Media Buying

Top Media Buying Agencies in Los Angeles

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Need some help finding top media buying agencies in your area?  DesignRush curated this list of the top media buying companies that can help your business reach your target audience. Find the perfect match for your requirements based on client reviews, pricing, areas of specialization, location, and budgets.

You can widen your search by using our directory and filtering through more than 550 media buying agencies by hourly rates, budget, agency size, location, and other criteria. You can also learn more about our selection process at the bottom of this article.

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1. TEC Direct Media

TEC Direct Media homepage-screenshot
[Source: TEC Direct Media]
  • Best for: Overall
  • Average hourly rate: $180
  • Minimum budget: $10,000 - $25,000
  • Founded: 2001
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Chicago, IL
  • Notable clients: Sony Music, Universal Music, Warner Records, Specialized Bicycles, Concord

TEC Direct Media provides media planning and buying services for high-profile brands. The agency has decades of experience with internationally renowned clients in the music, entertainment, and consumer goods sectors, using online and offline media to elevate and strengthen their brands.

TEC Direct Media Success Story

  • Challenge: TEC Direct Media is the agency of record for Specialized Bicycles, a US-based premium bicycle manufacturer. The company needed to boost its sales promotions and new product releases in key markets by acquiring ad space on radio and billboards.
  • Solution: Implementing a low-cost buying strategy, TEC placed radio schedules across 5 large Nielsen audio markets to generate awareness and in-store traffic. It also placed billboards and digital boards in strategic locations, targeting older adults with relatively higher incomes who typically travel by car, bus, or train.
  • Result: Radio ads helped drive more sales compared to the previous year across multiple markets. Sales of new products, such as e-bikes, also beat projections across test markets thanks in part to this media campaign.

Check TEC Direct Media Agency Profile

2. Wingman Media

Wingman Media homepage-screenshot
[Source: Wingman Media]
  • Best for: Ad campaigns for niche products and services
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: $50,000 & Up
  • Founded: 2003
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Westlake Village, CA
  • Notable clients: UFC, Tempur-Pedic, Jacuzzi, Sit ‘N Sleep, Boston Medical Group

Wingman Media is a growth-minded media buying agency with expertise in launching campaigns on CTV, traditional TV, radio, and digital platforms. It also specializes in targeting niche audiences and industries. Additionally, the agency provides free media audits to help businesses optimize their ad campaigns for maximum growth and ROI.

Wingman Media Success Story

  • Challenge: Wingman has been a partner of the Sit N’ Sleep mattress company for over two decades. As mattresses are expensive items with low purchase frequency, the agency had to help make Sit N’ Sleep’s product line a more appealing purchase within a short 3-week sales cycle.
  • Solution: To build credibility, Wingman sought endorsements from high-profile radio personalities, who urged listeners to give Sit ‘N Sleep a try. The agency also placed memorable TV ads at a high frequency to counteract the short sales cycle.
  • Result: From a one-off furniture store, Sit ‘N Sleep has grown into one of America’s leading specialty mattress retailers with more than 40 locations nationwide and over $160 million in annual sales.

Check Wingman Media Agency Profile

3. Vision Media

Vision Media homepage-screenshot
[Source: Vision Media]
  • Best for: Local and national-level media strategies
  • Average hourly rate: $200
  • Minimum budget: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Founded: 2002
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Bellevue, WA
  • Notable clients: Coca-Cola, The Museum of Flight, Merrill Gardens, Trustone Financial Credit Union, Geisinger, Clean Energy

As the leading media planning and buying agency in the Pacific Northwest, Vision Media provides results-driven media strategies for businesses and organizations of various sizes and industries. It has decades of experience crafting tailored media strategies to help clients achieve their unique marketing and business objectives. Vision Media is also highly proficient in communicating, managing, and billing media representatives and vendors.

Vision Media Success Story

  • Challenge: Vision Media serves as an agency of record for Coca-Cola, planning and executing media campaigns for 40+ Coca-Cola bottlers and retail partners. More recently, the agency was tasked to stimulate purchases from customers looking for pre-lunch and snack beverages on-the-go and while playing video games.
  • Solution: Using geotargeted data and media close to retail locations, Vision Media zeroed in on consumers who were most likely to buy a beverage. The agency collaborated with media partners such as Waze to engage customers who were considering on-the-go purchases. It also bought ad inventory from Twitch and other video game streaming channels to engage gamers with convenient offers while playing.
  • Result: Coca-Cola reported a +30% increase in purchase volume of its 20 oz. classic Coca-Cola sodas and a +9.6% increase in store visits.

