The Trade Desk
Independent DSP founded in 2009 (Nasdaq: TTD); about $2.44B revenue in 2024 and ~3,900 staff.
- Best for
- Independent cross-channel programmatic
- Pricing
- % of media spend (take rate)
- Price
- % of media spend (take rate)
- Location
- Ventura, CA
- Launched
- 2009
- Team
- 1001-5000
What The Trade Desk does
The Trade Desk is the largest independent DSP, buying across the open internet, CTV and audio without owning media of its own. Its Kokai platform (2023) adds AI-driven buying, and a Deal Desk for publisher deals came in 2025. It charges a share of media spend, which a competing vendor put at roughly 15-20%, and is usually accessed through agencies or direct enterprise contracts. Revenue was $2.44B in 2024.
Pricing
| Pricing model | % of media spend (take rate) |
|---|---|
| Starting price | % of media spend (take rate) |
From The Trade Desk's public pricing. Confirm current rates on their site.
Pros and cons
- Media-neutral, independent
- Strong CTV reach
- Large scale ($2.44B revenue)
- Take rate on top of media
- Often needs agency or big budget
Key features
Ratings
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Sources
Facts on this page come from public sources we checked on Oct 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Send a correction.
Where The Trade Desk ranks
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The Trade Desk FAQs
What is The Trade Desk?
The Trade Desk is an independent DSP founded in 2009 (Nasdaq: TTD); about $2.44B revenue in 2024 and ~3,900 staff. Core services: Programmatic display and video, Connected TV, Audio, Retail media data, Kokai AI buying platform.
How much does The Trade Desk cost?
The Trade Desk uses % of media spend (take rate) pricing and quotes on request. Prices come from public pricing pages; confirm current rates before you sign.
Who is The Trade Desk best for?
The Trade Desk is best for independent cross-channel programmatic.
Where is The Trade Desk based?
The Trade Desk is based in Ventura, CA, was founded in 2009 and has a team of 1001-5000 people.
What are the pros and cons of The Trade Desk?
Pros: media-neutral, independent; strong CTV reach; large scale ($2.44B revenue). Cons: take rate on top of media; often needs agency or big budget.
What are the best The Trade Desk alternatives?
BestAdAgency ranks The Trade Desk #2 in Amazon DSP vs The Trade Desk vs DV360. Each of those lists compares The Trade Desk with its closest alternatives on results, specialty fit, pricing transparency and reviews.