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Mar 24, 2026
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Rikard Jonsson
Rikard Jonsson is Founder & CEO of Hey Sid and a five-time entrepreneur with a background in B2B SaaS, sales, and brand building. He believes B2B marketing is overcomplicated and writes about going back to basics: visibility, positioning, and consistent presence among the accounts that matter.
Best Programmatic Advertising Platforms for B2B in 2026
TL;DR: Global programmatic ad spend is expected to reach $725 billion in 2026, accounting for roughly 90% of all digital display advertising. For B2B teams, programmatic is the fastest way to put your message in front of specific accounts and decision-makers across display, video, native, and connected TV. This guide ranks 9 platforms - from enterprise DSPs like The Trade Desk to managed services like Hey Sid - with real pricing, strengths, limitations, and a recommendation framework based on team size and budget.
This article is part of our IP Targeting for B2B hub. Read the pillar guide for the full targeting framework.
What Makes a Programmatic Platform "Good" for B2B?
Most DSPs are built for B2C advertisers. B2B teams have different requirements. Here is what matters when evaluating platforms for B2B campaigns:
Account-level targeting: Can you upload a target account list and serve ads only to those companies? This is the baseline for B2B
Person-level targeting: Can you go beyond company-level targeting to reach specific individuals within the buying committee?
B2B data integrations: Does the platform connect with CRM systems, intent data providers, and ABM tools?
Channels that B2B buyers use: Display and native reach buyers during work research. CTV and video build brand awareness. Audio reaches commuters. The best B2B platforms cover multiple channels
Reporting tied to pipeline: Impression and click reports are not enough. B2B teams need to connect ad exposure to account engagement and pipeline
The 9 Best Programmatic Advertising Platforms for B2B
1. Hey Sid - Best for Mid-Sized B2B Teams (Managed Execution)
Type: Done-for-you person-targeted advertising B2B focus: Primary Channels: LinkedIn, Meta, Google, programmatic display Pricing: Starts at 20,000 SEK/month ($1,900 USD) managed ad spend
Hey Sid is not a self-serve DSP. It is a managed advertising service built specifically for B2B companies with 1-3 person marketing teams that cannot operate programmatic platforms independently.
What makes it different for B2B:
Person-level targeting serves ads to named individuals at target accounts - not just companies. Every impression reaches a known prospect
Creative production included - 5 ad variations per campaign, refreshed every 60 days, at no extra cost
Multi-channel by default - campaigns run across LinkedIn Ads, Meta Ads, Google, and programmatic display simultaneously
Managed strategy and reporting - campaign setup, bid management, creative, and account-level reporting handled by the Hey Sid team
Connects to the full Influence Loop - ads pair with Precision Connect (LinkedIn outreach) and Authority Builder (thought leadership) targeting the same individuals
Strengths:
Zero operational burden for lean marketing teams
Person-level precision means zero wasted ad spend
GDPR compliant, European-born platform
Proven results: Mercuri International (85% reduced ad spend), Risk Ident (2.5x shorter sales cycles)
Limitations:
Not self-serve - you work with the Hey Sid team on targeting and strategy
No G2 listing yet (founded 2024)
Less control over individual bid adjustments and placement selections
Best for: Mid-sized B2B companies (20-100 employees) with lean marketing teams, long sales cycles (6-18 months), and no in-house ad ops. Particularly strong for European B2B companies.
Book a demo: heysid.com/demo
2. The Trade Desk - Best Enterprise DSP for B2B
Type: Independent self-serve DSP B2B focus: Secondary (general-purpose with B2B capabilities) Channels: Display, video, CTV, native, audio, DOOH, in-game Pricing: ~$20,000+/month minimum, CPM-based + platform fees
The Trade Desk is the dominant independent DSP, processing 13M+ ad impressions per second. Its Koa AI bidding engine and Unified ID 2.0 identity framework make it the platform of choice for large-scale programmatic buying.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
GPS-based geofencing with no additional CPM cost, plus geoframing for retargeting past location visitors
IP targeting through partner data integrations
CTV advertising reaches B2B decision-makers in streaming environments
Audience Unlimited feature uses AI to score third-party segments
Strengths:
Broadest channel coverage (display, video, CTV, audio, DOOH, in-game)
Transparent reporting showing exactly where budget goes
Strong data partnerships and identity solutions
Limitations:
Requires trained ad ops to manage (~$20K+/month minimum spend)
No native B2B account-level targeting (requires layering third-party B2B data)
Learning curve is steep for teams new to programmatic
Custom reporting scores below average on G2 (7.4/10)
Best for: Enterprise B2B teams (marketing team of 10+) with dedicated programmatic buyers and $20K+/month display budgets.