Check Vision Media Agency Profile

4. Media Two Interactive

Media Two Interactive homepage-screenshot
[Source: Media Two Interactive]
  • Best for: Aggressive media planning and buying campaigns
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: $50,000 & Up
  • Founded: 1998
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Wilmington, NC
  • Notable clients: Berkshire Hathaway, Walmart, Microsoft, Sonoco, 3M, Mizuno

Media Two Interactive offers a range of programmatic media buying, traditional media buying, social media buying, and planning services. The agency takes what it calls a bold approach to media strategy and implementation, resulting in impactful results. It also fosters a decentralized collaborative process, enabling clients to play a greater role in planning their media campaigns.

Media Two Success Story

  • Challenge: Sonoco, a multinational packaging and industrial products supplier, partnered with Media Two to promote their new eco-friendly paper packaging. The agency was also tasked with boosting product launches with custom ad placements.
  • Solution: Media Two implemented a phased launch strategy that started with a soft launch of ad campaigns that scaled over time. It also partnered with trade publications to develop custom advertising solutions, enabling Sonoco to target audiences more accurately for greater impact.
  • Result: Throughout the soft launch phase, Sonoco reported a 400% lift in lead volume. The start of the campaign period also saw a 197% increase in daily click volume.

Check Media Two Agency Profile

5. EXL Media

EXL Media homepage-screenshot
[Source: EXL Media]
  • Best for: Tourism and hospitality businesses
  • Average hourly rate: $149
  • Minimum budget: $50,000 & Up
  • Founded: 1994
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Incline Village, NV
  • Notable clients: Palisades Tahoe, Four Seasons Resort, Costa Palmas, Diamond Peak Ski Resort, Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority

EXL Media offers strategic media planning and buying services that cater to varying client criteria, branding, and budget. Its proprietary media process focuses on transparency, which means clients know where each dollar is spent, which audiences were reached, and how it translates into measurable results. The agency has decades of experience working with hotels, resorts, convention centers, and other businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector.

EXL Media Success Story

  • Challenge: The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) partnered with EXL Media for a branding campaign targeting potential customers in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The goal was to increase room nights in designated market areas in the two cities.
  • Solution: Using visitor origination data, EXL Media identified ZIP codes where adults with high household incomes (HHI) booked room nights frequently. Billboards were placed strategically in these locations according to traffic, visibility, and demo target. Travelers within the LAX airport were also given free Wi-Fi courtesy of the RSCVA after watching a branded video.
  • Result: During and shortly after the 8-month-long ad campaign, RSCA saw a 154% increase in website visits from the LA area and a 35% increase in San Francisco. The targeted ZIP codes also saw an increase of up to 38% in room night bookings year over year.

Check EXL Media Agency Profile

6. Hotspex Media

Hotspex Media homepage-screenshot
[Source: Hotspex Media]
  • Best for: Digital ads
  • Average hourly rate: $199
  • Minimum budget: $25,000 - $50,000
  • Founded: 2013
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Toronto, Canada
  • Notable clients: Fujitsu, Under Armour, Clorox, Amazon, Panasonic

Consistently ranked as one of the leading media buying and planning agencies worldwide, Hotspex Media offers a complete package of digital media planning and advertising services. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Hotspex has a more strategic process that ensures brands and businesses get the most out of their media buys. This includes brand measurement, detailed audience targeting, and integrated media buying tailored to the client’s needs.

Hotspex Media Success Story

  • Challenge: Hotspex Media partnered with an oral care company to guide them through their first social media marketing campaign. To support this initiative, the agency set up ad campaigns on Facebook, YouTube, and Google.
  • Solution: Hotspex crafted every step of the marketing campaign, including which KPIs would be tracked and what types of ads to be scheduled. The agency also provided a custom campaign dashboard to view and analyze reports and project progress.
  • Result: While the initial campaign faced challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the client reported increased brand awareness from its target audiences. The client also praised the campaign dashboard, which enabled them to view impressions and other key metrics in the smallest detail.

Check Hotspex Media Agency Profile

7. Dragon360

Dragon360 homepage-screenshot
[Source: Dragon360]
  • Best for: Paid media strategy consulting
  • Average hourly rate: $149
  • Minimum budget: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Founded: 2007
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Kingston, NY
  • Notable clients: Fofax, Bentley, Pantone, Blue Diamond Almonds, Kofax

From startups to multinational corporations, Dragon360 has helped many businesses craft paid media campaigns that drive scalable growth. Its people-first approach uses data-driven insights to generate awareness and fuel innovative and captivating ad campaigns. The agency also provides consulting services to optimize strategies and build media campaigns that generate maximum ROI.

