The online advertising industry in the US focuses on connecting brands and consumers through digital platforms. It includes various companies that offer services like pay-per-click campaigns, display advertising, affiliate marketing, and data analytics. As consumer behavior shifts towards digital media consumption, companies are leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence to optimize ad performance and deliver personalized messaging. Insights suggest that the industry is progressing towards greater transparency and measurement, paving the way for innovative strategies to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.


This list features 16 prominent online advertising companies based in the US, including both startups and established firms. With headquarters spread across cities like Mountain View, San Francisco, and New York, these companies vary in size from small teams to thousands of employees. Founded between 1996 and 2017, they specialize in a range of digital marketing solutions, including programmatic advertising, analytics tools, and customer engagement strategies, shaping the future of marketing in the digital age.


Continue reading to discover top online advertising companies in the US.


Top 16 Online Advertising Companies in the US


1. Google Ads

  • Website: ads.google.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • LinkedIn: google-ads-es

Google Ads, based in Mountain View, California, is a prominent advertising agency that specializes in online advertising solutions. Founded in 1998, the company has evolved to offer a wide range of services, including search ads, display ads, video ads, and shopping ads. Google Ads aims to help businesses improve their online visibility and drive customer engagement through targeted advertising campaigns. The platform leverages artificial intelligence to enhance ad performance, ensuring that businesses can effectively reach their desired audience. With tools like Google Analytics and Keyword Planner, Google Ads provides advertisers with insights and resources to optimize their campaigns. The company operates without reported funding, indicating a strong self-sustaining business model. Its commitment to innovation and customer support positions it as a key player in the online advertising industry.


2. AdRoll, a division of NextRoll

  • Website: adroll.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 56%, Ireland 22%, Australia 18%, Other 4%
  • Latest funding: $70.0M, April 2014
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: adroll

AdRoll, a division of NextRoll, is a digital marketing agency based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2007, the company has carved out a niche in the online advertising space by offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to help businesses connect with their target audiences. AdRoll specializes in display ads, video ads, and marketing automation tools, enabling clients to optimize their marketing strategies through data-driven insights. The company serves a variety of industries, including ecommerce, finance, and hospitality, and has successfully assisted over 140,000 brands in driving revenue and enhancing customer engagement. AdRoll's platform supports full-funnel ad campaigns, allowing businesses to manage, measure, and optimize their advertising efforts from a single interface. The company has also received substantial funding, with its last reported amount being $70 million in 2014, reflecting strong investor interest in its growth trajectory and market relevance.


3. Verizon Media Platform

  • Website: verizonmedia.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
  • Latest funding: $5.0B, May 2021
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: verizon-media-platform

Verizon Media Platform, operating under the Yahoo brand, is a media and technology company based in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2017, it has quickly established itself as a key player in the digital advertising space. Yahoo offers a wide array of products and services, including advertising solutions that cater to businesses looking to reach consumers effectively. The company utilizes advanced data analytics to enhance advertising performance and user engagement. With a workforce of approximately 577 employees, Yahoo serves hundreds of millions of users globally, connecting them with content and brands. The company has also secured significant funding, with a reported $5 billion raised in 2021, which underscores its ongoing investment in technology and advertising capabilities.


4. AppNexus

  • Website: appnexus.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 65%, United Kingdom (UK) 10%, Brazil 10%, Other 15%
  • Latest funding: $1.6B, June 2018
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: appnexus

AppNexus, founded in 2007 and based in New York City, operates as a prominent technology company within the online advertising industry. It specializes in providing a robust demand-side platform (DSP) that enables advertisers to optimize their digital marketing efforts through data-driven strategies. AppNexus has played a crucial role in shaping the programmatic advertising landscape, offering tools that facilitate real-time bidding and audience targeting. In June 2018, the company secured a significant funding round of $1.6 billion, underscoring its potential and the confidence investors have in its business model. Following its acquisition by AT&T and subsequent integration into Microsoft Advertising, AppNexus continues to enhance its offerings, focusing on innovative solutions that help businesses effectively reach and engage their target audiences across various digital channels.


5. YP, The Real Yellow Pages

  • Website: yellowpages.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 97%, Other 3%
  • Latest funding: June 2017
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: yp

YP, The Real Yellow Pages, founded in 2012 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, is a digital marketing agency that specializes in helping local businesses improve their online visibility. The company offers a range of services, including local search optimization, display advertising, and a mobile app that is widely used by consumers to find local services. YP's primary clientele consists of small to medium-sized businesses that seek to enhance their marketing efforts and connect with potential customers. The company operates a significant online directory, which serves as a vital resource for consumers searching for local services. YP's marketing solutions are designed to provide businesses with tools that facilitate customer engagement and lead generation, making them a notable player in the online advertising sector.


