Top 10 Display Ad Networks for Publishers and Advertisers in 2026
December 12, 2025
12
minutes read
A strong display ad network remains essential in 2026, even as the digital landscape undergoes seismic shifts driven by privacy changes, AI automation, and new auction dynamics. Global digital ad spend is projected to exceed $740 billion in 2026, with display formats commanding more than 38% of total investment. For advertisers, the right display advertising network determines whether campaigns reach high-intent audiences efficiently; for publishers, it directly influences CPMs, fill rates, and long-term monetization. Because of this, choosing a top display ad network is no longer just a tactical decision — it’s a strategic investment that shapes ROI and competitive visibility. This guide breaks down the networks that define the ecosystem in 2026 and explains how to evaluate the best partners in an era of AI-optimized targeting, real-time bidding, and privacy-first data models.
Display ad networks remain one of the central engines of digital advertising, connecting advertisers to high-quality publisher inventory through scalable, automated pipelines. At their core, a display ad network aggregates ad placements across thousands of sites and apps, making it easier for brands to buy impressions and for publishers to monetize their traffic. What distinguishes today’s display advertising environment is the sheer speed and sophistication behind every impression. In 2026, more than 92% of global display spend runs through programmatic advertising, and the majority of those impressions move through AI-enhanced networks capable of real-time decisioning, fraud detection, and privacy-safe audience modeling.
A modern display network is not the same thing as an ad exchange, DSP, or SSP—although all four often work together. Ad exchanges function as the open marketplaces where impressions are auctioned; SSPs help publishers manage and sell their inventory; DSPs help advertisers bid and target audiences; and display ad networks layer curated inventory, direct partnerships, brand-safe environments, proprietary optimization tools, and performance-driven analytics on top of this infrastructure. According to AI Digital’s 2026 market analysis, networks using AI-driven curation and dynamic creative optimization see up to 38% higher CTRs and 27% stronger viewability compared to traditional static networks, highlighting how much value the “network layer” still brings in a fragmented marketplace.
This article maps out those evolving needs and breaks down the top 10 display ad networks that deliver the best results for both sides of the ecosystem in 2026, helping teams choose the right partner for direct buys, programmatic optimization, and scalable growth across channels.
What is display advertising?
Digital Display advertising is a form of digital marketing that delivers visual ads—such as banners, pop-ups, interstitials, video creatives, and native ad units—across websites, apps, and connected platforms. These ads are designed to capture attention quickly through images, animations, headlines, and interactive elements. This helps brands build awareness, drive conversions, and stay visible throughout the customer journey, making it one of the most versatile formats in online media buying.
Display ads move through the broader machinery of programmatic advertising, where impressions are bought and sold in milliseconds. Real-time bidding (RTB), AI-powered optimization, and privacy-safe targeting models determine which ad appears, who sees it, and how much it costs. Display formats adapt to these automated environments, enabling advertisers to reach relevant audiences at scale while improving efficiency and reducing wasted spend.
Because display inventory spans millions of websites and mobile apps, display advertising plays a central role in shaping how brands communicate online. In the programmatic era, display advertising has become smarter, more contextual, and more tightly integrated with data-driven targeting, making it a foundational component of every modern media strategy.
What is a display ad network and how does it work?
A display ad network is a platform that connects advertisers with available ad inventory across thousands of websites, apps, and digital environments. Instead of negotiating placements individually, advertisers can access curated, scalable inventory through a single network, while publishers monetize their content more efficiently.
💡The core role of a display ad network is aggregation: it collects ad spaces from publishers and matches them with advertiser demand based on targeting criteria, budgets, performance goals, and brand-safety filters.
The workflow is a fast, automated cycle. When a user loads a page, the network evaluates the available impression, determines which advertisers are eligible, and selects the highest-value ad to serve. Historically, this matching process relied on direct deals and static placements, but modern networks increasingly integrate real-time bidding (RTB) and machine-learning optimization to refine who sees each ad. RTB enables advertisers to bid on impressions in milliseconds, while AI models predict which combinations of creative, audience segment, and placement are likely to deliver the strongest results.
⚡️This is where the distinction between programmatic vs. RTB becomes important: programmatic advertising is the broader automated ecosystem, while RTB is one of the auction mechanisms operating inside it.
