IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau)

Dominant industry standards body and trade association for digital advertising

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is the leading global trade association for the digital advertising and marketing industry. Founded in 1996, IAB represents over 700 member companies including publishers, advertisers, agencies, and technology providers. The organization plays a critical role in developing technical standards, conducting industry research, and providing legal and regulatory guidance that shapes the digital advertising ecosystem. IAB is best known for creating foundational industry standards such as OpenRTB (Real-Time Bidding protocol), ads.txt (Authorized Digital Sellers), VAST (Video Ad Serving Template), and MRAID (Mobile Rich Media Ad Interface Definitions). As a non-profit trade organization, IAB serves as the industry's voice in policy discussions and provides education, certification programs, and networking opportunities for digital advertising professionals. The organization operates through various councils and committees that address specific areas like mobile, video, native advertising, and data privacy. IAB also produces influential research reports on advertising trends, consumer behavior, and market sizing that guide strategic decisions across the industry. With regional chapters worldwide including IAB Europe, IAB UK, and others, the organization maintains a global presence while addressing local market needs and regulatory requirements.