# Real-time bidding (RTB)

An auction process that evaluates bids for an individual ad opportunity as it becomes available.

An auction process that evaluates bids for an individual ad opportunity as it becomes available.

## An example

An exchange requests bids and chooses an eligible winner before a page finishes loading.

## Why it matters

Latency, price floors and policy checks can all affect the result.


## Related terms
- [Demand-side platform (DSP)](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/demand-side-platform)
- [Inventory](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/inventory)
- [Programmatic media buying](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/programmatic-media-buying)
- [Supply-side platform (SSP)](https://jolts.xyz/resources/glossary/supply-side-platform)

## Next step

[Explore advertising](https://jolts.xyz/advertisers) or [monetize your AI app](https://jolts.xyz/publishers).