For publishers, this integration means better yield and more predictable revenue, as the network optimizes inventory allocation across direct deals, contextual targeting, and dynamic auctions. For advertisers, it means more precise audience reach, improved performance metrics, and the flexibility to scale campaigns across display, mobile, native, and video environments.
Types of display ad networks
Display ad networks come in several forms, each offering different levels of inventory quality, targeting capabilities, and control over bidding and placements. The right choice depends on your campaign goals: whether you need massive audience reach, premium brand-safe environments, niche targeting, or a hands-on self-serve setup.
Understanding these categories helps advertisers and publishers decide which ecosystem aligns with their budget, KPIs, and preferred degree of control within the broader programmatic advertising landscape.
Premium display ad networks
Premium networks operate through direct relationships with high-quality publishers, delivering brand-safe placements across trusted media outlets. These networks tend to focus on quality over scale, offering carefully curated inventory, higher viewability standards, and stricter ad-verification protocols. Premium display networks are ideal for advertisers prioritizing brand reputation, contextual alignment, and guaranteed placement quality.
Programmatic ad networks
Programmatic ad networks use automated bidding, machine learning, and real-time data to deliver impressions efficiently across a wide range of publishers. They combine curated supply with programmatic buying mechanics, allowing advertisers to reach audiences at scale while maintaining performance-focused optimization. These networks typically integrate RTB, predictive modeling, fraud detection, and dynamic creative optimization to maximize results.
Niche and vertical-focused networks specialize in specific industries or audience segments—such as gaming, finance, travel, parenting, beauty, or B2B tech. Because they work with publishers and audiences in a defined category, these networks offer more precise contextual targeting and higher relevancy. Advertisers choose them when campaign success depends on reaching users in tightly defined environments rather than broad-scale distribution.
Self-serve and SMB-friendly ad networks
Self-serve networks give advertisers full control over setup, targeting, bidding, and budget allocation through user-friendly dashboards. These platforms are especially popular among startups, small businesses, and independent marketers who want flexibility without relying on managed-service contracts. They often feature automated recommendations, simple creative upload tools, audience presets, and quick campaign activation—making them a practical entry point into display advertising for smaller teams or lower-budget campaigns.
The display advertising landscape in 2026 is shaped by automation, privacy-safe targeting, and AI-driven optimization. The networks below stand out for their inventory quality, scalability, bidding efficiency, fraud protection, and monetization performance across display, native, mobile, and video formats. Many also support advanced programmatic workflows and cross-channel retargeting, especially as video inventory grows rapidly, explored further in our guide to Programmatic video advertising. Performance varies by niche, but these ten networks consistently offer strong CTRs, RPMs, and conversion potential.
Google AdSense / Google Ad Manager
Google AdSense and Google Ad Manager remain the industry’s most widely used solutions, offering massive reach, highly optimized fill rates, and robust reporting. Their deep integration with the Google ecosystem gives advertisers access to advanced contextual signals, predictive models, and cross-device reach. For publishers, AdSense and GAM provide stable RPMs, granular controls, and strong ad-quality filtering. As Google moves further toward AI-driven bidding and cookie-less targeting, Ad Manager’s automation tools continue to deliver strong results across display, mobile, and video.
Key Features
• Global reach and massive inventory
• Advanced targeting via Google’s machine-learning models
• Strong fill rates and brand-safety controls
• Supports display, native, and video formats
Ideal For: Both publishers and advertisers seeking scale and stable performance.
Media.net
Media.net is the leading contextual advertising network backed by Yahoo and Bing, known for high-quality placements and strong performance on content-rich sites. Its contextual engine analyzes page semantics to match ads with precise user intent, helping advertisers maintain relevance without relying heavily on third-party cookies. Media.net is particularly effective for publishers in finance, technology, lifestyle, and education, offering high RPMs and flexible ad units.
Key Features
• Strong contextual intelligence
• High-quality demand sources (Yahoo/Bing)
• Responsive native and display formats
• Competitive RPMs for niche publishers
Ideal For: Publishers and advertisers targeting text-heavy, content-rich verticals.
PropellerAds
PropellerAds is a performance-driven ad network specializing in global reach and rapid campaign scaling. Known for flexible formats—push, popunder, in-page push, and display—it provides strong targeting options and automated optimization. While more aggressive formats typically appeal to performance marketers, its display placements and anti-fraud system have matured significantly in 2026, making it a reliable channel for high-volume traffic strategies.
Key Features
• Large global reach across mobile and desktop
• Smart optimization and automated bidding
• Anti-fraud protection
• Multiple ad formats for conversion-focused campaigns
Ideal For: Advertisers running performance campaigns and publishers with high-traffic sites.
AdPushup
AdPushup focuses on revenue optimization for publishers through advanced A/B testing, header bidding, and layout optimization. Its strength lies in using machine learning to test ad placements and formats, maximizing viewability and RPM. AdPushup also integrates with multiple SSPs and demand sources, offering improved auction pressure. It is particularly useful for mid-sized publishers seeking better monetization without compromising UX.
Key Features
• Header bidding and multi-SSP demand
• Layout optimization and A/B testing
• High viewability scores
• Automated revenue optimization tools
Ideal For: Publishers wanting to improve ad revenue through optimization rather than scale.
Ezoic
Ezoic is an AI-powered monetization platform that optimizes ad layout, density, and format dynamically. Its strength lies in testing thousands of variations to identify the ideal balance between user experience and revenue. Ezoic also offers site speed tools, SEO enhancements, and in-depth analytics, making it an all-in-one growth platform for digital publishers. RPMs tend to be higher than standard ad networks due to real-time optimization.
Key Features
• AI-driven layout and ad testing
• High RPM potential
• Integrated speed, UX, and analytics tools
• Strong support for small and medium publishers
Ideal For: Publishers of all sizes aiming to maximize RPM through automated testing.
Monumetric / Mediavine / Raptive
These premium publisher networks—Monumetric, Mediavine, and Raptive—offer some of the industry’s highest RPMs. They work with vetted publishers, ensuring that advertisers access high-quality content and engaged audiences. Their approach focuses on curated inventory, brand-safe environments, and premium demand from top agencies and DSPs. These networks require traffic thresholds but consistently deliver exceptional revenue.
Key Features
• Premium, vetted publisher network
• High RPMs and strong viewability
• Access to top-tier programmatic demand
• Excellent support and optimization services
Ideal For: Established publishers with high-quality content and strong monthly traffic.
Amazon Publisher Services (APS)
APS provides a transparent, low-latency supply path connecting publishers to Amazon’s vast demand sources. With formats across display, mobile, and video, APS offers predictable yield and high-performing placements. Unified Ad Marketplace (UAM) simplifies header bidding and increases competition. Advertisers benefit from Amazon’s rich first-party audience data, which enhances campaign relevance in a post-cookie environment.
AdRoll is one of the most recognizable networks for retargeting and performance-driven display ads. Its strength lies in cross-device tracking, strong audience segmentation, and automated campaign optimization. AdRoll supports multi-channel experiences across display, social, and email, making it a popular choice for D2C brands and performance marketers. Its analytics tools help teams measure incremental lift and conversion paths.
Key Features
• Retargeting and cross-channel remarketing
• Smart segmentation and predictive audiences
• Dynamic product ads
• In-depth attribution and analytics
Ideal For: Advertisers focused on conversions, retargeting, and personalization.
Criteo
Criteo remains one of the strongest performance display networks thanks to its retail media partnerships and powerful commerce data. Its AI-driven engine predicts user intent and delivers highly personalized ads across web, mobile, and in-app placements. Criteo’s unified commerce audience graph gives advertisers a competitive edge, especially in e-commerce and travel. With robust attribution and strong CTRs, Criteo remains a top choice for conversion-led campaigns in 2026.
Key Features
• Commerce-powered predictive advertising
• Broad global reach
• Dynamic retargeting and product feeds
• Strong CTRs and conversion performance
Ideal For: Advertisers in retail, travel, and e-commerce seeking data-driven results.
BidVertiser / HilltopAds / ReklamStore
These networks offer accessible, budget-friendly options with flexible pricing (CPM/CPC/CPA) and broad global reach. They cater especially well to smaller advertisers and publishers seeking straightforward setup, moderate-quality inventory, and niche targeting options. In 2026, all three networks have improved fraud protection and added optimized display formats, making them competitive choices for mid-market campaigns.
Key Features
• Budget-friendly CPM/CPC models
• Global traffic sources
• Push, native, and display formats
• Frequent improvements in anti-fraud technology
Ideal For: SMB advertisers and publishers seeking scalable but cost-effective solutions.
