Sharethrough Review: A Game-Changer in Programmatic Advertising

Picture this: You're a digital publisher trying to maximize ad revenue without bombarding your audience with intrusive banners. Or maybe you're an advertiser struggling to find premium inventory that actually engages users. Enter Sharethrough—a powerhouse ad exchange that’s redefining programmatic advertising with a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Since merging with District M in 2021, Sharethrough has become a dominant independent player in the global ad tech space. Their omnichannel approach spans display, video, and native ads, all while prioritizing seamless user experiences. But does it live up to the hype? After diving into their platform, here’s what stood out.

Innovation That Actually Works

One of Sharethrough’s biggest strengths is its commitment to human-centric ad tech. Unlike some exchanges that prioritize sheer volume, Sharethrough focuses on delivering ads that feel natural—whether through non-intrusive native placements or high-impact video formats. Their technology ensures ads align with content, making them less disruptive and more engaging.

The merger with District M also expanded their inventory and optimization capabilities. I noticed a significant improvement in fill rates and CPMs compared to other exchanges, especially for premium publishers. The AI-driven bidding system is impressively adaptive, adjusting in real-time to maximize performance without manual tweaking.

Omnichannel Flexibility

Whether you’re running display, video, or native campaigns, Sharethrough’s platform handles it all seamlessly. Their header bidding solutions are particularly strong, reducing latency while increasing competition for impressions. For video advertisers, the in-stream and out-stream options perform well without the annoying auto-play traps that plague some exchanges.

Publishers will appreciate the granular controls—you can fine-tune everything from ad density to viewability thresholds. This level of customization ensures a balance between monetization and user experience, something many competitors overlook.

Sustainability & Transparency

Sharethrough isn’t just about profits—they’re actively building a sustainable ad ecosystem. By supporting journalists, app developers, and content creators with fair revenue shares, they help maintain quality digital content. Their transparency in reporting (no hidden fees or murky attribution) is refreshing in an industry often criticized for opacity.

That said, while their dashboard is robust, newer users might need a bit of time to navigate all the features. A more intuitive onboarding process could help, especially for smaller publishers just entering programmatic.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Pros:

✔ High-quality inventory with strong fill rates for publishers
✔ Seamless omnichannel support (display, video, native)
✔ Human-centric ad placements that enhance UX instead of disrupting it
✔ Transparent reporting & fair revenue splits
✔ Strong header bidding & optimization tech

Cons:

✖ Learning curve for beginners in programmatic
✖ Smaller DSPs may have limited direct access compared to giants like Google

Final Thoughts

Sharethrough delivers on its promise of better programmatic advertising—whether you're a publisher looking to maximize yield or an advertiser seeking premium placements. Their focus on sustainability, innovation, and user experience sets them apart in a crowded market. While there’s room for improvement in onboarding, the overall value is undeniable.

If you’re tired of clunky, spammy ad exchanges, Sharethrough is worth a serious look. Their tech-forward, ethical approach makes them a standout in the programmatic space.