Channels, media & distribution · Working
Real-time bidding
Also called: RTB
ELI5
Automated auctioning of individual ad opportunities in near real time.
Used in conversation
“Can we trace real-time bidding back to a decision the team can act on?”
Pitch context
You will see “Real-time bidding” in brand decks, campaign plans, research reports and performance reviews when the discussion reaches channels, media & distribution.
Why it matters: In channels, media & distribution, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- Reason to believeThe search label “RTB” can route to both entries.
- Reasons to believeThe search label “RTB” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- Interactive Advertising Bureau — Measurement guidelines and standardsDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission — Advertising and Marketing GuidanceDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- American Marketing Association — Definitions of Marketing and BrandSupporting source family · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Analytics Help — Google Analytics dimensions and metricsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Google Ads Help — Google Ads metrics and reportingSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16