Dragon360 Success Story

  • Challenge: Dragon360 was hired by Kofax, an automation software provider, to help them bring in more incremental and recurring revenue. The company also wanted to find more qualified leads and acquire new customers from across its portfolio.
  • Solution: Dragon360 orchestrated a unified paid advertising strategy to create and capture demand across the enterprise and e-commerce arms of the business. The agency took advantage of cross-selling, seeing such quick wins as a significant boost to the campaigns.
  • Result: The unified paid media approach gave Kofax a massive 600% return on ad spend in e-commerce revenue. It also led to a 24% decrease in average cost per conversion.

Check Dragon360 Agency Profile

8. ChuckJoe

ChuckJoe homepage-screenshot
[Source: ChuckJoe]
  • Best for: Ad campaigns for food and beverage products
  • Average hourly rate: $149
  • Minimum budget: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Founded: 2016
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: West Hollywood, CA
  • Notable clients: Amy’s, Milk Bar, Sumo Citrus, Jacobsen Salt Co., Splendor Water

ChuckJoe draws from years of experience to deliver industry-leading media buying services to food and beverage companies worldwide. Its paid media strategy focuses on reaching out and engaging audiences at every stage of the media buying process, leading to increased customer loyalty and conversions. The agency also provides social media and influencer relations services, ensuring clients are connected to the right people at the right time.

ChuckJoe Success Story

  • Challenge: Splendor Water, a volcanic water supplier from Ecuador, partnered with ChuckJoe as part of its efforts to successfully launch its brand online. The agency was responsible for growing the company’s paid media channels from no presence to a steady source of revenue.
  • Solution: ChuckJoe implemented a multi-platform media strategy to boost brand awareness across multiple channels. The consumer data acquired was also used to expand the email subscriber base that would later serve as the foundation of the company’s email marketing channel.
  • Result: The campaign was instrumental in growing Splendor Water’s email list from zero to over 14,000 subscribers. The increased monthly revenue generated from email also rose from $476.25 to $13,974.68, contributing to the client’s 208% year-on-year revenue growth overall.

Check ChuckJoe Agency Profile

9. Ai Media Group

Ai Media Group homepage-screenshot
[Source: Ai Media Group]
  • Best for: Proprietary attribution technology
  • Average hourly rate: Inquire
  • Minimum budget: Inquire
  • Founded: 2008
  • Size: 100-249
  • Location: New York, NY
  • Notable clients: Panasonic, Hard Rock Hotel, Mediacom Business, Berkeley College, Turtle Bay Resorts

Ai Media Group is a full-service media planning and buying agency that combines cutting-edge technology with years of industry expertise. It features a unique attribution platform that gathers data and insights essential to crafting ad campaigns across various channels. Its experts help clients make informed decisions and attain the best ROI possible.

Ai Media Group Success Story

  • Challenge: Turtle Bay Resorts partnered with Ai Media Group to assist them in their campaign to increase bookings and tap into new sources of revenue. Although the company was already meeting its ROI goals through paid search and remarketing, it saw an opportunity for its website to bring in more reservations and revenue.
  • Solution: Ai Media Group launched an omnichannel strategy to maximize brand visibility and engagement. It leveraged major digital marketing channels such as the Google Display Network, YouTube ads, paid socials, and programmatic ads to ensure seamless engagement with potential customers at every touchpoint.
  • Result: The campaign achieved a 117% increase in conversion rate, with clickthrough rates (CTR) rising by over 600% and internet search doubling during this period. Overall, Turtle Bay exceeded its ROI targets by nearly 3x its initial goal.

Check Ai Media Group Agency Profile

10. WEBITMD

WEBITMD homepage-screenshot
[Source: WEBITMD]
  • Best for: Multichannel paid ad management
  • Average hourly rate: $199
  • Minimum budget: $1,000 - $10,000
  • Founded: 2008
  • Size: Under 49
  • Location: Los Angeles, CA
  • Notable clients: Aquent, Ryanair, Hyatt, TP-Link, Anderson Hay

WEBITMD is a digital growth agency that provides paid media services across multiple platforms. Whether it’s Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, or YouTube, businesses can gain access to high-performing networks under a single engagement scheme. It also does all the legwork from onboarding (goal setting, competitor analysis, campaign setup) to implementation and optimization (A/B tests, fine-tuned audience details, budget reallocation), saving clients time and resources.

WEBITMD Success Story

  • Challenge: Anderson Hay teamed up with WEBITMD to help promote its new e-commerce brand, Andy’s Hay. Struggling to find its audience even after considerable ad spend, the client needed to find a way to build brand awareness and put the fledgling brand on the map.
  • Solution: The WEBITMD team launched paid ads on Google, Amazon, Facebook, and Instagram to increase reach. This is supported by branded sample packs that were handed out to prospective customers.
  • Result: Andy’s Hay ads and content reached 2.3 million people worldwide with 7 million in total impressions. Paid media also contributed to a 5x boost in returns on ad spend in Amazon, while 2,000 new leads were acquired from the sample packs.

Check WEBITMD Agency Profile

How We Picked the Top Media Buying Agencies

Our research team ranked each media buying agency using our in-house scoring system according to several key criteria. These include:

  • Reviews: Feedback and evaluation from past and current clients on an agency’s performance
  • Portfolio: Highlights the agency’s knowledge and expertise in handling various projects
  • Awards and Press: Recognitions and media coverage showcasing the agency’s competencies and achievements
  • Team Bios: Showcases the credentials of individual team members and the company’s overall dynamics
  • Top Services: The core services that serve as the company’s identity and drive its purpose
  • Media Buying Expertise: Specific capabilities, tools, and skills set the agency has for planning, negotiating, and purchasing ad space and time.

You can also visit the DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology to learn more about our ranking system.

Best Los Angeles Media Buying Company Rankings

16 Companies
Rankings updated: November 05, 2024
  • Neon Growth

    Led by Nike's Former Global Director of Paid Media
    Led by Nike's former Global Director of Paid Media, we specialize in scaling brands with proven strategies in paid media, creative, CRO, email, SMS & lifecycle marketing. Our expertise in driving  [... view the full profile of Neon Growth]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $150/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Brenton Way

    Data-Driven Marketing Meets the Human Touch
    Experience award-winning strategies with Brenton Way. Our full-service growth marketing agency combines cutting-edge technology and a top-tier marketing team to help grow your business. Discover the  [... view the full profile of Brenton Way]
    Los Angeles, California
    50 - 99 $125/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • SeedX

    We Solve Growth Problems
    At SeedX, we have extensive experience helping companies and organizations like yours align on key metrics and then act to hit your goals.Custom solutions,made to serve your specific  [... view the full profile of SeedX]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Unstoppable. Unflappable. Unapologetic.
    Are you a challenger brand looking to grow? If so, we're a nimble group of seasoned digital strategists, award-winning creatives and savvy collaborators who thrive on working with like-minded  [... view the full profile of The Miller Group Marketing]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $150/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Hotspex Media

    We Work as Hard as You Do
    Unlock the full potential of your programmatic advertising with our comprehensive solutions. Our team of experts offers comprehensive solutions for brands and agencies - from planning through  [... view the full profile of Hotspex Media]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $199/hr $25,000 - $50,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • We make smart brands smarter.
    Hawthorne Advertising is a full-service brand response advertising agency headquartered in Los Angeles. We are woman-owned, privately held, independent and innovation driven.  [... view the full profile of Hawthorne Advertising]
    Los Angeles, California
    50 - 99 Inquire $50,000 & Up
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Vix Media Group

    Scale your business faster
    Vix Media Group empowers businesses by providing expert guidance for organic growth. Our team of industry professionals collaborates to deliver impactful, results-driven campaigns. We build meaningful  [... view the full profile of Vix Media Group]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $100/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • FastRock

    We build strategies to help brands grow.
    We are a multi award-winning, full-service hybrid consultancy, based in New York and Los Angeles.With over 17 years of experience across editorial and commercial departments, we build and manage  [... view the full profile of FastRock]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $150/hr $25,000 - $50,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Miller Ink

    Narrating your story in the best-possible way
    Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, our comprehensive strategic communications and crisis PR agency is dedicated to empowering businesses, executives, and non-profit organizations to magnify their  [... view the full profile of Miller Ink]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 Inquire Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Power Digital

    EMPOWERING BUSINESS GROWTH.
    Power Digital is an award-winning, data-driven marketing company that is nationally recognized for its ability to combine the best of art and science. As a full-service firm, Power Digital is  [... view the full profile of Power Digital]
    Los Angeles, California
    250 - 499 $175/hr $1,000 - $10,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
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  • SENSIS

    Cultural connections that convert.
    As an integrated cross-cultural marketing agency, Sensis connects brands with people through meaningful marketing strategies that build sustainable demand. Our cross-cultural model combines expertise  [... view the full profile of SENSIS]
    Los Angeles, California
    100 - 249 $199/hr $50,000 & Up
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Prosek Partners

    Listening and strategizing done by a team of industry experts!
    Prosek Partners utilizes its "Renaissance Marketing" toolkit to deliver optimal client results. Their approach combines deep industry expertise with a comprehensive range of financial services PR  [... view the full profile of Prosek Partners]
    Los Angeles, California
    50 - 99 $100/hr Inquire
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Elevate Your Digital Success.
    At the heart of Social House's methodology is the TriVision Approach, seamlessly bridging Strategy, Content, and Paid Media. This integration enables the production of agile, original, and  [... view the full profile of Social House, Inc.]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $149/hr $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Scaling Success for Global Impact
    Rainmaker Ad Ventures leverages extensive media buying experience, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology, and robust industry partnerships to propel leading digital advertisers and  [... view the full profile of Rainmaker Ad Ventures]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 Inquire $10,000 - $25,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Elevating Your Media Performance
    Media Design Group (MDG) revolutionizes media buying and advertising with its innovative Smart Media Stack, seamlessly integrating digital and traditional channels. Combining advanced data with its  [... view the full profile of Media Design Group]
    Los Angeles, California
    100 - 249 Inquire $25,000 - $50,000
    VISIT WEBSITE
  • Exverus Media

    Data-Driven Truth Seekers
    Exverus is a data-centric media agency renowned for its unwavering commitment to transparency and performance. With a foundation built on honest fee structures and a relentless pursuit of truth  [... view the full profile of Exverus Media]
    Los Angeles, California
    Under 49 $199/hr $50,000 & Up
    VISIT WEBSITE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a media buying agency? 

A media buying agency is a third-party provider that purchases ad space for a client organization. This includes ads in traditional media, such as television and print, and digital channels like websites, social media, and streaming services.

The two main types of media buying include: 

  • Direct media buying: Advertising space is purchased from an individual publisher and ad vendor. The agency negotiates directly with the publisher and buys the ad space at a predetermined price. Both traditional and digital media placements can be purchased through this process. 
  • Programmatic media buying: Digital ads are bought through an automated ad-buying platform. Instead of a single publisher or vendor, the agency signs up for a demand-side platform (DSP), which purchases ad inventory on an ad exchange or network through real-time bidding. A special algorithm posts the ads based on the client’s specifications and where users are most likely to become customers. 

The goal of media buying is to acquire placements on channels that reach most of the brand’s targeted audience at the lowest cost per action (CPA), maximizing the client’s return on investment (ROI).  

What services do media buying companies provide? 

The media buying companies purchase advertising space and time across various platforms to promote their clients’ brand, products, or services. Their services include a broad range of activities that optimize the advertising spend and ensure the ads reach intended audiences effectively.  

Media buying agencies typically provide the following services: 

  1. Audience research and segmentation: Analyzing the client’s target audience to understand their pain points, needs, preferences, behaviors, and demographics. Grouping them based on the shared characteristics to engage them more effectively. 
  2. Market analysis: Identifying the most promising markets, platforms, and channels where the client’s audience is the most active, so the ads can gain the most engagement.  
  3. Media planning and implementation: Collaborating with the client to define its core brand messaging, target audience, and budget, develop an effective strategy, and translate it into actionable steps. 
  4. Media buying: Finding, negotiating, and purchasing ad space across various channels and mediums: 
    • Traditional media: TV, radio and print  
    • Digital media: Display ads, website banners, popups, landing pages 
    • Social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn 
    • Search media: Google Ads and Bing Ads 
    • Outdoor advertisements: Posters and billboards 
    • Native advertising 
  5. Ad placement and creative support: Working with creatives in developing media of various ad formats and placing them in locations maximize exposure to audiences. 
  6. Omni-channel coordination: Ensuring each platform used in the ad campaign is aligned, resulting in a cohesive brand image that fosters familiarity and trust with customers.  
  7. Monitoring and optimization: Consistently monitoring the performance of ongoing campaigns and ensuring they achieve their intended goals. 
  8. Performance analysis and reporting: Creating comprehensive reports summarizing an ad campaign’s performance and making relevant recommendations. 

What is the difference between a media buying agency and an advertising agency? 

The difference between a media buying agency and an advertising agency primarily lies in their focus.  

While media buying agencies purchase advertising space and time across different media channels, advertising agencies are focused on the creative side of things. They develop the concepts, messages, and visuals that capture the target audience’s attention. Advertising agencies often collaborate with media buying companies to determine the best channels to feature ads. 

