Publishers: Frequently Asked Questions

What is PubMatic?
PubMatic is the world's first service for web publishers that automates and optimizes ad serving decisions. PubMatic simplifies the online publishing business by determining in real time which ad network can best monetize each ad impression for a publisher. PubMatic also simplifies ad network management by giving publishers one set of ad tags and one integrated reporting interface across multiple ad networks.

Why should I choose PubMatic?
PubMatic is the natural choice if you want to maximize your ad serving revenue and reduce the hassle. First, PubMatic is the leader in ad inventory optimizations. PubMatic is the first commercially available service that works on behalf of publishers to increase their revenues. Second, PubMatic has the deepest ad network support, including 7 of the top 8 ad networks per comScore. The largest ad networks have the most ad dollars, which is where you want your inventory to sell. Third, PubMatic has a track record of success. Over 2,000 publishers are already using PubMatic to increase their revenues by 30% to 150%. Hear from them directly.

What types of publishers and ad networks does PubMatic work with?
PubMatic works with some of the biggest and best brands in online publishing, but we respect our publisher's privacy and do not publish their names without their permission. We have published several success stories on PubMatic users. PubMatic supports dozens of ad networks, including 7 of the top 8 per comScore. Moreover, users can run ads from any ad network they wish to.

How is PubMatic different from ad exchanges?
Ad exchanges give advertisers an opportunity to bid on publishers' inventory. Generally, the largest ad networks like Google Adsense, Blue Lithium, Advertising.com, etc. do not participate in ad exchanges. In contrast, PubMatic determines which ad networks will pay you the most for your unique ad inventory throughout the day. A number of publishers use PubMatic within ad exchanges to increase their revenue even more.

What is the minimum monthly impression level to join?
There is no monthly minimum required to join. Larger publishers are eligible for PubMatic's VIP program.

Do you require exclusivity in your contracts?
We do not require exclusivity and there is no minimum contract period. Try us out and we think you will find PubMatic indispensable.

How does PubMatic safeguard my data?
PubMatic takes data security and data privacy extremely seriously. We recognize that the only acceptable solution is one that eliminates risk to the publisher and ensures that their data is private and secure. For this reason, PubMatic adheres to a strict privacy policy. Moreover, we employ numerous tactics to safeguard your data, including the strongest publicly available encryption available today, use of one-way hash functions to ensure that PubMatic account passwords cannot be captured and deciphered, video and audio monitoring of servers, and multiple layers of network security products and services provided by industry leaders Cisco and Juniper.

What revenue models does PubMatic offer?
PubMatic supports CPM, CPC and CPA models. PubMatic currently supports text and banner ads. At present, PubMatic does not support ad networks for mobile or video advertising.

What kind of eCPMs does PubMatic deliver?
While eCPMs can vary significantly based on publisher audience and content, PubMatic ensures that you receive the maximum possible eCPM for your ad inventory by optimizing your ad inventory across leading ad networks. PubMatic doesn't work directly with advertisers – instead, it works with ad networks to automatically route your ad inventory to the highest paying ad network. Decisions are made in real time to ensure maximum revenue for publishers and ad networks. Publishers that use PubMatic typically achieve revenue increases of 30% to 150% over their pre-PubMatic eCPMs.

Does PubMatic pay me?
No. PubMatic does not take receipt of payments from ad networks. Instead, publishers continue to receive payments directly from the ad networks that they choose to work with.

Is there a cost to join?
There is no cost to join PubMatic, so apply today!

Can I use my existing ad network accounts?
You will need an ad network account for every ad network you wish to work with. If you have a pre-existing ad network account, we will work with that. If you don't, we can help you get one based on our extensive ad network relationships. By having your own account, you guarantee that the ad network knows you and your inventory, thereby increasing eCPMs you can obtain.

How long does it take to be approved for the ad networks supported by PubMatic?
Typically, approval takes two to five business days. This is dependent on the ad network's own approval process.