Glossary/Brand & Performance Marketing/Media Buying
Brand & Performance Marketing
Media Buying
Purchasing ad space and time, directly or programmatically.
By Brandon Mina·CEO, BrandPilot AI·Updated November 2026
Short answer
Media buying is purchasing advertising space and time, either directly from publishers and broadcasters or programmatically through automated platforms. Buyers negotiate rates, secure placements, and manage delivery against the media plan. Effective buying aims to reach the intended audience at the best possible cost while protecting brand safety.