Programmatic media buying is the algorithmic purchase of advertising space (typically in real time). Software is used to automate the buying, placement, and optimization of media inventory via a bidding system much like you see in search engine marketing.

Programmatic advertising is how we buy, not what we buy.

It is estimated that 88% of all digital display advertising will be purchased programmatically by 2021.
Programmatic can be very efficient and offers a strong ability to pair rich audience data with ad inventory and targeting.  Buying your media programmatically is: