MediaMath Outperformed the Competition—and Earned a Strategic Partnership

What if your DSP was the reason you were overpaying for premium inventory?

That’s the question Media Thesis, a performance marketing agency known for its data discipline and relentless focus on ROI, set out to answer in a series of head-to-head real-world performance tests comparing the market’s top demand-side platforms.

They weren’t looking to disrupt their approach; they simply wanted to identify the best-performing DSP for a high-impact Q4 campaign. But what they discovered led to a complete rethink of their programmatic stack.

Though not actively looking to change DSPs, Pete Vasquez, Senior Director of Digital Media & Brand Elevation at Media Thesis, says, “MediaMath provides us with the ability to scale premium inventory at a more cost-effective rate. With our primary focus on improving media performance toward ROI, working with MediaMath allows us to reach more of our high-impact audience and build deeper connections.”

At the conclusion of the test, one DSP stood out for cost-efficiency, premium access, and control: MediaMath by Infillion. The outcome? A new partnership.

Real-World Test. Real Business Impact.

The agency’s evaluation was straightforward but strict: same creative, same budgets, same audience and geo parameters. Only the DSP varied. The focus of the test was CTV and digital audio, with both open-market and premium inventory in play.

The results? MediaMath delivered a 25% CPM efficiency advantage in run-of-network CTV over the leading platform. It also showed its strength in premium direct buys: MediaMath was 40% more efficient on HBO Max and 15% more efficient on iHeartRadio audio.

The difference in performance was significant, especially in the context of high-quality inventory. Such a level of performance improvement—coupled with premium reach and better economics—is not typically seen in this space.

From Performance Test to Strategic Partnership

For Media Thesis, the takeaway wasn’t just about one campaign. The results revealed a deeper opportunity: to rethink how they bring value to clients. Seeing the consistent results, Media Thesis moved beyond just using MediaMath for a one-off campaign. They made it a core part of their strategy, integrating it across their client portfolio.

Vasquez says, “Media Thesis is excited to continue partnering with MediaMath to improve the media buying capabilities and success for small and medium-sized businesses – not just programmatically, but as one holistic media experience.”

With its ability to deliver improved outcomes and provide the agency with transparency and control, Media Thesis saw MediaMath as more than just a better DSP—it became a strategic partner.

Why Partners Choose MediaMath

MediaMath’s composable DSP architecture, real-time AI optimization, and exclusive access to Infillion’s premium formats like TrueX, IDVx, and InStadium were all part of the appeal. But what stood out most for Media Thesis was the ability to marry efficiency with control and scale—something performance marketers have long been promised but rarely delivered.

Media Thesis didn’t just choose a better DSP. They redefined what’s possible in programmatic by choosing a partner that will evolve with their business.

Download the full case study here — and reach out to learn more about how MediaMath can deliver.