3. StackAdapt - Best Mid-Market Self-Serve DSP for B2B
Type: AI-powered self-serve DSP B2B focus: Secondary (strong B2B capabilities) Channels: Native, display, video, CTV, audio, in-game, DOOH, email Pricing: CPM-based, ~$5,000/month minimum for self-serve
StackAdapt has become the fastest-growing DSP among B2B advertisers and agencies. In 2025, it launched Ivy, an in-platform AI assistant for campaign optimization. The platform's Data Hub enables first-party data activation and ABM targeting.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
Pre-built ABM account targeting capabilities
CRM data upload for audience matching
Contextual AI targeting that works without cookies
Machine learning-based bid optimization
Native advertising formats that blend with editorial content
Strengths:
Lower barrier to entry than The Trade Desk (~$5K/month vs. $20K+)
Intuitive self-serve interface praised by users
Strong native advertising capabilities (ads that look like content)
Good customer support and onboarding
Limitations:
Smaller data marketplace than The Trade Desk
Reporting can be glitchy according to G2 reviews
Platform fees are not always transparent until invoicing
No person-level targeting (account-level only)
Best for: B2B marketing teams of 3-10 people with some programmatic experience and $5K-$15K/month display budgets. The go-to mid-market option.
4. Google Display & Video 360 (DV360) - Best for Google Ecosystem Teams
Type: Enterprise DSP (part of Google Marketing Platform) B2B focus: Secondary (general-purpose) Channels: Display, video, YouTube, CTV, native, audio Pricing: Platform fee + CPM-based. Requires Google Marketing Platform agreement
DV360 gives access to the Google Display Network plus premium programmatic inventory. Its integration with GA4, Campaign Manager 360, and Search Ads 360 enables unified measurement.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
Direct access to YouTube inventory for video advertising
Unified audience targeting with GA4 website behavior data
Programmatic guaranteed deals alongside open auction buying
Advanced frequency management across Google properties
Strengths:
Largest reach through Google's ecosystem
Direct YouTube access (not available on most third-party DSPs)
15-25% CPA improvement possible over 60-90 days when GA4 signals mature
Limitations:
No native B2B targeting - requires external data layers or ABM platforms
Complex setup and steep learning curve
Requires Google Marketing Platform agreement (enterprise commitment)
Transparency concerns around Google's own inventory prioritization
Best for: Enterprise B2B teams already invested in the Google Marketing Platform ecosystem who need YouTube and display at scale.
5. Demandbase - Best ABM Platform with Built-in Advertising
Type: Unified ABM platform with native B2B DSP B2B focus: Primary Channels: Display, video, CTV (via B2B DSP) Pricing: Custom. Small business $18K-$32K/year, mid-market $43K-$61K/year, enterprise $100K-$300K+
Demandbase operates the only B2B DSP built from the ground up for B2B advertising, with no minimum ad spend threshold. The platform combines intent data, account identification, advertising, and sales intelligence in one system.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
Native account-based advertising without data layering
Intent data integrated with ad targeting
Person-level targeting through "Person Intent" signals
Website personalization for target accounts
Buying group identification (launched July 2025)
Strengths:
B2B advertising is a core capability, not a bolt-on
No minimum ad spend for DSP access
G2 rating of 4.4/5 from 1,916 reviews, Leader in 38 G2 reports
Strong customer support (G2 Support score: 8.7/10)
Limitations:
Implementation takes 3-6 months
Pricing is enterprise-level ($18K-$300K+/year)
Overwhelming for lean marketing teams
Attribution reporting can be difficult to configure
Best for: Mid-to-large B2B enterprises ($50M+ revenue) with dedicated ABM teams that want intent data and advertising in one platform.
6. 6sense - Best for Predictive ABM + Advertising
Type: Revenue intelligence platform with B2B DSP B2B focus: Primary Channels: Display, CTV (launched Fall 2025) Pricing: Custom. Median $55,211/year via Vendr. Range $35,000-$300,000+
6sense analyzes 500+ billion intent signals to predict which accounts are in-market. Its built-in DSP includes CTV advertising with 90%+ completion rates (launched Fall 2025).
What makes it relevant for B2B:
Predictive analytics identifies accounts before they self-identify
Revenue AI maps buying committee engagement stages
CTV advertising reaches B2B decision-makers on streaming platforms
RevvyAI (November 2025) adds agentic AI for automated campaign execution
Strengths:
Best-in-class predictive intent data
CTV adds a high-impact, high-attention channel for B2B
Named Leader in Forrester Wave Q1 2025
Limitations:
Steep learning curve requiring RevOps expertise
Expensive (median $55K/year, often $100K+ with modules)
"Black box" scoring with limited transparency
No built-in engagement tools (requires Outreach/Salesloft at $100-$150/user/month extra)
Best for: Enterprise ABM teams ($100M+ revenue) with dedicated RevOps staff and budget for multi-year platform commitments.
7. Metadata - Best for Automated B2B Campaign Optimization
Type: B2B demand generation automation platform B2B focus: Primary Channels: LinkedIn, Facebook, display (via programmatic partners) Pricing: Custom. Requires minimum ad spend commitment
Metadata automates B2B paid campaigns across LinkedIn, Facebook, and display. Its AI handles audience testing, creative rotation, and budget allocation across channels.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
Automated audience testing across multiple channels simultaneously
Budget allocation AI shifts spend toward best-performing channels
Built for B2B marketers, not general advertisers
Reverse-IP pretargeting for social campaigns
Strengths:
Reduces manual campaign management
Cross-channel optimization between LinkedIn and Facebook
Good for teams running LinkedIn Ads at scale
Limitations:
Limited to social + display (no CTV, audio, or native)
Requires existing ad spend to test (not free to try)
Smaller company with less market stability than enterprise platforms
Best for: B2B marketing teams spending $10K+/month on LinkedIn and Facebook who want AI-driven campaign optimization without managing each platform individually.
8. InZynk - Best Nordic B2B Advertising Platform
Type: Self-serve B2B advertising platform B2B focus: Primary Channels: Display (via programmatic) Pricing: EUR 199/month + minimum EUR 100 per target account ad spend. 3-month free trial
InZynk (Oslo/Stockholm) is built specifically for B2B account-based advertising. It recently launched Geo Advertising (100-1,000m radius geofencing) alongside its company-targeting capabilities.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
Company-level targeting by uploading target account lists
Geo Advertising feature for events and office targeting
AI-generated ad creative
Website personalization (LandingZone feature)
GDPR compliant with no data transfer outside EU/EEA
Strengths:
Transparent pricing (rare in B2B ad platforms)
Built specifically for B2B teams (not repurposed B2C)
3-month free trial with full access
Clients include Ericsson, Oracle, Nordea
Limitations:
Display-only (no video, CTV, audio, or native)
Smaller platform with limited inventory outside Nordics/Europe
Company-level targeting only (not person-level)
Best for: Nordic and European B2B companies wanting self-serve account-based display advertising with transparent pricing and fast setup.
9. BidTheatre - Best Nordic Independent DSP
Type: Independent self-serve DSP B2B focus: Secondary Channels: Display, video, native, audio (Spotify, Acast), CTV, DOOH Pricing: Annual contract (custom), minimum fee required
BidTheatre (Stockholm, acquired by Vitec Software Group) is a Nordic-focused DSP offering IP-based geo-targeting and broad format coverage including programmatic audio.
What makes it relevant for B2B:
IP-based targeting at country, region, city, and postal code levels
Programmatic audio on Spotify and Acast (reaches commuting professionals)
DOOH for out-of-home campaigns
Nordic-specific inventory
Strengths:
G2 Quality of Support: 9.7/10, Performance: 9.0/10
Broad format coverage (only Nordic DSP with audio + DOOH)
Strong Nordic premium inventory
Limitations:
IP-based geo only (not building-level geofencing)
Slow insights loading and limited reporting per user reviews
Restricted market coverage outside Scandinavia
Pricing not publicly disclosed
Best for: Agencies and B2B teams running multi-format programmatic campaigns focused on the Nordic and Northern European market.