SmartyAds (programmatic display network)
SmartyAds operates as a full-stack programmatic network offering DSP, SSP, DMP, and ad exchange solutions. It provides curated display and video inventory, AI-driven bidding, and robust fraud filtering. SmartyAds is especially appealing for teams wanting deeper control over programmatic workflows or looking for a white-label solution. Its combination of automation, transparency, and flexible integration gives advertisers strong performance across global traffic sources.
Key Features
• Full programmatic stack (DSP/SSP/Exchange)
• AI-driven RTB optimization
• Global reach with various ad formats
• White-label solutions for agencies
Ideal For: Advertisers and publishers wanting advanced programmatic infrastructure.
Comparison table: top ad networks by type and features
The comparison table below brings together the leading display ad networks of 2026 and highlights their core differences across reach, pricing models, ad formats, and traffic requirements. As display inventory becomes increasingly shaped by automation and privacy-first targeting, these networks now operate inside a larger ecosystem that blends display, video, and programmatic native advertising.
Understanding how each network handles bidding, optimization, and audience targeting helps both publishers and advertisers choose the right partner for performance, brand safety, and long-term revenue growth. This table offers a clear snapshot of where each platform fits within today’s programmatic landscape.
How to choose the best display ad network
Selecting the right display ad network depends on your goals, your audience, and the level of control you want over bidding, optimization, and reporting. The ecosystem has become more complex with AI-powered targeting, privacy restrictions, and the rise of programmatic native advertising, making it essential to evaluate networks with a structured approach. The following criteria help both marketers and publishers choose a network that aligns with performance targets and long-term monetization strategy.
Identify your target audience and campaign goals
Every ad network performs differently depending on who you’re trying to reach and what you want to achieve. Performance advertisers might prioritize networks offering retargeting, predictive audiences, and AI-driven bidding.
Brand-focused teams may prefer premium networks with high-quality placements and strong contextual alignment. Publishers should think about the type of content they produce and how well it matches the network’s demand sources. Clear goals—awareness, traffic, conversions, or monetization stability—shape which network delivers the best results.
Compare supported ad formats and inventory quality
Not all networks specialize in the same formats. Some excel at traditional banner placements, while others provide high-impact video, rich media, or in-feed native units. Inventory quality also varies widely: premium networks offer highly vetted, brand-safe environments, while open programmatic networks deliver scale and diversity. Choose a network that supports formats aligned with your creative strategy and make sure the inventory fits your brand’s tone, vertical, and UX expectations.
Evaluate targeting features and optimization tools
Targeting defines who sees your ads—and whether those impressions turn into meaningful outcomes. Look for networks that offer contextual intelligence, first-party integrations, geo-targeting, demographic filters, predictive modeling, and audience retargeting. Optimization tools matter just as much: AI-powered bidding, frequency capping, dynamic creative optimization, and machine-learning recommendations can significantly influence performance. Advanced networks often blend these features to support more personalized and privacy-safe delivery.
Review pricing models, CPM rates, and payout terms
Networks vary in how they charge advertisers and how they pay publishers. CPM, CPC, CPA, and dynamic RTB bidding all affect campaign costs and revenue potential. For publishers, payout terms—net 30, net 60, or revenue-share models—can impact cash flow. For advertisers, understanding average CPMs and competition levels helps predict cost efficiency. Transparent, predictable pricing models usually indicate healthier supply paths and stronger auction fairness.
Check reporting transparency, brand safety, and fraud protection
A strong display ad network must provide clear, real-time reporting on impressions, clicks, conversions, and viewability. Equally important are brand safety and fraud-prevention tools: reliable networks partner with verification providers, run anti-fraud filters, and maintain strict ad-quality controls. This is especially crucial in programmatic environments, where invalid traffic and low-quality inventory can distort campaign performance or reduce publisher trust. A transparent, well-regulated network ensures your ads appear in the right environments—or, for publishers, that your traffic is valued correctly.
⚡️ For a deeper comparison of how different creative formats perform across the funnel—and how each approach influences user attention, engagement, and conversion potential—you can explore our full guide on Native vs. Display Ads, which breaks down their strengths, limitations, and best-use cases in modern programmatic environments.