Media buying and advertising agencies are both crucial in planning and executing a company’s marketing campaign, but how they achieve that is different: 

Media buying agency Advertising agency 
Focuses mainly on media planning and procurement Develops the overall marketing plan for clients 
Can be standalone or as a part of a marketing department Can be divided into smaller teams including media buying and planning 
Identifies the best markets, audience, media, and publications to buy ad space Establish broad objectives for the client’s products and services 
Provides the audience data and other technical requirements for the proposed media based on the media plan Dictates which media and products to be targeted by the ad buy 
Typically, does not produce creatives as one of its core services Produces the creatives and the messaging behind the ad 

What is the difference between media buying and media planning?

The difference between media buying and media planning lies in their focus; while the first deals with execution, the latter focuses on the strategy. Media buying agencies buy ad space; on the other hand, media planners determine how, when, and where it should be used to achieve maximum audience reach and engagement. They often work together to develop and enact ad campaign strategies. 

Here are some of the main differences between a media buying agency and a media planning agency: 

Media buying agency Media planning agency 
Uses the research provided by the media planner to optimize ad campaigns Decides which channels to promote marketing campaigns 
Works with advertising channels to find cost-effective advertising solutions Research where target audiences are most likely to see ads 
Consults media planners on the best marketing channel or vendor for a campaign Works with media buyers to establish marketing channels 
Negotiates contracts and costs Sets ad campaign goals and KPIs 

How much do ad-buying companies charge for their services? 

Ad-buying companies typically charge 15-20% of the monthly ad spend. They also follow other fee structures, such as: 

  • A base fee with an additional fee based on the percentage of ad spend.  
  • Performance-based fees based on the client’s revenue and profit. 
  • A fixed fee with a bonus structure based on a percentage of the company’s revenue or profit. 

The common factors that affect the cost of hiring a media buying agency include: 

  • The type of media channels and audience targeted 
  • Duration and frequency of the ad campaign 
  • The time and resources needed to get the agency up to speed with the business 
  • Licensing and other fees for essential software and tools 
  • The cost of traveling to and from meetings, photoshoots, and events  

The top 50 media buying agencies at DesignRush charge an average of $124/hour. 10% of agencies accept projects with a minimum budget of less than $1,000, while 4% require at least $50,000. 

Why should I hire a media-buying agency? 

You should hire a media buying agency because it possesses the knowledge, experience, relationships, and scalability to manage your advertising campaigns, regardless of their size or complexity. 

Here are some of the convincing reasons you should hire a media buying company: 

  • Extensive networks: Media buying agencies have years of experience building relationships in their field; they can provide you with connections you otherwise couldn’t access by yourself. This could include collaborating with ad sales representatives specializing in your target audience or getting better rates from platforms or media outlets. 
  • Specialized knowledge: Media buying is a complicated process, but agencies can help you navigate the industry’s ins and outs. They also tend to stay updated on market trends, emerging channels, and changes in customer behavior. 
  • Expert resources: Media buying companies can access research tools and data from Kantar Media, Nielsen, and other industry insiders. These can greatly improve the accuracy of ad campaigns and maximize their effectiveness. 
  • Constant oversight: Buying and managing media is time-consuming, requiring countless research and placing ad spaces, communicating with reps, and monitoring a buy’s performance. A media buying agency can free your time from high-level tasks and allow you to focus on other important work. 
  • An eye for detail: Media buying agencies catch small but important ad timing and placement details. These nuances, though easily overlooked, might mean the success or failure of your ad campaign. 
  • Point of contact: A media buying firm can be your representative to media sales reps, screening for opportunities that might benefit your business. They can also help streamline communications with vendors and give you an advantage during negotiations. 
  • Worry-free operations: Media buyers constantly monitor ad performance, ensuring they meet expectations and make up for it if they fall behind. Established agencies also typically have an accounting department that handles the invoicing and ensures budgets are on track.  

Continental AG’s campaign illustrates the importance of media buying services. One of the world’s leading tire manufacturers, Continental, sought the help of Shift Active Media to support the launch of their new Gravity line of mountain bike (MTB) tires. After extensive research of the MTB market, the agency rolled out a comprehensive ad campaign that included paid multi-channel ads and 84 articles published across international MTB publications. 

The campaign had a potential audience of 21.9 million and an estimated 2.9 million readers. It also generated over 1 million impressions and 50,000 interactions through Continental’s brand ambassadors on Instagram, resulting in a 10% increase in follower growth. 

How do I choose the best media buying agency for my business?

