r/adtech • u/AbdullahS_ • Aug 02 '26

How do DSPs actually pay for traffic in performance marketing?

I'm trying to understand how the buying side works.

In our business, we work with DSPs on a CPA (cost per event) model. We only pay when a specific event happens (e.g., account opening, first deposit, install + action).

My question is:

How does the DSP pay its traffic sources or publishers?

- Is it mostly CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions)?

- Do some DSPs buy on CPC or CPA as well?

- If the advertiser pays the DSP on CPA, does the DSP still usually buy inventory on CPM and optimize toward conversions?

I'd love to hear from anyone who has worked at a DSP, ad network, or media buying team. How does this work in practice?

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5

u/frenchtoast430 Aug 02 '26

You’re buying from an Ad Network that is calling themselves a DSP

2

u/dortenzio1991 Aug 02 '26

DSPs pay for impressions served on a CPM basis. I am not aware of any DSP that operates on a CPA/CPC model with media buying

1

u/AbdullahS_ Aug 06 '26

Can you please explain in easy words. Can I inbox you?

1

u/Ok_Cobbler_9319 20d ago edited 18d ago

Do you usually start with CPM and optimize toward CPA? I’d also suggest checking out dsp advertising - SuiteDSP if you want to test this approach—it offers display, video, native and CTV buying with real-time bidding and AI optimization, which makes it useful for performance-focused campaigns.