Supply-Side Platforms (SSPs) Explained

What does SSP stand for in advertising?

SSP stands for Supply-Side Platform or Sell-Side Platform in marketing and advertising. The latter is less commonly used, but it’s good to know it. The term SSP is regularly associated with DSP, which stands for Demand-Side Platform.

In the programmatic advertising world, knowing what the differences between SSPs and DSPs is critical. That’s why we explained what Demand-Side Platforms are in another article.

What is an SSP in advertising?

A Supply-Side Platform (SSP) is an adtech platform enabling publishers and media owners to sell their ad spaces for the highest possible prices, in a facilitated way. The platform uses software allowing publishers ad inventory to be delivered across ad exchanges, all around the world. Publishers are then able to manage, sell and optimise their ad inventory more efficiently.

As a reminder, ad exchanges are digital marketplaces connecting sellers (publishers) and buyers (advertisers).

SSPs represent an important element in programmatic advertising and buying because they connect DSPs, ad exchanges, DMPs (Data-Management Platforms) and other ad networks.

It’s possible to use Supply-Side Platforms without a DSP but be aware that some SSPs are only accessible via specific DSPs and that using SSPs directly may be more expensive.

SSPs examples of Top Platforms

Some Supply-Side Platforms are specialised in certain types of ads (such as video ads or audio ads) and they all have some pros and cons.

Supply-Side Platforms pros and cons

The role of SSPs seems crucial in programmatic advertising. What makes them so exceptional?
Find out what SSPs advantages and disadvantages are below:

Supply-Side Platforms advantages

Real-Time Bidding (RTB

Demand meets supply easily with this dynamic bidding system.

Data analytics

SSPs gather analytic information so valuable insights are accessible in real time or in a short period of time. These insights may be about user behaviour, market trends, etc.

Reach

SSPs extend reach across multiple channels so the delivery of sellers ads is harmonised.

Flawless integration

Integrating an SSP is quite easy and quick.

Brand safety

Publishers can choose which advertisers can buy their inventory.

Floor price

Publishers can decide on soft or hard floor prices to avoid losing in revenue.

Supply-Side Platforms disadvantages

Floor price

Enabling floor price can drastically limit the ad space delivery, which can be a disadvantage for some publishers.

Header bidding

This advanced bidding technology brings more competition between buyers, which often increases the final price or/and CPM. The carbon footprint of this technology is disastrous because ad calls are sent to as many SSPs as possible at the same time; even to irrelevant ones.

Traffic volume

Some SSPs can’t handle huge traffic volume for ad inventory.

Reach and Accessibility

SSPs might be available only via a specific DSP or accessible from a certain threshold. Also, Supply-Side Platforms are often dedicated to specific formats such as CTV, DOOH, etc. To be able to deliver ad spaces at a larger scale, publishers use multiple SSPs. On average, US publishers use 6 SSPs per quarter.

Our thoughts on SSPs

SSPs (stand for Supply-Side Platforms) are great for publishers and ad space sellers but can become quickly limited in terms of accessibility and ROI (Return On Investment). Understanding the intricacies of these practical platforms is key to provide ad spaces to relevant advertisers efficiently.

Some features such as header bidding are controverted for their ecological and economic impacts. But Supply-Side Platforms are necessary for the diversified programmatic world. There is always at least one SSP suitable for the needs of a publisher.

Supply-Side Platform – FAQ

Our programmatic advertising students often ask us the same questions: