
Optimal Real-Time Bidding Strategies
Fernandez-Tapia, Joaquin; Guéant, Olivier; Lasry, Jean-Michel (2017), Optimal Real-Time Bidding Strategies, Applied Mathematics Research Express, March 2017, 1, 1, p. 142–183. 10.1093/amrx/abw007
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Article accepté pour publication ou publiéDate
2017Journal name
Applied Mathematics Research ExpressVolume
March 2017Number
1, 1Publisher
Oxford University Press
Pages
142–183
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Show full item recordAuthor(s)
Fernandez-Tapia, JoaquinLaboratoire de Probabilités et Modèles Aléatoires [LPMA]
Guéant, Olivier
Ecole Nationale de la Statistique et de l'Analyse Economique [ENSAE]
Lasry, Jean-Michel
CEntre de REcherches en MAthématiques de la DEcision [CEREMADE]
Abstract (EN)
The ad trading desks of media-buying agencies are increasingly relying on complex algorithms for purchasing advertising inventory. In particular, real-time bidding algorithms respond to many auctions—usually Vickrey auctions—throughout the day for buying ad-inventory with the aim of maximizing one or several key performance indicators. The optimization problems faced by companies building bidding strategies are new and interesting for the community of applied mathematicians. In this article, we introduce a stochastic optimal control model that addresses the question of the optimal bidding strategy in various realistic contexts: the maximization of the inventory bought with a given amount of cash in the framework of audience strategies, the maximization of the number of conversions/acquisitions with a given amount of cash, etc. In our model, the sequence of auctions is modeled by a Poisson process and the price to beat for each auction is modeled by a random variable following almost any probability distribution. We show that the optimal bids are characterized by a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, and that almost-closed-form solutions can be found by using a fluid limit. Numerical examples are also provided.Subjects / Keywords
Real-Time Bidding; Vickrey auctions; Stochastic optimal control; Convex analysis; Fluid limit approximationRelated items
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