Conclusion: choosing the right display ad network for your goals
Choosing the right display ad network in 2026 comes down to understanding your audience, your content, and the outcomes you want to achieve. Publishers need networks that protect user experience while maximizing RPM, and advertisers need transparent pathways to high-quality impressions that convert. With the rise of privacy-first targeting, AI optimization, and cross-channel programmatic ecosystems, the “best” network isn’t simply the one with the most reach—it’s the one that aligns with your strategic goals and adapts to how users behave across devices and channels.
This is where AI Digital’s infrastructure makes a meaningful difference. Smart Supply—our premium, privacy-safe supply-path solution—connects advertisers to curated, brand-safe inventory using transparent auction logic and low-latency delivery. It eliminates wasteful hops, improves viewability, and ensures budgets flow to high-value publishers.
For advertisers and publishers looking to go further, Elevate provides real-time media intelligence that standard display networks can’t match. It uses AI to analyze creative impact, define predictive audiences, and measure incremental lift across channels, offering the clarity teams need to scale efficiently. Our deep dive into the platform explains how Elevate brings transparency and control back into programmatic advertising.
Teams that thrive in 2026 take a structured, data-first approach to selecting partners. Here are a few actionable takeaways to guide that process:
Prioritize networks that offer transparent reporting, predictable CPMs, and clean supply paths—these factors matter more than raw reach.
Choose partners that support AI optimization and contextual intelligence to future-proof performance in a cookie-restricted environment.
Match your ad formats to your goals: use display for scale, native for relevance, and video for attention-driven storytelling.
Build a unified strategy where measurement, creative optimization, and supply-path quality reinforce each other, rather than operating in silos.
The next era of display advertising belongs to teams that combine strong fundamentals with smart automation. With solutions like Smart Supply and Elevate, AI Digital helps marketers and publishers bridge that gap, turning high-quality impressions into measurable, sustainable growth.
Blind spot
Key issues
Business impact
AI Digital solution
Lack of transparency in AI models
• Platforms own AI models and train on proprietary data • Brands have little visibility into decision-making • "Walled gardens" restrict data access
• Inefficient ad spend • Limited strategic control • Eroded consumer trust • Potential budget mismanagement
Open Garden framework providing: • Complete transparency • DSP-agnostic execution • Cross-platform data & insights
Optimizing ads vs. optimizing impact
• AI excels at short-term metrics but may struggle with brand building • Consumers can detect AI-generated content • Efficiency might come at cost of authenticity
• Short-term gains at expense of brand health • Potential loss of authentic connection • Reduced effectiveness in storytelling
Smart Supply offering: • Human oversight of AI recommendations • Custom KPI alignment beyond clicks • Brand-safe inventory verification
The illusion of personalization
• Segment optimization rebranded as personalization • First-party data infrastructure challenges • Personalization vs. surveillance concerns
• Potential mismatch between promise and reality • Privacy concerns affecting consumer trust • Cost barriers for smaller businesses
Elevate platform features: • Real-time AI + human intelligence • First-party data activation • Ethical personalization strategies
AI-Driven efficiency vs. decision-making
• AI shifting from tool to decision-maker • Black box optimization like Google Performance Max • Human oversight limitations
• Strategic control loss • Difficulty questioning AI outputs • Inability to measure granular impact • Potential brand damage from mistakes
Managed Service with: • Human strategists overseeing AI • Custom KPI optimization • Complete campaign transparency
Fig. 1. Summary of AI blind spots in advertising
Dimension
Walled garden advantage
Walled garden limitation
Strategic impact
Audience access
Massive, engaged user bases
Limited visibility beyond platform
Reach without understanding
Data control
Sophisticated targeting tools
Data remains siloed within platform
Fragmented customer view
Measurement
Detailed in-platform metrics
Inconsistent cross-platform standards
Difficult performance comparison
Intelligence
Platform-specific insights
Limited data portability
Restricted strategic learning
Optimization
Powerful automated tools
Black-box algorithms
Reduced marketer control
Fig. 2. Strategic trade-offs in walled garden advertising.
Core issue
Platform priority
Walled garden limitation
Real-world example
Attribution opacity
Claiming maximum credit for conversions
Limited visibility into true conversion paths
Meta and TikTok's conflicting attribution models after iOS privacy updates
Data restrictions
Maintaining proprietary data control
Inability to combine platform data with other sources
Amazon DSP's limitations on detailed performance data exports
Cross-channel blindspots
Keeping advertisers within ecosystem
Fragmented view of customer journey
YouTube/DV360 campaigns lacking integration with non-Google platforms
Black box algorithms
Optimizing for platform revenue
Reduced control over campaign execution
Self-serve platforms using opaque ML models with little advertiser input
Performance reporting
Presenting platform in best light
Discrepancies between platform-reported and independently measured results
Consistently higher performance metrics in platform reports vs. third-party measurement
Fig. 1. The Walled garden misalignment: Platform interests vs. advertiser needs.
Key dimension
Challenge
Strategic imperative
ROAS volatility
Softer returns across digital channels
Shift from soft KPIs to measurable revenue impact
Media planning
Static plans no longer effective
Develop agile, modular approaches adaptable to changing conditions
Brand/performance
Traditional division dissolving
Create full-funnel strategies balancing long-term equity with short-term conversion
Capability
Key features
Benefits
Performance data
Elevate forecasting tool
• Vertical-specific insights • Historical data from past economic turbulence • "Cascade planning" functionality • Real-time adaptation
• Provides agility to adjust campaign strategy based on performance • Shows which media channels work best to drive efficient and effective performance • Confident budget reallocation • Reduces reaction time to market shifts
• Dataset from 10,000+ campaigns • Cuts response time from weeks to minutes
• Reaches people most likely to buy • Avoids wasted impressions and budgets on poor-performing placements • Context-aligned messaging
• 25+ billion bid requests analyzed daily • 18% improvement in working media efficiency • 26% increase in engagement during recessions
Full-funnel accountability
• Links awareness campaigns to lower funnel outcomes • Tests if ads actually drive new business • Measures brand perception changes • "Ask Elevate" AI Chat Assistant
• Upper-funnel to outcome connection • Sentiment shift tracking • Personalized messaging • Helps balance immediate sales vs. long-term brand building
• Natural language data queries • True business impact measurement
Open Garden approach
• Cross-platform and channel planning • Not locked into specific platforms • Unified cross-platform reach • Shows exactly where money is spent
• Reduces complexity across channels • Performance-based ad placement • Rapid budget reallocation • Eliminates platform-specific commitments and provides platform-based optimization and agility
• Coverage across all inventory sources • Provides full visibility into spending • Avoids the inability to pivot across platform as you’re not in a singular platform
Fig. 1. How AI Digital helps during economic uncertainty.
Trend
What it means for marketers
Supply & demand lines are blurring
Platforms from Google (P-Max) to Microsoft are merging optimization and inventory in one opaque box. Expect more bundled “best available” media where the algorithm, not the trader, decides channel and publisher mix.
Walled gardens get taller
Microsoft’s O&O set now spans Bing, Xbox, Outlook, Edge and LinkedIn, which just launched revenue-sharing video programs to lure creators and ad dollars. (Business Insider)
Retail & commerce media shape strategy
Microsoft’s Curate lets retailers and data owners package first-party segments, an echo of Amazon’s and Walmart’s approaches. Agencies must master seller-defined audiences as well as buyer-side tactics.
AI oversight becomes critical
Closed AI bidding means fewer levers for traders. Independent verification, incrementality testing and commercial guardrails rise in importance.
Fig. 1. Platform trends and their implications.
Metric
Connected TV (CTV)
Linear TV
Video Completion Rate
94.5%
70%
Purchase Rate After Ad
23%
12%
Ad Attention Rate
57% (prefer CTV ads)
54.5%
Viewer Reach (U.S.)
85% of households
228 million viewers
Retail Media Trends 2025
Access Complete consumer behaviour analyses and competitor benchmarks.
Identify and categorize audience groups based on behaviors, preferences, and characteristics
Michaels Stores: Implemented a genAI platform that increased email personalization from 20% to 95%, leading to a 41% boost in SMS click through rates and a 25% increase in engagement.
Estée Lauder: Partnered with Google Cloud to leverage genAI technologies for real-time consumer feedback monitoring and analyzing consumer sentiment across various channels.
High
Medium
Automated ad campaigns
Automate ad creation, placement, and optimization across various platforms
Showmax: Partnered with AI firms toautomate ad creation and testing, reducing production time by 70% while streamlining their quality assurance process.
Headway: Employed AI tools for ad creation and optimization, boosting performance by 40% and reaching 3.3 billion impressions while incorporating AI-generated content in 20% of their paid campaigns.
