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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryAdtech & ProgrammaticSupply Path Optimization (SPO)

Adtech & Programmatic

Supply Path Optimization (SPO)

Buyers' practice of choosing the most efficient, transparent routes to the same inventory.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Appears in Lesson 7 of Programmatic 101

Short answer

Supply path optimization (SPO) is the practice of buyers choosing the most efficient and transparent routes to the same ad inventory. Because one impression may be offered through several SSPs and resellers, buyers consolidate spending with fewer, higher-quality paths. SPO aims to reduce fees, duplicate bids, and fraud while improving working media.