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.
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
One of the world's largest and oldest media agencies, operating as Dentsu's flagship media network with top-tier global brand clients
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.
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
- 1968Founded