Google Ad Manager App Mediation vs Permutive

Google Ad Manager App Mediation sends mobile app ad requests to eligible third-party networks in sequence, with yield groups defining which networks can participate. It orders eligible networks using estimated CPM and real-time Ad Exchange CPM, excluding networks expected to yield less than Ad Exchange. The mediation chain's expected yield competes with Ad Manager line items and real-time bids through Dynamic Allocation. Apps use Google Mobile Ads SDK, which calls each network adapter in turn until an ad is returned. Setup requires the SDK, adapters for selected networks, and an Ad Exchange for mobile apps account linked and set as the default for dynamic allocation. Publishers configure yield partners and groups to select networks and inventory. If none of the networks fills a request, it stays unfilled rather than returning automatically to the ad server. A serving chain can contain up to 50 networks; sequential calls in longer chains risk added latency. Google provides Android and iOS mediation guides. The listed plan is free, subject to the Ad Exchange account requirement. Third-party mediation network impressions are not eligible for Active View measurement.

Permutive combines a data management platform, clean room, curation, and first-party data activation for publishers, advertisers, agencies, and retail media leaders. It ingests first-party data from sites, apps, or CDPs to build a real-time audience graph, with audience segments based on behavioral, contextual, and demographic data. Its clean room supports collaboration with more than 150 publishers without data transfers, PII sharing, or code writing; advertisers can activate through more than 150 publishers and SSPs using one Deal ID. The clean room can run on Google Cloud, Snowflake, Databricks, and Azure. Permutive lists connections to identity and contextual providers, SSPs, CDPs, cloud platforms, ad servers, DSPs, curation marketplaces, and social media. The company says its Edge technology processes data on-device, and that processing for its vertical publisher solution complies with GDPR, CCPA, and other global regulations. It has completed SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in London. Pricing is on request; there is no free plan or trial. Supported platforms are Android, iOS, and web.