High
High
Brand sentiment tracking
Monitor and analyze public opinion about a brand across multiple channels in real time
L’Oréal: Analyzed millions of online comments, images, and videos to identify potential product innovation opportunities, effectively tracking brand sentiment and consumer trends.
Kellogg Company: Used AI to scan trending recipes featuring cereal, leveraging this data to launch targeted social campaigns that capitalize on positive brand sentiment and culinary trends.
High
Low
Campaign strategy optimization
Analyze data to predict optimal campaign approaches, channels, and timing
DoorDash: Leveraged Google’s AI-powered Demand Gen tool, which boosted its conversion rate by 15 times and improved cost per action efficiency by 50% compared with previous campaigns.
Kitsch: Employed Meta’s Advantage+ shopping campaigns with AI-powered tools to optimize campaigns, identifying and delivering top-performing ads to high-value consumers.
High
High
Content strategy
Generate content ideas, predict performance, and optimize distribution strategies
JPMorgan Chase: Collaborated with Persado to develop LLMs for marketing copy, achieving up to 450% higher clickthrough rates compared with human-written ads in pilot tests.
Hotel Chocolat: Employed genAI for concept development and production of its Velvetiser TV ad, which earned the highest-ever System1 score for adomestic appliance commercial.
High
High
Personalization strategy development
Create tailored messaging and experiences for consumers at scale
Stitch Fix: Uses genAI to help stylists interpret customer feedback and provide product recommendations, effectively personalizing shopping experiences.
Instacart: Uses genAI to offer customers personalized recipes, mealplanning ideas, and shopping lists based on individual preferences and habits.
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Questions? We have answers
Are display ad networks still relevant in a privacy-first ecosystem?
Yes. Display ad networks remain essential, but their role has evolved. Instead of relying heavily on third-party cookies, modern networks use contextual intelligence, first-party data, and AI-driven predictive modeling to maintain relevance and performance. Networks that support transparent supply paths, strong brand-safety tools, and privacy-compliant targeting remain highly effective for both advertisers and publishers in 2026.
What is included in display networks?
Display networks typically include aggregated ad inventory from thousands of websites and apps, targeting tools, creative formats (such as banners, native ads, and video), bidding mechanisms, and reporting dashboards. Many networks also offer additional services such as fraud prevention, dynamic creative optimization, and integrations with RTB marketplaces. The goal is to connect advertiser demand with publisher supply in a scalable, automated environment.
What’s the difference between an ad network and an ad exchange?
An ad network aggregates inventory from publishers and sells it to advertisers as curated packages or through automated bidding. An ad exchange is a marketplace where impressions are auctioned in real time, often via RTB. In simple terms: an ad network packages and optimizes supply, while an ad exchange facilitates the auction. Both work together inside the broader programmatic ecosystem, but they serve distinct functions.
Which display ad network pays the most?
Premium, highly vetted networks such as Mediavine, Raptive, and Monumetric generally offer some of the highest RPMs for publishers—especially for lifestyle, finance, travel, and long-form content sites. Ezoic and AdPushup can also deliver strong earnings through AI-driven layout optimization and header bidding. Payouts ultimately depend on content quality, traffic geography, niche, and engagement metrics like viewability.
Which display ad network offers the best ROI?
For advertisers, ROI depends on campaign goals. Criteo and AdRoll tend to excel in performance and retargeting, while Google Ad Manager provides strong cross-device reach and consistent results. Programmatic networks with AI optimization—such as SmartyAds—often deliver higher efficiency in multi-channel strategies. The best ROI usually comes from networks offering transparent supply paths, predictive targeting, and strong creative optimization.
How to choose the best display advertising network?
Select a network based on your audience, your vertical, and your goals. Advertisers should evaluate targeting options, bidding flexibility, brand-safety standards, and transparency. Publishers should focus on RPM stability, viewability, user experience, and payout terms. Networks that support contextual intelligence, AI-driven optimization, and clean supply paths typically provide stronger long-term value.
Can you use more than one ad network?
Yes. Many publishers and advertisers use multiple networks to increase demand competition, diversify revenue, and improve fill rates. Publishers often combine primary networks with header bidding partners or optimization layers like Ezoic or AdPushup. Advertisers sometimes run campaigns across several networks to compare performance and reach different audience segments. The key is managing overlap and avoiding unnecessary auction complexity.
Have other questions?
If you have more questions, contact us so we can help.
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