Real-Time Bidding
Definition
RTB auctions individual digital ad impressions in very short time.
An automated auction process in which individual digital ad impressions are offered and bid on in very short time.
Simply explained
While a page loads, authorized platforms place bids for a specific ad slot.
Why it matters in practice
The term is relevant for systematically improving digital visibility, qualified traffic, and content findability.
Example from business
When loading a page, authorized demand platforms bid on an ad slot.
Limits and pitfalls
- Equating RTB with all programmatic advertising or ignoring data protection, consent, and supply chain.
Origin & history
The advertising industry standardized RTB from 2010 onwards, among others via OpenRTB.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible example: When loading a page, authorized demand platforms bid on an ad slot.
Frequently asked questions
What does real-time bidding (RTB) mean?
An automated auction process in which individual digital ad impressions are offered and bid on in very short time. What mistakes should be avoided? Equating RTB with all programmatic advertising or ignoring data protection, consent, and supply chain.
Sources
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no proof of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: