Marketing | GMP

How to Get Access to DV360

How to Get Access to DV360: A Smart Guide for Brands & Agencies

By Narender Singh
Apr 08, 2025 | 5 Minutes | |

If you’ve been hearing about DV360 and are wondering how to get access   you are not alone. Display & Video 360 is one of the most powerful advertising platforms out there, and it opens the door to premium inventory, advanced targeting, and serious performance capabilities.

But here’s the thing   DV360 isn’t like Google Ads. It is not a tool you sign up for and start using in 5 minutes. It is built for scale, strategy, and smarter media buying, which means before you even think about access, there are a few things you should consider.

 

First Off   What Exactly Is DV360?

DV360 (Display & Video 360) is Google’s enterprise-level demand-side platform (DSP). It lets you run programmatic ads across display, video, audio, and more   across the web, all from one place.

But it is not a casual platform.

Compared to Google Ads, DV360 gives you:

  • Access to premium inventory (like YouTube Reserve, OTT, Spotify)
  • Advanced targeting options using 1st and 3rd party data
  • Smart bidding and automation tools
  • Custom reports, audience insights, brand safety controls

Think of it as moving from a hatchback to a performance car   exciting, but also more complex.

 

Before You Get Access… Let’s Ask a Few Questions

Whether you are a brand or an agency,  do not just chase access. Instead, ask yourself a few honest questions first.

 

1. What Do You Really Need From DV360?

  • Are you running large-scale or multi-channel campaigns?
  • Looking for better control and transparency in your media buys?
  • Want to get into premium placements and advanced targeting?

If the answer is yes   DV360 might be the right move. But be sure you are also ready to use it to its full potential. It is not just about having access   it is about making it work for you.

 

2. Are You an Agency?

If you are a digital agency managing multiple brands or clients, DV360 can be a game-changer. You can:

  • Manage everything from one place
  • Optimize campaigns with deeper insights
  • Give clients more value and transparency

That said   you will need:

  • People trained in DV360
  • Strong processes for reporting, billing, and client coordination
  • A clear campaign strategy, not just setup support

If you are not quite there yet,  do not worry. Partners like DWAO can help you ease into the platform with different levels of support.

 

3. Are You a Brand Thinking About Going In-House?

Going in-house is great   more control, faster feedback, and better use of your own data.

But here’s what you should ask:

  • Do we have a team that knows DV360 inside-out?
  • Can we keep up with the constant platform updates and best practices?
  • Are we able to optimize campaigns in real-time and get the most value from them?

If not, no problem. You  do not have to go all-in on day one. Many brands start with a co-managed or even a fully managed model before building their in-house capability.

 

So, How Do You Actually Get Access to DV360?

Unlike Google Ads, you can’t just create an account on your own.

You will need to go through a Google Marketing Platform (GMP) partner or get access via an agency that already has a DV360 seat.

That’s where DWAO steps in. As a certified partner, we not only help you get access   we help you make the most of it.

Depending on your current team setup, campaign goals, and comfort with the platform, you can choose how you'd like to engage with DV360.

 

Choose the Right DV360 Model for You

We offer three flexible ways to work with DV360   all based on how hands-on (or off) you want to be.

 

1. Self-Serve Model

This is for brands or agencies that:

  • Already have an experienced media team
  • Just need access to the DV360 platform and tools
  • Want complete control over campaigns

With DWAO, we will provide you with:

  • DV360 account access
  • Initial onboarding and guidance
  • Tech and billing support if needed

Think of us as your silent partner   there if you need us, but you are driving the car.

 

2. Co-Managed Model

This one’s popular for teams who want to learn, but also want support.

It is ideal if:

  • You have a team that’s still getting used to DV360
  • You want to run campaigns internally, but not completely alone
  • You are transitioning to in-house media and want to reduce risk

We will work alongside your team   helping with strategy, setup, performance checks, and sharing best practices regularly.

You are in the driver’s seat, but we are riding shotgun.

 

3. Managed Model

Want to skip the learning curve and get results from day one? Go managed.

Best for:

  • Brands without a media team
  • Agencies without DV360 capability
  • Businesses that want a plug-and-play solution

We handle everything   from campaign planning and setup to optimization and reporting. You focus on your business goals, we take care of the rest.

 

Why Work with DWAO?

We are not just another DV360 vendor   we are a team that’s helped over 100+ brands run smarter, more efficient campaigns through DV360.

What makes us different?

  • We are certified DV360 partners
  • We understand both marketing and martech (a rare combo)
  • We offer flexible support models
  • You get real experts, not just account access
  • We are big on transparency, reporting, and performance

Whether you are just exploring DV360 or ready to scale your campaigns, we help you find the right balance of control, support, and results.

 

It is Not About Just “Getting Access”

Yes, DV360 is powerful. But it is not just about gaining access   it is about having the right setup, strategy, and support to actually make it work for you.

So take your time. Think through your needs. Talk to a team like ours. And choose a model   self-serve, co-managed, or fully managed   that fits where you are today.

Your DV360 journey doesn’t have to be complicated.

Let’s make it smart, strategic, and performance-driven   together.

 

Ready to explore DV360 with DWAO?
We are here when you are ready. No pressure, just a conversation

Authors

Narender Singh

Head of Marketing - Earned Media
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