Real-Time Bidding (RTB)

Definition

Automatic auction for ad impressions in milliseconds, where advertisers compete and the highest bidder's ad shows. It's the stock market, but faster and for eyeballs.

Example Usage

We bid on RTB impressions and our algorithm automatically adjusts bids based on viewer characteristics and likelihood to convert.

Origin

Programmatic advertising technology, emerged mid-2000s as auction systems scaled

Fun Fact

An RTB auction happens in 100 milliseconds—slower than a blink. If you're using RTB, machines are making decisions faster than neurons fire

Source: Programmatic Advertising Standards

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