In the digital advertising world, walled gardens refer to closed ecosystems where the platform owner controls all aspects of the user experience, including the data, content, and advertising. Companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon are often cited as examples of walled gardens because they restrict access to their user data, making it difficult for advertisers to use that data outside of the platform. This approach allows these companies to maintain a high level of control over how advertising is delivered and measured within their ecosystems.

The Trade Desk's (TTD) Approach

The Trade Desk is taking a notably different approach from the walled gardens. It champions the concept of the open Internet, which contrasts sharply with the walled garden approach. Here's how TTD is positioning itself:

1. Innovation with Kokai: TTD has introduced its platform called Kokai, which is designed to foster innovation and provide value to clients by enabling data-driven advertising strategies. Kokai helps advertisers leverage the open Internet to reach their audiences more effectively, avoiding the limitations of walled gardens.
2. Expanding into CTV: TTD recognizes that Connected TV (CTV) is a rapidly growing channel. It is capitalizing on this by forming partnerships with major industry players like Disney, NBCU, Walmart, Amazon, Roku, and LG Electronics. This expansion into CTV is significant because it represents a shift from traditional linear TV to more dynamic, data-driven advertising opportunities.
3. Universal Identifier 2 (UID2): TTD is pushing UID2 as a new standard for identity and authentication across the open Internet. This initiative is designed to replace third-party cookies and provide a more privacy-conscious way for advertisers to target and measure their campaigns. UID2 is gaining traction across premium parts of the Internet, which helps advertisers use first-party data more effectively.
4. First-Party Data and Retail Data: With the decline of third-party cookies, first-party data has become more crucial. TTD is helping advertisers use their own data and emerging retail data to target customers more precisely. This approach enhances the relevance and effectiveness of advertising.

TTD's confidence in its approach stems from several key factors:

1. Outpacing Industry Growth: TTD has consistently outperformed the broader digital advertising industry. Its revenue growth, particularly in CTV, indicates that its strategy is working effectively.
2. Strategic Partnerships: By partnering with key industry players and integrating with their advertising ecosystems, TTD is ensuring that its platform is at the forefront of the major shifts in the industry.
3. Innovative Features in Kokai: Features like the sellers and publishers 500 plus make it easier for advertisers to access premium content on the open Internet. This curated marketplace includes live sports, movies, TV shows, and trusted journalism, which are attractive to advertisers.
4. Effective Use of AI: TTD is not just using AI as a buzzword but is incorporating it into Kokai to enhance decision-making in advertising. This application of AI allows for more precise targeting and optimization, which are key to driving better outcomes for advertisers.
5. Shift from Walled Gardens to Open Internet: There is a growing realization among advertisers that the open Internet, particularly the premium segments, offers a better return on investment compared to the restrictive environments of walled gardens. This shift is encouraging more advertisers to move their budgets to platforms like TTD.
6. Broad Adoption of UID2: The increasing ubiquity of UID2 across the premium Internet is a testament to TTD’s vision. It allows for a more transparent and effective way to reach audiences, which is increasingly important as the industry moves away from less transparent practices of walled gardens.

In summary, TTD's approach is about leveraging the open Internet, innovative technology (like Kokai and UID2), and strategic partnerships to provide a compelling alternative to the restrictive nature of walled gardens. Its confidence is backed by strong growth, industry recognition, and the effectiveness of its platform in delivering value to advertisers.