The advertising industry in the US crafts compelling brand narratives and innovative marketing strategies. Companies in this sector range from large multinational agencies offering integrated services to niche players focusing on digital or experiential marketing. As businesses increasingly pivot to digital platforms, the demand for targeted, data-driven advertising is growing. Trends like personalization and influencer marketing are reshaping how brands connect with audiences, creating a landscape ripe for creativity. Furthermore, advancements in technology are fostering new approaches, leading to even more engaging and interactive advertising experiences that appeal to today’s consumers.

The following companies represent a cross-section of the US advertising industry, varying in size from boutiques to global giants. Most are headquartered in major cities like New York and Chicago, with founding years stretching back to the early 20th century. These agencies specialize in various areas, including brand development, strategic consulting, and digital marketing, adapting to the rapidly changing consumer landscape. Many firms boast large workforces, allowing them to cater to high-profile clients across multiple sectors.

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

Top 17 Advertising Companies in the US

1. Ogilvy

• Website: ogilvy.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: India 20%, United States (USA) 16%, China 14%, Other 50%
• Founded year: 1972
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: ogilvy

Ogilvy is an advertising, marketing, and public relations agency based in New York City, founded in 1972. The company offers a wide range of services, including advertising, brand and content development, public relations, and consulting. With a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees, Ogilvy operates on a global scale, serving clients across various industries. Their client roster features prominent names such as Coca-Cola, Google, and Volkswagen, reflecting their capability to manage significant advertising campaigns. Ogilvy emphasizes the importance of brand storytelling and strategic communication, aiming to enhance brand presence and drive growth for their clients. Their work spans multiple sectors, including health, technology, and consumer goods, demonstrating their adaptability and relevance in the ever-evolving advertising landscape.

2. Leo Burnett

• Website: leoburnett.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: India 17%, United States (USA) 17%, Malaysia 6%, Other 59%
• Latest funding: January 2025
• Founded year: 1935
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: leo-burnett

Leo Burnett Worldwide, Inc. is an advertising agency headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a global presence. Founded in 1935, the agency specializes in creating impactful advertising campaigns that connect with consumers on a human level. Their services include creative development, marketing consulting, and brand strategy, aimed at enhancing the value of brands across various sectors. Leo Burnett has worked with a range of well-known clients, including McDonald's, Gatorade, and Fiat, demonstrating their capability to deliver compelling campaigns that resonate with audiences. The agency's philosophy, known as 'HumanKind,' drives their creative process, focusing on understanding human behavior to solve business challenges. This approach has led to numerous awards and recognitions, affirming their position as a significant player in the advertising industry.

3. Ddb

• Website: ddb.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 32%, Colombia 8%, Spain 7%, Other 53%
• Founded year: 1949
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: ddb

DDB Worldwide Communications Group LLC, founded in 1949, is an advertising agency headquartered in New York City. With a workforce of over 8,000 employees, DDB specializes in marketing communications, offering a range of services that include creative advertising campaigns and strategic consulting. The agency serves clients across multiple sectors, helping them engage consumers and enhance their brand presence. DDB is recognized for its innovative approach to advertising, leveraging emotional insights to drive consumer behavior. The agency has worked with prominent brands such as Volkswagen, Pepsi, and Disney, showcasing its capability to deliver impactful campaigns. DDB's commitment to creativity and its strategic focus on understanding consumer emotions position it as a significant player in the advertising industry.

4. TBWAWorldwide

• Website: tbwa.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 14%, Italy 7%, China 6%, Other 72%
• Latest funding: May 1993
• Founded year: 1970
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: tbwa

TBWAWorldwide, headquartered in New York City, is an advertising agency that specializes in disruptive creativity aimed at enhancing brand experiences. With over 11,000 employees across more than 40 countries, TBWA serves a wide array of industries, providing services in marketing, branding, and innovation. The agency's Disruption® methodology is central to its operations, focusing on creating brand platforms that defy convention and drive business growth. TBWA is known for its commitment to understanding cultural shifts, which informs its strategies and helps clients engage effectively with consumers. The agency has received recognition for its innovative work, including being named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company multiple times. Their portfolio includes impactful campaigns for major brands like Nissan and Hilton, demonstrating their capability to deliver memorable and effective advertising solutions.

5. McCann Worldgroup

• Website: mccannworldgroup.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: India 18%, United States (USA) 11%, United Kingdom (UK) 8%, Other 63%
• Founded year: 1992
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: mccann-worldgroup

McCann Worldgroup, founded in 1992 and headquartered in New York City, is a prominent marketing agency specializing in integrated marketing solutions and advertising services. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the company serves a broad spectrum of industries, providing customized strategies aimed at enhancing brand visibility and audience engagement. Their expertise spans brand strategy, digital marketing, and creative services, addressing the unique challenges businesses face in effectively reaching their target audiences. McCann Worldgroup also operates a global intelligence unit, Truth Central, which conducts extensive research to uncover insights into consumer behavior and market trends, further solidifying their role as a key player in the advertising sector.

6. McCann

• Website: mccann.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1902
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: mccann-

McCann is a prominent advertising agency based in New York City, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1902. The agency specializes in crafting impactful marketing campaigns tailored to various industries, including consumer goods, technology, and healthcare. McCann offers a range of services, such as advertising, marketing consulting, and public relations, aimed at helping brands effectively connect with their target audiences. The agency has a global presence and has worked with notable clients like Adidas, Heinz, and Sandvik, showcasing its ability to handle high-profile projects. McCann's recent initiatives, including the launch of Current Global, demonstrate its commitment to innovation and adapting to the changing dynamics of the advertising landscape. This evolution reflects a strategic approach to addressing the complexities of modern marketing, particularly in the context of digital transformation and consumer engagement.

7. Grey

• Website: grey.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 27%, Bangladesh 12%, India 11%, Other 50%
• Latest funding: November 2020
• Founded year: 1917
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: grey-group

Grey Group, based in New York City, is an advertising agency that has been operational since 1917. The company specializes in a variety of marketing services, including advertising, public relations, and brand development. With a workforce of approximately 3,476 employees, Grey serves a global clientele, helping brands enhance their visibility and engagement in competitive markets. Their portfolio includes notable campaigns for major brands like Coca-Cola, Pringles, and Aquafresh, reflecting their ability to create memorable and effective marketing strategies. Grey's commitment to innovation is evident in their recent projects, which focus on inclusivity and consumer engagement, further solidifying their position in the advertising sector.

8. UM Worldwide

• Website: umww.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 42%, United Kingdom (UK) 5%, Colombia 5%, Other 48%
• Founded year: 2009
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: um-ww

UM Worldwide, also known as Universal McCann, is an advertising agency headquartered in New York City. Established in 2009, the agency specializes in media planning and buying, brand strategy, and digital marketing solutions. With a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees, UM operates in over 100 countries, providing services to a wide array of clients, including well-known brands like American Express, Johnson & Johnson, and Levi Strauss & Co. The agency emphasizes a people-first approach, fostering a culture of curiosity, courage, and community among its staff. UM has been recognized for its innovative campaigns and strategic insights, earning accolades such as being named a Top 10 Media Network of the Year by Cannes Lions. Their focus on harnessing the power of AI while maintaining a human touch in marketing strategies reflects their adaptability in a rapidly changing industry.

9. Arc Worldwide

• Website: arcww.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 73%, India 15%, Brazil 3%, Other 9%
• Founded year: 2004
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• LinkedIn: arc-worldwide

Arc Worldwide, founded in 2004 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a marketing agency that specializes in innovative advertising solutions tailored primarily for the retail sector. With a workforce of approximately 744 employees, the company emphasizes enhancing brand strategies and consumer engagement through customized services. Arc Worldwide collaborates closely with clients to develop effective marketing strategies that resonate with target audiences. Notably, they have introduced the first-ever shoppable agency website, allowing users to interact with content in a novel way. This initiative reflects their commitment to integrating technology into marketing practices, positioning them as a relevant player in the advertising industry.

