Amazon DSP vs The Trade Desk-ttd

If you’ve been exploring digital advertising platforms , chances are you’ve come across two major players: Amazon DSP and The Trade Desk (TTD). Both are powerful tools for programmatic advertising but they are built differently , serve different needs , and come with their own set of strengths.

So which one is better for you? The answer depends on your goals , budget , and where your customers spend their time.

Let’s break it down in a simple , human way no jargon , just clarity.

First , What Are These Platforms?

Before we compare them , here’s a quick intro:

• Amazon DSP: Amazon’s own demand side platform. It lets advertisers buy display , video , and audio ads both on Amazon (like Amazon.com , Fire TV , Prime Video) and off Amazon across the web.
• The Trade Desk (TTD): A third party DSP not tied to any specific media owner. It gives you access to a wide range of inventory across websites , apps , streaming platforms , and even connected TV (CTV).

Amazon DSP: The Strengths

✅ Access to Amazon’s First Party Data

This is Amazon DSP’s superpower. You can target users based on what they search , view , and buy on Amazon. For eCommerce brands , this is gold.

Example: You can show an ad to someone who recently searched for "running shoes" or viewed a product page but didn’t purchase.

✅ Ads on Amazon Owned Properties

With Amazon DSP , you can place ads:

• On Amazon.com
• Inside Fire TV
• On Alexa enabled devices
• Within Twitch and IMDb TV

That’s premium real estate.

✅ Retargeting Shoppers

You can re engage customers who’ve browsed or abandoned carts. That’s something TTD can’t offer with Amazon’s data.

Where Amazon DSP May Fall Short

• Walled Garden: You can’t take Amazon’s data and use it outside their platform.

The Trade Desk (TTD): The Strengths

✅ Media Neutrality

TTD isn’t tied to any one media owner , which means you decide where and how your ads appear. It’s a great platform if you want to diversify and not be locked into a single ecosystem.

Example: You can run ads on thousands of premium publishers like Hulu , ESPN , Spotify , and more.

✅ Advanced Targeting & Customization

TTD is often preferred by advanced advertisers because it offers:

• Granular audience targeting
• Transparent reporting
• Cross channel attribution
• Access to various data partners

✅ Strong in CTV and OTT

If you are planning to run ads on connected TV platforms (like Roku , Hulu , or smart TVs) , TTD has wide reach and flexibility.

Where The Trade Desk May Fall Short

• No Access to Amazon Data: TTD can’t tap into Amazon’s first party shopping insights. If you're selling on Amazon , this is a big downside.
• Learning Curve: TTD is robust but can feel complex if you're new to programmatic.
• Requires More Hands On Management: You’ll need a solid media buying team or partner agency to make the most of it.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Amazon DSP	The Trade Desk (TTD)
First party data	✅ Amazon shopping data	❌ Not available
Access to Amazon inventory	✅ Yes	❌ No
Media flexibility	❌ Limited to Amazon + partners	✅ Broad, multi-channel
CTV/OTT Reach	✅ Fire TV + partners	✅ Broad OTT networks
Ease of use	✅ Easier to start with	❌ More technical/advanced
Ideal for eCommerce?	✅ Absolutely	⚠️ Only if not tied to Amazon

So , Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Choose Amazon DSP if:
  • You sell products on Amazon
  • You want to retarget Amazon shoppers
  • You need access to Fire TV or Amazon.com ads
  • You care about buyer intent and conversion
• Choose The Trade Desk if:
  • You want cross channel control and flexibility
  • You need deep reporting and data insights
  • You don’t sell on Amazon or prefer media neutrality
  • You have an in house team or agency to manage campaigns

Amazon DSP and The Trade Desk are both great platforms , but they serve different needs. Think of Amazon DSP like a highly specialized tool for eCommerce and shopper focused ads.

Still unsure? That’s totally normal. If you’d like help figuring out what’s right for your brand , we are here to guide you.