Google Ad Manager and Rakuten Advertising, An In-Depth Comparison 2026

Comparison Summary

Google Ad Manager: Google Ad Manager helps grow revenue with an integrated ad management platform. Insights are surfaced for smarter business decisions.

Rakuten Advertising: Rakuten Advertising leads in global affiliate marketing with advanced data and AI. Their strategy includes a full-funnel network and future-focused approach.

This comparison report of Google Ad Manager vs. Rakuten Advertising is based on a specific set of business needs and context. The comparison uses 2741 Cuspera insights based on peer reviews, case studies, testimonials, and expert opinions across 50+ sources.

Introducing Google Ad Manager and Rakuten Advertising

Google Ad Manager, Pubmatic Cloud, Media.net, etc., belong to a category of solutions that help Publisher Ad Management, whereas Rakuten Advertising belong to a category of solutions that help Affiliate Marketing. Different products excel in different areas, so the best platform for your business will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Google Ad Manager covers Advertisement with Display Advertisement, Communication Management with Display Advertisement, Campaign Management with Display Advertisement, Engagement Management with Games, etc.

Rakuten Advertising focuses on Advertisement, Engagement Management, Communication Management with Mobile, Campaign Management, etc.

Unsure which of these solutions is right for you? Our Cuspera AI engine can compare them based on your needs and specific to your industry and context. Get your personalized report today.

Google Ad Manager and Rakuten Advertising: Best activities based on customer satisfaction


Google Ad Manager in Action: Unique Activities

Why is Google Ad Manager the best choice for Communication Management?
Google Ad Manager helps publishers manage their advertising campaigns, track performance, and communicate with advertisers. The platform streamlines ad operations, reducing manual intervention and enabling publishers to efficiently manage direct and programmatic inventory. However, Google Ad Manager's limited compatibility with certain industry players may restrict publishers from accessing all potential revenue sources.
"...Our organization uses Google Ad Manager in order to manage our advertisers' campaigns, but we also use the whole publisher and advertiser suite in order to offer products...." Peer review by Erik Vega, Gerente de Data, AdNetwork & Programmatic, América Móvil
What makes Google Ad Manager ideal for Campaign Management?
Google Ad Manager assists in managing ad campaigns, tracking their performance, and monitoring publisher activity. It allows for the control of all campaigns within one platform. While the platform facilitates campaign management, it may have limitations in providing detailed tracking for individual campaigns, requiring users to seek customer service for specific reports.
"...I like the ability to manage different campaign types as HTML5, images and the like...." Peer review by Fabiana D, Director, Marketing and Advertising
How can Google Ad Manager optimize your Content Management Workflow?
Google Ad Manager helps users manage and publish digital content, including text, images, and videos. nThe system tracks user engagement with content and provides insights to improve advertising effectiveness. nIt is limited to managing content within the Google Ad Manager platform.
"...We are able to see what ad content our readers are the most open to and what they are more likely to engage with...." Peer review by User

Rakuten Advertising in Action: Unique Activities

What solutions does Rakuten Advertising provide for Engagement Management?
Rakuten Advertising provides a comprehensive suite of solutions for affiliate marketing, display and search. The company leverages its extensive consumer insights to deliver data-driven, personalized ad experiences that engage audiences across various platforms. Rakuten Advertising's platform enables brands to discover customers and engage audiences effectively.
"...Using Cadence, we have been able to see the true impact of our affiliate programme across the board...." Peer review by Amy Jackson, Digital Marketing Manager, Lipsy

Top Processes

Customer evidence for the processes each product supports. Click Read Reviews to open peer feedback.

Evidences indicate better relative satisfaction



communication management

sending & publishing communications


campaign management

campaign analytics

campaign monitoring


engagement management

engaging and following up


content management

content publishing

searching for content


products & pricelist management



social media management

social media analytics



sales call management


helpdesk management





sales document management

proposal & quote management


generation of new leads




segmentation and targeting


workflow management



training & onboarding


revenue cycle management



follower management


competitive intelligence


account management



loyalty management


Top Goals

Goals Achieved

  • Increase sales & revenue

  • Improve ROI

  • Enter new markets internationally or locally

  • Acquire customers

  • Launch new products

  • Enhance customer relationships

  • Grow market share

  • Scale best practices

  • Build brand awareness

  • Improve visibility

  • Improve efficiency

  • Improve stakeholder relations

  • See 9 more
  • Acquire customers

  • Improve brand engagement

  • Enhance customer relationships

  • Improve stakeholder relations

  • Enter new markets internationally or locally

  • Grow market share

  • Build brand awareness

  • Increase sales & revenue

  • Improve visibility

  • See 6 more

Business Setting

Google Ad Manager peer evidence is 67% SMB and Mid-Market. Rakuten Advertising peer evidence is 100% Enterprise.

Google Ad Manager Rakuten Advertising
Peer score 4.1 4.5
Peer insights 2602 139
Top industries
Computer Software 24.0%
Transportation/Trucking/Railroad 20.0%
Marketing And Advertising 19.0%
SMB and Mid-Market 67.0% 0.0%
Enterprise 33.0% 100.0%

News

Latest Google Ad Manager news

Nvidia, Google and Emerald AI launch flexible data center consortium

Nvidia, Google, and Emerald AI have formed the AI Energy Management Alliance to promote flexible data centers. This consortium aims to develop best practices for reducing power draw during grid strain and standardize metrics for power optimization. Google contributes demand response technologies, while Nvidia and Emerald AI collaborate on a power-flexible AI data center in Virginia.

16/09/2026 - source

Latest Rakuten Advertising news

Rakuten Advertising Launches AI Affiliate Tool Mirai

Rakuten Advertising has launched Mirai, a conversational AI tool designed to optimize affiliate marketing campaigns. This innovative platform automates tasks like commission schemes and campaign setups, allowing marketers to use conversational prompts instead of technical configurations. Mirai aims to simplify affiliate program management, making it accessible to brands lacking technical expertise, and marks a significant shift towards AI-driven performance marketing.

06/05/2026 - source