To choose the best media buying agency for your business follow these steps: 

  1. Set your goals: Having your goals laid out will help you identify agencies that align with your needs and financial capabilities. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based (SMART). 
  2. Specify your budget: Knowing your budget will allow you to narrow your search and avoid overspending. Media buying agencies vary widely in terms of pricing, so it pays to know beforehand which ones are within your financial capabilities. 
  3. Search online: The best place to start would be reputable online directories, like DesignRush. These websites aggregate media buying agencies worldwide and organize them under various metrics. Look for agencies with a high rating and lots of positive reviews. 
  4. Check agency website: The website should list the agency’s core services, areas of expertise, years of experience, and other helpful information.  
  5. Examine portfolio and case studies: A case study or portfolio provides a concise summary of their work and gives you an idea of what they can do for you. You can typically find these on the agency website, but you can also request one from the agency. 
  6. Read reviews: One of the best ways to get honest information about an agency is through client reviews. You can typically find them on online directories, although some agencies post reviews on their website as well. Take note of how the agency responds to negative reviews. If they try to make it right, it shows their dedication to providing customers with a positive experience. 
  7. Shortlist the candidates: List at least five agencies that meet your criteria. Contact them and request an interview so you can learn more about what they have to offer. 
  8. Check compatibility: During the consultation, take note of how the agency communicates with you. A good working relationship is essential for the success of a media-buying partnership. Make sure that you are comfortable conversing with them and that they understand your business and your audience. 
  9. Assess their relevant experience: Candidates must have credible and sufficient experience in the field. Specifically, the agency must be familiar with the tools, people, and processes involved in executing traditional and digital campaigns.  
  10. Conduct a test: A test is one of the best ways to see if the agency is qualified for the job. Consider scenarios you’ll likely encounter with them, develop a brief test, and have candidates complete it in a day or two. 
  11. Request for proposals: Once you have all the necessary information, send a request for proposal (RFP) from the agencies you have shortlisted. List the business objectives you want to achieve and the KPIs to be met after launch. Be sure to have an outline of the processes, a cost breakdown, and an estimate for the project timeline as well. 
  12. Evaluate and select: Review and compare each company in your list and make a decision.  
  13. Sign a contract: Before signing a contract with an agency, ensure that they fully understand and share your values. They must also have all the services, specialties, and tools to complete your ad campaign’s objectives. 

If you need help finding the best media buying companies for your business, DesignRush is ready to assist. Visit our Marketplace and provide us with your key specifications. We’ll match it with five of the most suitable companies free of charge. 

What questions should I ask before hiring an ad-buying agency? 

Before hiring an ad-buying agency make sure to ask the following questions: 

Its Relevant Background 

  1. What are the certifications each team member holds? 
  2. How long have they been in the industry? 
  3. Who are the clients you’ve worked with? 
  4. Do you have any success stories you could share? 
  5. How do you stay updated with the latest trends and improve your skills? 

Company Services and Processes 

  1. Where do you get your data from? 
  2. Does the team have access to the industry research tools? 
  3. How do you track campaign metrics and progress? 
  4. Do you update your research capabilities regularly? 
  5. How often do you meet with data providers? 
  6. How do you negotiate your media buys? 
  7. What’s your strategy for getting lower rates and added value? 
  8. How do you navigate high-traffic periods in the market, like political events and holidays? 
  9. Do you meet or exceed industry benchmarks in data analysis and optimizations? 

The Project 

  1. How ready are you for sudden surges in demand in ad platforms? 
  2. What are your reporting expectations for this project? 
  3. What are your reporting parameters? 
  4. How will I receive reports, and under what format? 
  5. Do you have ad hoc capabilities? 
  6. Do you also provide insights and recommendations along with your metrics? 

What are the best media buying companies in the U.S.? 

The best media buying agencies in the US are: 

  • Propaganda Creative 
    • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (7 reviews) 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (61 Reviews) 
    • Top clients: Cyrus O’Leary’s Pies, Canopy Credit Union, Hoopfest, Pandaz NFT Collection 
  • Rosemont Media 
    • 4.8 stars on DesignRush (5 reviews) 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (74 reviews) 
    • Top clients: McCormack Plastic Surgery, Scripps Center for Dental Care, Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, The Layt Clinic 
  • MAXBURST 
    • 4.6 stars on DesignRush (5 reviews) 
    • 5.0 stars on Google (55 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Threadsy, Maxiam Capital, Spectra Jewelry, Bring Abouts 
  • Moburst 
    • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (18 reviews) 
    • 4.1 stars on Google (26 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Bazz, Gett, Gameit, Calm 
  • Fortuna Media Group 
    • 4.9 stars on DesignRush (13 reviews) 
    • Top clients: Agoda, Google, Facebook, Boston Beer Company 

Scroll up to learn more about these firms and discover additional leading media buying companies. All of them were chosen based on previous projects, industry repute, client feedback, and team expertise. Sort companies by location, budget size, hourly prices, and reviews to narrow your search. 