Comparison Table: All 9 Platforms
Platform | Type | B2B Focus | Person-Level? | Key Channels | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hey Sid | Managed service | Primary | Yes | LinkedIn, Meta, Google, display | ~$1,900/mo | Lean B2B teams, managed execution |
The Trade Desk | Enterprise DSP | Secondary | No | Display, video, CTV, audio, DOOH | ~$20K+/mo | Enterprise with ad ops |
StackAdapt | Self-serve DSP | Secondary | No | Native, display, video, CTV, DOOH | ~$5K/mo | Mid-market, 3-10 person teams |
DV360 | Enterprise DSP | Secondary | No | Display, YouTube, video, CTV | Enterprise agreement | Google ecosystem teams |
Demandbase | ABM platform + DSP | Primary | Yes | Display, video, CTV | $18K+/year | Mid-to-large ABM teams |
6sense | Revenue intel + DSP | Primary | Limited | Display, CTV | $35K+/year | Enterprise predictive ABM |
Metadata | B2B automation | Primary | No | LinkedIn, Facebook, display | Custom (min spend) | LinkedIn + Facebook optimization |
InZynk | B2B ad platform | Primary | No | Display | EUR 199/mo + EUR 100/acct | Nordic/EU self-serve B2B |
BidTheatre | Nordic DSP | Secondary | No | Display, video, audio, DOOH | Annual contract | Nordic multi-format campaigns |
How to Choose: A Decision Framework
Your choice depends on three factors: team size, budget, and whether you want control or execution.
1-3 marketers, no ad ops expertise:
Hey Sid (done-for-you, person-level, multi-channel)
InZynk (self-serve, account-level, display only, Nordic focus)
3-10 marketers with ad experience:
StackAdapt (self-serve, multi-channel, lower minimums)
BidTheatre (Nordic-specific, audio and DOOH included)
10+ person team with dedicated ad ops:
The Trade Desk (broadest reach, most control)
DV360 (if already in Google Marketing Platform)
Basis Technologies (unified buying across programmatic + search + social)
Dedicated ABM/RevOps team with enterprise budget:
Demandbase (unified ABM + advertising)
6sense (predictive + advertising + CTV)
Conclusion and Next Steps
The right programmatic platform depends on your team, your budget, and how much you want to manage. For mid-sized B2B companies, the choice is between managed services that handle execution (Hey Sid) and self-serve platforms that give you control (StackAdapt, InZynk). For enterprise teams, The Trade Desk and the ABM platforms (Demandbase, 6sense) provide the most power.
Understand the targeting methods: IP Targeting for B2B: How It Works and When to Use It
See the full channel landscape: B2B Display Advertising: Channels, Targeting, and ROI Guide
Explore managed programmatic with Hey Sid: heysid.com/demo
FAQ
Do I need a DSP for B2B programmatic advertising?
Not necessarily. DSPs like The Trade Desk and StackAdapt give you direct control over bidding and placements, but they require ad ops expertise. ABM platforms (Demandbase, 6sense) include built-in advertising with simpler interfaces. Managed services (Hey Sid) handle all programmatic buying for you. The right approach depends on your team's capacity.
What is the minimum budget for B2B programmatic?
Self-serve platforms like StackAdapt start around $5,000/month. The Trade Desk requires roughly $20,000/month. ABM platforms range from $18K-$300K/year. Managed services like Hey Sid start at approximately $1,900/month in ad spend. For a meaningful test, plan at least $3,000-$5,000/month over 90 days.
Can programmatic advertising target specific B2B accounts?
Yes. Most platforms support account-based targeting through IP matching, CRM audience uploads, or third-party B2B data integrations. The precision varies: IP targeting reaches all employees at a company, while person-level targeting (Hey Sid, Demandbase) reaches specific individuals within the buying committee.
Sources
Hey Sid, "Best Programmatic Advertising Platforms for B2B 2026" (heysid.com/resources)
Hey Sid, "Programmatic Advertising for B2B: Complete Guide 2026" (heysid.com/resources)
Directive, "Top 5 Programmatic Platforms Leading the Way in 2026"
Taqtics, "Programmatic Advertising Platforms: 8 Best DSPs Compared"
Improvado, "Programmatic Advertising Platforms: Ultimate Guide 2026"
InBeat, "Top 14 Programmatic Advertising Platforms 2026"
Advertising Updates, "Best DSPs for Programmatic Advertising 2026"
ZoomInfo Pipeline, "7 Best Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs)"
Vereigen Media, "Top 7 Programmatic Platforms Redefining B2B Marketing 2026"
StackAdapt product documentation (stackadapt.com)
EMARKETER, "B2B Digital Ad Spend to Reach $48.15B by 2026"
PPC Chief, "B2B Advertising Statistics 2026"
InZynk product pages and pricing (inzynk.com)
BidTheatre product overview and G2 reviews (bidtheatre.com)
This article is part of Hey Sid's IP targeting and B2B advertising content hub. Related articles:
Read more on the Hey Sid Resources Hub

