Skip to content
Brief
Carat

Carat

Carat connects the world's leading brands to their audiences through data-driven media strategy, planning, and buying at global scale. Its integration within Dentsu's ecosystem provides clients with advanced audience intelligence and cross-channel optimization capabilities.

carat.comLondon, England, United KingdomFounded 1968Parent: Dentsu

Last updated May 11, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team · Connections updated Jun 2, 2026

Industry
Media Planning & Buying
Business Model
Agency
Target Market
Enterprise
Employee Count
10000+
Revenue Range
$1B+
Parent Company
Dentsu
API Available
Limited
Market Position

One of the world's largest and oldest media agencies, operating as Dentsu's flagship media network with top-tier global brand clients

Overview

Carat is the world's first and one of the largest media agencies, founded in 1968 in the United Kingdom. As Dentsu's flagship media network, Carat operates across more than 70 countries and serves some of the world's most prominent brands. The agency specializes in media planning and buying, audience strategy, data analytics, and integrated communications planning, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex and fragmented media landscape. Carat has consistently ranked among the top media agencies globally, recognized for its proprietary audience intelligence tools and its ability to connect brands with consumers across traditional and digital channels. The agency leverages Dentsu's broader technology and data infrastructure — including platforms like M1 (Dentsu's people-based marketing platform) — to deliver precision targeting, cross-channel measurement, and performance optimization at scale. Within the AdTech and media ecosystem, Carat holds a significant position as a full-service media agency that bridges traditional media buying with programmatic and digital capabilities. Its global scale, combined with deep local market expertise, makes it a preferred partner for multinational brands seeking consistent yet locally relevant media strategies. Carat competes directly with other major media agency networks such as GroupM's Mindshare and MediaCom, Publicis Media's Starcom and Zenith, and IPG Mediabrands' UM and Initiative.

Products & Features

M1 Platform

Dentsu's proprietary people-based marketing and audience intelligence platform used to identify, target, and measure consumer audiences across channels

Media Planning & Buying

End-to-end media strategy, planning, and buying across TV, digital, OOH, radio, print, and programmatic channels

Audience Strategy

Data-driven audience segmentation and targeting solutions to reach the right consumers at the right time

Cross-Channel Measurement

Integrated measurement and attribution frameworks to assess campaign performance across all media touchpoints

Content & Partnerships

Strategic media partnerships, branded content, and sponsorship solutions for brand-building campaigns

Performance Media

Data-led performance media solutions focused on driving measurable business outcomes and ROI

Key Features
Global media planning and buying across 70+ countriesProprietary audience intelligence via Dentsu M1 platformCross-channel campaign measurement and attributionProgrammatic and digital media capabilitiesData-driven audience segmentation and targetingIntegrated traditional and digital media strategyLocal market expertise with global scaleBrand safety and media quality controls
Use Cases
Global media campaign planning and execution for multinational brandsAudience discovery and precision targeting across digital and traditional channelsCross-channel media mix optimization and budget allocationBrand awareness and reach campaigns via TV, OOH, and digitalPerformance-driven digital media campaigns with measurable ROIMedia measurement, attribution, and reporting for large advertisersProgrammatic media buying and real-time optimization
Customer Segments
Fortune 500 and multinational corporationsConsumer packaged goods (CPG) brandsAutomotive manufacturersFinancial services companiesRetail and e-commerce brandsTechnology companiesTelecommunications providersHealthcare and pharmaceutical companies
Corporate history
  • 1968Founded
See alternatives to Carat See integrations with Carat (11)

Explore further

4 views