6. Xandr

  • Website: xandr.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 70%, India 6%, United Kingdom (UK) 6%, Other 19%
  • Latest funding: December 2021
  • Founded year: 2006
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • LinkedIn: xandr

Xandr, Inc. is an advertising technology company based in New York, founded in 2006. The company specializes in providing a digital platform that enables businesses to buy and sell consumer-centric digital advertising. Xandr's solutions include demand-side platforms, audience targeting, and video advertising, catering to the needs of advertisers and marketers. As a subsidiary of Microsoft, Xandr leverages extensive data-driven insights to enhance the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. The company employs a workforce of over 300 individuals, with a significant portion based in the United States. Xandr's technology is designed to optimize advertising performance, making it a relevant player in the competitive online advertising market.


7. Rakuten Advertising

  • Website: rakutenadvertising.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: San Mateo, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 47%, United Kingdom (UK) 17%, France 9%, Other 27%
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: rakuten-marketing

Rakuten Advertising, based in San Mateo, California, is a marketing agency that specializes in affiliate marketing and performance-driven advertising solutions. Founded in 1996, the company has built a robust platform that offers a range of services, including display advertising, influencer marketing, and paid search. Their primary clientele consists of businesses in the retail, financial services, and travel industries, all seeking to enhance their digital marketing effectiveness. Rakuten Advertising prides itself on its innovative approach, leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence to optimize marketing strategies. The company has established a global presence, with a significant workforce distributed across the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Australia. Their achievements have been recognized through various industry awards, underscoring their impact and relevance in the online advertising space.


8. Rakuten Marketing


Rakuten Marketing, now operating under the name Rakuten Advertising, is a marketing consultancy based in San Mateo, California. Founded in 1996, the company has carved out a niche in performance-driven advertising solutions. They offer a variety of services, including affiliate marketing, influencer marketing, and digital media solutions, aimed at connecting brands with the right partners. Their business model emphasizes optimizing marketing strategies to improve audience engagement and campaign performance. Rakuten Advertising has been recognized for its innovative approaches, receiving accolades such as the Best Affiliate Marketing Platform from Digiday Technology Awards. The company has a global reach, serving clients across various industries, including financial services, retail, and travel, and has successfully completed over 200 million transactions, reaching more than 1.2 billion consumers.


9. Thrive Internet Marketing Agency

  • Website: thriveagency.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Dallas, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 76%, South Africa 11%, Canada 2%, Other 10%
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: thrive-agency

Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, based in Dallas, Texas, is a private digital marketing agency that has been operational since 2005. With a workforce of around 202 employees, Thrive specializes in a wide array of services designed to enhance online presence for businesses across multiple sectors. Their offerings include search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and web design, among others. Thrive prides itself on creating customized marketing strategies that yield measurable results, such as increased traffic and engagement for their clients. The agency has built a reputation for its client-centric approach, emphasizing honesty and integrity in its operations. They have also received recognition for their work, as evidenced by numerous client testimonials and case studies that highlight their success in driving growth for various businesses. Thrive's commitment to staying at the forefront of digital marketing trends ensures that they remain relevant in an ever-evolving industry.


10. Nexstar Digital


Nexstar Digital is a media company based in the United States, founded in 2017. It operates as the digital arm of Nexstar Media Group, Inc., which is known for its extensive network of local broadcast stations. Nexstar Digital specializes in providing digital marketing and advertising solutions, utilizing a portfolio of 125 websites and 239 mobile apps. The company delivers premium content and targeted advertising to a wide range of businesses across various industries. Their services are designed to optimize media spend and connect clients with engaged audiences through innovative advertising technologies. With a monthly reach of 106 million unique users, Nexstar Digital is recognized as a significant player in the digital advertising sector, offering both national and local advertising solutions. Their proprietary advertising technologies enable personalized marketing programs that enhance consumer experiences across multiple platforms.


11. WebFX

  • Website: webfx.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 91%, India 2%, Other 6%
  • Latest funding: $4.3M, October 2021
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: webfxinc

WebFX is a digital marketing agency based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, founded in 1996. The company has grown to employ over 500 experts who specialize in various aspects of digital marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, content marketing, and web design. WebFX focuses on helping businesses enhance their online presence and drive revenue through tailored, data-driven marketing strategies. They serve clients across multiple industries, demonstrating their adaptability and expertise. In 2021, WebFX secured funding of approximately $4.3 million, which reflects investor confidence in their business model and growth potential. Their proprietary technology, MarketingCloudFX, allows clients to track marketing performance and optimize their strategies effectively, further solidifying their position in the online advertising sector.


12. Roundel

  • Website: roundel.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 80%, India 20%
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: roundel

Roundel, founded in 1984 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a private advertising agency that specializes in digital media solutions tailored for the retail sector. As part of Target, Roundel leverages first-party data to connect brands with Target shoppers, offering services such as Target Product Ads, connected TV (CTV) advertising, programmatic advertising, and social media campaigns. The company focuses on creating impactful media experiences that resonate with consumers, utilizing insights from over 165 million Target guests to enhance brand visibility and engagement. Roundel's approach is centered on building relationships and understanding consumer behavior, which allows them to deliver targeted advertising solutions that drive sales and foster brand loyalty. Their client base primarily consists of businesses in the retail sector looking for effective advertising strategies to reach high-intent shoppers.


