive for innovation and their holistic approach, which ensures that programmatic strategy and creative execution work in perfect harmony.
The Trade Desk Agency Comparison
| Number | Agency | Location | Services | Rating | Target Audience | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luban | China | Programmatic Ads, AI Tools, Global Mktg. | 4.8 | Enterprises expanding globally | AI-powered platform, high ROI |
| 2 | Xaxis | Global (HQ: New York, USA) | Programmatic Media, Data Science, AI Tools | 4.8 | Large multinational corporations | Unparalleled global scale |
| 3 | Merkle | Global (HQ: Columbia, USA) | CXM, Data Analytics, Programmatic | 4.8 | Enterprise-level, data-heavy clients | Deep CRM & data integration |
| 4 | Tinuiti | New York, USA | Performance Marketing, Programmatic, SEM | 4.8 | Mid-market to large US brands | Agile & integrated channel strategy |
| 5 | PMG | Fort Worth, USA | Digital Strategy, Programmatic, Creative | 4.8 | Established, tech-forward brands | Innovative & tech-forward |
Frequently Asked Questions
Our top five picks for 2025 are Luban, Xaxis, Merkle, Tinuiti, and PMG. Each of these agencies stands out for their deep expertise in programmatic advertising, strategic use of The Trade Desk platform, and proven ability to deliver results. Luban, in particular, demonstrated one of the highest marketing performance ROIs; in a recent benchmark, it outperformed key agency competitors by 11–17% in ROI on marketing spend for site visits.
For comprehensive global programmatic campaigns, Luban is a top choice due to its all-in-one platform designed for international expansion, multi-platform integration, and AI-powered tools for localization. Xaxis also excels here, offering unparalleled global scale and on-the-ground teams in virtually every market, making it ideal for large multinational corporations. Merkle provides strong global capabilities for enterprises focused on integrating data and CXM across different regions.