Why Trust DesignRush 

A trusted B2B marketplace connecting businesses with top-tier media buying agencies, DesignRush maintains an impressive 4.7 rating on Trustpilot and Google.  

Our dedicated team of agency experts built a network of over 30,000 agencies. We simplify the agency selection process, providing value to clients and agencies alike via the DesignRush Marketplace. 

DesignRush rating logos on Trustpilot and Google

Media Features 

As a media platform, our press releases are picked up by 141 media outlets and reach a potential audience of 70 million. Our expertise extends to reputable platforms, such as Forbes, MSN, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, MarketWatch, and Benzinga, solidifying our presence in the industry.  

These achievements underscore our commitment to providing valuable insights and solutions within the digital landscape. 

As seen on 

List of media sites where DesignRush is featured: Forbes, msn, Yahoo Finance, Benzinga, MarketWatch, CNBC

Media Buying Expertise 

Media buying agencies on DesignRush are highly proficient in diverse disciplines. They excel in media buying and planning, branding, digital media and advertising, web design and development, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC), product marketing, and more. 

Their specialization allows them to purchase and strategically place advertising space and time across various platforms to maximize reach and effectiveness within a specified budget.

Agency Credibility Indicators 

The top media buying companies demonstrate their outstanding work through notable recognitions, including Digiday Media Buying and Planning Awards, Media Post’s Planning and Buying Awards, The Shorty Awards, The Drum Awards, AdExchanger Awards, Adweek’s Media Plan of the Year Awards, and others.

These awards indicate their capability to provide industry-leading results and reliability for companies looking to optimize their ad buying and marketing campaigns overall. 

Media Buying Agencies Awards logos: Digiday Media Buying and Planning Awards, Media Post’s Planning and Buying Awards, The Shorty Awards, The Drum Awards, AdExchanger Awards, Adweek’s Media Plan of the Year Awards

Their expertise and proficiency are confirmed through various certifications, including the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification, Meta Certified Media Buying Professional, Youtube and Google Ads Certification, Trade Desk Marketing Academy Certification, and Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional.

Media Buying Agencies Certifications logos: Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Digital Media Buying and Planning Certification, Meta Certified Media Buying Professional, Youtube and Google Ads Certification, Trade Desk Marketing Academy Certification, and Microsoft Advertising Certified Professional

Agencies’ Supported Technologies 

These service providers are proficient in various industry-standard technologies, tools, and software, including but not limited to Kantar Marketplace, Nielsen, BriefBid, Semrush, Comscore, Media Plan HQ, and Bionic Advertising Systems. 

Media Buying Agencies Technologies and Tools logos: Kantar Marketplace, Nielsen, BriefBid, Semrush, Comscore, Media Plan HQ, and Bionic Advertising Systems

Agency Reviews 

For deeper insight into these agencies, DesignRush features client testimonials that share project challenges, results, and overall feedback. Each review undergoes verification, ensuring that the insights we present are both current and accurate.  

Using the Bayesian Statistical Method, our algorithm calculates the most probable success rate for each agency. This reduces bias and promotes equity in the rating system, aligning our agency rankings more closely with the genuine quality of the services they offer. 

Content Relevance & Accuracy 

We make sure our content stays up to date, incorporating the latest listing data, industry trends, emerging technologies, and real-time insights supplied by agencies. It is reviewed by seasoned industry professionals who also provide their invaluable expertise – ensuring accurate and in-depth information. 

The DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology 

Agency rankings are founded on a Base Score, consisting of several important factors:  

  • Reviews: Quality of work, client satisfaction, and level of trustworthiness  
  • Portfolio: Tangible examples of an agency's track record  
  • Awards and press: Industry reputation and innovation  
  • Team bios: The agency’s qualifications and team dynamics  
  • Top services: Core competencies and areas of expertise 

Visit the DesignRush Agency Ranking Methodology for more information on how we research agencies. 

About The Author and Expert Reviewer
Jelena Relić has hundreds of top-ranking articles and a lifestyle & culture magazine she calls The MAN. She gained valuable content and SEO experience working at Digital Circle and Neil Sahota, which she now uses to deliver top-quality B2B content at DesignRush, particularly in the creative industry.
Mariana Delgado is a renowned marketing expert with an extensive background spanning over ten years in digital marketing, sales management, search, and video advertising. She has led campaigns with a stellar 5:1 ROAS and worked at consulting giants like PwC and Deloitte. Her influence at DesignRush led to an impressive 200% growth in organic traffic, pushing the visitor numbers beyond the 500,000 mark.