10. Rpa

• Website: rpa.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 98%, Other 2%
• Founded year: 1986
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: rpa

RPA, based in Santa Monica, California, is an advertising and marketing agency founded in 1986. With a workforce of over 1,200 employees, RPA specializes in providing a wide range of marketing solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. The agency offers services that include digital marketing, media planning, creative strategy, and analytics. RPA has worked with a variety of clients across different sectors, including notable brands like Honda, La-Z-Boy, and Homes.com. Their campaigns often leverage innovative approaches, such as interactive experiences and high-profile media placements, to enhance brand visibility and engagement. RPA's commitment to understanding client objectives and delivering results has solidified its position in the advertising industry.

11. FINN Partners

• Website: finnpartners.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 78%, United Kingdom (UK) 13%, Germany 2%, Other 6%
• Latest funding: April 2021
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• LinkedIn: finn-partners

FINN Partners is a marketing agency based in New York, established in 2011. With a workforce of approximately 1,190 employees, the company operates globally, with a significant presence in the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Asia. They specialize in integrated marketing and communication services, helping clients enhance brand visibility and navigate public relations challenges. Their offerings include advertising, digital marketing, public affairs, and research insights. FINN Partners has worked with over 400 world-class brands and organizations, demonstrating their capability to handle complex marketing needs across various sectors such as health, technology, consumer brands, and sustainability. Their approach combines hands-on partnership with specialized expertise, aiming to create impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences.

12. Gsd&m

• Website: gsdm.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Austin, Texas, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 98%, Other 2%
• Founded year: 1971
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: gsd%26m

GSD&M is an advertising agency based in Austin, Texas, founded in 1971. The agency specializes in crafting innovative marketing solutions, offering services that include advertising campaigns, brand strategy, and media planning. With a workforce of approximately 586 employees, GSD&M has developed a strong portfolio of clients, including well-known brands such as Southwest Airlines and the U.S. Air Force. The agency is recognized for its creative campaigns that not only enhance brand visibility but also engage audiences on a deeper level. GSD&M has a history of involvement in significant cultural and social initiatives, showcasing their ability to blend marketing with meaningful causes. Their work has earned them numerous awards, reflecting their impact in the advertising sector.

13. O'Brien et al. Advertising

• Website: obrienetal.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1998
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: o-brien-et-al-advertising

O'Brien et al. Advertising, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a private advertising agency founded in 1998. With a team of 26 employees, the agency specializes in a wide array of marketing services, including branding, digital marketing, public relations, and media planning. They cater to various businesses and organizations, helping them improve their brand visibility and engagement through innovative marketing strategies. The agency prides itself on its collaborative approach, ensuring that all aspects of a client's marketing efforts are aligned and effective. Their portfolio includes work for notable clients such as YMCA, Michael Jordan Nissan, and Kauai Coffee, showcasing their ability to handle projects across different sectors. O'Brien et al. Advertising is committed to staying relevant in the fast-evolving marketing landscape, continuously adapting to new trends and technologies to serve their clients better.

14. Droga5

• Website: droga5.com
• Ownership type: Corporate
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 68%, United Kingdom (UK) 15%, Japan 8%, Other 8%
• Latest funding: April 2019
• Founded year: 2006
• Headcount: 501-1000
• LinkedIn: droga5

Droga5 is an advertising agency based in New York City, established in 2006. The agency specializes in creative advertising services, focusing on innovative strategies to enhance brand visibility and market engagement. With a workforce of approximately 557 employees, Droga5 operates not only in the United States but also has a presence in the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, and Australia. The agency has collaborated with a variety of clients, developing impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences. Droga5 has received multiple awards for its work, including recognition at the Effie Awards and the Webby Awards, underscoring its commitment to creativity and effectiveness in advertising.

15. The Martin Agency

• Website: martinagency.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1965
• Headcount: 201-500
• LinkedIn: themartinagency

The Martin Agency, based in Richmond, Virginia, is a private advertising agency founded in 1965. With a workforce of approximately 552 employees, the agency specializes in crafting impactful marketing campaigns that enhance brand visibility and cultural relevance. Their service offerings include advertising, digital marketing, design, public relations, and data analytics. The agency has worked with a variety of clients across different industries, including notable campaigns for brands like Hanes, DoorDash, and UPS. Their approach emphasizes creativity and cultural engagement, as evidenced by their initiatives such as the Cultural Impact Lab, which focuses on integrated campaigns and media relations. The Martin Agency has also been recognized for its innovative work, including campaigns that address social issues and promote brand partnerships. They maintain a strong presence in the advertising sector, continuously adapting to market trends and consumer preferences.

16. Love Advertising

• Website: loveadv.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 98%, India 2%
• Founded year: 1979
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: love-advertising

Love Advertising, based in Houston, Texas, is a private advertising agency founded in 1979. With a team of approximately 65 employees, the agency prides itself on being a strategic and creative partner for its clients. They specialize in a wide range of marketing services, including account management, creative services, public relations, and digital marketing. Love Advertising has built a reputation for developing effective advertising strategies tailored to the unique challenges of their clients, enhancing brand visibility in the process. The agency has received multiple awards, including recognition at the American Advertising Federation-Houston ADDY Awards, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation in advertising. Their approach emphasizes a human connection, focusing on understanding consumer needs and crafting messages that resonate. This client-centric philosophy has allowed them to maintain long-term relationships with many clients, further solidifying their position in the advertising industry.

17. EPIC Creative

• Website: epiccreative.com
• Ownership type: Private
• Headquarters: West Bend, Wisconsin, United States (USA)
• Employee distribution: United States (USA) 100%
• Founded year: 1989
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: epic-creative

EPIC Creative is a private advertising agency based in West Bend, Wisconsin, established in 1989. With a team of approximately 72 employees, the agency specializes in providing a broad spectrum of marketing and creative services. Their focus is on enhancing brand visibility and engagement through strategic advertising, digital marketing, and creative storytelling. EPIC Creative prides itself on its collaborative approach, working closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that meet specific needs. The agency has worked with a variety of clients, including well-known brands like John Deere and Surfacide, showcasing their ability to manage significant projects across different industries. Their services include creative and brand strategy, video production, web design, SEO, social media management, and public relations. EPIC Creative also emphasizes community involvement, supporting local nonprofits and initiatives, which adds to their reputation in the industry.

Advertising Insights: Key Companies in the US

Company	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Ownership
Ogilvy	New York, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1972	Private
Leo Burnett	Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1935	Corporate
Ddb	New York, New York, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1949	Private
TBWAWorldwide	New York, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1970	Corporate
McCann Worldgroup	New York, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1992	Private
McCann	New York, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1902	Private
Grey	New York, New York, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1917	Corporate
UM Worldwide	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1001-5000	2009	Private
Arc Worldwide	Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)	5001-10000	2004	Private
Rpa	Santa Monica, California, United States (USA)	501-1000	1986	Private
FINN Partners	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1001-5000	2011	Corporate
Gsd&m	Austin, Texas, United States (USA)	501-1000	1971	Private
O'Brien et al. Advertising	Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States (USA)	11-50	1998	Private
Droga5	New York, New York, United States (USA)	501-1000	2006	Corporate
The Martin Agency	Richmond, Virginia, United States (USA)	201-500	1965	Private
Love Advertising	Houston, Texas, United States (USA)	51-200	1979	Private
EPIC Creative	West Bend, Wisconsin, United States (USA)	51-200	1989	Private

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