13. WordStream by LocaliQ

  • Website: wordstream.com
  • Ownership type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mclean, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 97%, Canada 3%
  • Latest funding: $130.0M, May 2018
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: wordstream

WordStream by LocaliQ, founded in 2007 and based in McLean, Virginia, is a digital marketing agency that focuses on online advertising solutions for small businesses and marketing agencies. The company provides a range of services, including performance grading for Google and Facebook ads, keyword research, and SEO optimization. With a workforce of approximately 89 employees, WordStream has developed tools that help clients assess and enhance their online advertising strategies. Their offerings include free tools like the Google Ads Performance Grader and the Facebook Ads Performance Grader, which allow businesses to identify and rectify costly mistakes in their advertising efforts. WordStream has also reported significant metrics, such as delivering over 267 million leads and generating $15.9 billion in revenue for its clients, underscoring its impact in the online advertising sector. The company has received substantial funding, amounting to $130 million, which supports its growth and innovation in digital marketing solutions.


14. Kargo

  • Website: kargo.com
  • Ownership type: Private
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 81%, Ireland 7%, Australia 5%, Other 7%
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: kargo

Kargo is an advertising technology company based in New York, founded in 2003. With a workforce of approximately 201-500 employees, Kargo specializes in creating innovative advertising solutions tailored for mobile, connected TV (CTV), and social media platforms. The company focuses on enhancing advertising effectiveness, targeting, and engagement, helping brands improve their marketing strategies. Kargo is recognized for its commitment to quality, being the first mobile platform to achieve full Ads.txt compliance, which helps combat ad fraud. Their unique offerings include AI-powered targeting solutions and creative formats that aim to capture user attention more effectively. Kargo has also made strides in the CTV space, providing advertisers with tools for precise targeting and performance measurement. Their approach to advertising is centered around delivering measurable results and optimizing campaigns in real-time, making them a relevant player in the online advertising industry.


15. Choozle

  • Website: choozle.com
  • Ownership type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Denver, Colorado, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
  • Latest funding: Series C, $15.0M, May 2021
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn: choozle

Choozle is a digital advertising agency based in Denver, Colorado, founded in 2012. The company specializes in programmatic advertising solutions, providing a platform that simplifies the complexities of digital marketing for mid-market agencies and brands. Choozle's services include a range of advertising channels such as display, video, audio, connected TV, and social media. They have successfully managed over 97,000 campaigns since their inception, demonstrating their capability in executing effective advertising strategies. The company has also received $15 million in funding as of May 2021, which supports their growth and development in the competitive advertising space. Choozle's approach combines advanced technology with expert guidance, allowing clients to optimize their advertising efforts and achieve measurable results.


16. GumGum

  • Website: gumgum.com
  • Ownership type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
  • Employee distribution: United States (USA) 47%, Australia 14%, United Kingdom (UK) 11%, Other 28%
  • Latest funding: Series E-K, $75.0M, April 2021
  • Founded year: 2008
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • LinkedIn: gumgum

GumGum is an advertising technology firm based in Santa Monica, California, founded in 2008. The company specializes in contextual advertising and brand safety solutions, providing a platform that utilizes artificial intelligence to deliver relevant advertisements to consumers in real-time. GumGum's services cater primarily to advertisers and publishers, helping them enhance their media strategies. Their offerings include connected TV advertising and in-game advertising, showcasing their adaptability to various digital environments. With a workforce of approximately 582 employees, GumGum operates globally, reaching over 1.1 billion unique consumers monthly and processing more than 100 billion ad auctions daily. The company has received significant funding, with its last round totaling $75 million in April 2021, reflecting strong investor interest in its innovative solutions.



Online Advertising Insights: Key Companies in the US


CompanyHeadquarterSizeFoundedOwnership
Google AdsMountain View, California, United States (USA)10001+1998Private
AdRoll, a division of NextRollSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)501-10002007Venture Capital
Verizon Media PlatformLos Angeles, California, United States (USA)501-10002017Private Equity
AppNexusNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-50002007Corporate
YP, The Real Yellow PagesAtlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)5001-100002012Corporate
XandrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-50002006Corporate
Rakuten AdvertisingSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)501-10001996Private
Rakuten MarketingSan Mateo, California, United States (USA)501-10001996Private
Thrive Internet Marketing AgencyDallas, Texas, United States (USA)51-2002005Private
Nexstar DigitalUnited States (USA)201-5002017Private
WebFXHarrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States (USA)501-10001996Private Equity
RoundelMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)201-5001984Private
WordStream by LocaliQMclean, Virginia, United States (USA)201-5002007Corporate
KargoNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-5002003Private
ChoozleDenver, Colorado, United States (USA)51-2002012Private Equity
GumGumSanta Monica, California, United States (USA)501-10002008Venture Capital


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