Even the most seasoned advertising professionals probably aren’t aware of all of the most popular advertising platforms in Canada, but fear not, friend. 

Our Vancouver digital marketing agency has assembled an extensive list of Canada's most popular advertising platforms in one easy-to-read overview. We’ve run social media ads, search ads (both keyword search ads and display ads), YouTube ads, Facebook ads, Instagram ads, print ads and more for some of Vancouver’s top companies. BC-based brands like Golf Kelowna, REW.ca, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and Coast Spas (to name a few). So, we know what we’re talking about when it comes to digital advertising in Canada and the most used advertising platforms in Canada. 

Numbers attached to our overview below are as recent as possible in all cases. They should provide you with a good starting point as to which advertising platforms Canadians are rushing to, and where you should consider spending your advertising dollars in Canada. 

These are the most popular advertising platforms in Canada. We’ll begin with digital advertising platforms and branch off into more categories below. 

Top digital advertising platforms in Canada

1. Google Ads

There are likely some popular advertising platforms in Canada that you haven’t considered on this list, but we’d be surprised if Google Ads weren’t already on your watch list. 

If you’re looking for PPC management, agencies in Canada tend to charge between $100 - $250 / hour for this service, or a percentage of total ad spend for larger budgets. Google still dominates search advertising with campaigns that can include search, display, YouTube and shopping ads. They can be extremely effective for performance marketing and driving traffic (and conversions). 

2. Meta Ads (Facebook and Instagram)

Meta Ads are like that old friend who never left the party—and for good reason. With Facebook and Instagram under its wing, Meta knows how to keep Canadians engaged, with each platform offering something unique to brands looking to reach different crowds. And by the way, if you haven't read the news, the platforms are now testing giving advertisers the ability to turn off comments, a huge win for many advertisers.

Facebook’s massive reach and detailed targeting options still make it a powerhouse when it comes to advertising platforms in Canada, especially if you’re aiming for a broad, multi-generational audience. It’s where people go for community groups, event updates, and, yes, the occasional meme from their aunt. 

Instagram, on the other hand, is all about visual appeal, perfect for brands that can bring their story to life through photos and short videos. Gen Z and Millennials live on Instagram, and with options like Stories, Reels, and Shop, it’s a playground for brands looking to connect in a creative way. 

Together, Facebook and Instagram pack a one-two punch, making Meta Ads a top choice for Canadian advertisers who want a mix of reach, targeting power, and engagement. We’ve set up and managed some extremely successful Meta Ad campaigns for our clients, take a look at our past performance with brands like King Carts and Travel Magazine. 

3. YouTube Ads

When it comes to capturing attention, YouTube Ads are in a league of their own. And video ads continue to be a huge growth segment when it comes to Internet advertising trends in Canada.

Canadians flock to YouTube for everything from quick “how-tos” to deep dives on their favourite hobbies, and advertisers get to tap into that captive audience. 

Whether you’re running skippable ads, bumper ads, or immersive TrueView ads, YouTube lets brands tell stories that stick. What makes YouTube Ads even more appealing is the targeting; you can hone in on users by their interests, search history, or even past video views. So, if your brand has a message that deserves more than a quick glance, YouTube’s the place to grab it.

Take a look at some of the highly profitable YouTube ads we built for FIXD. 

4. Microsoft Advertising (Bing Ads)

Microsoft Advertising, better known as Bing Ads, may not always be the first choice, but it can be a great option for Canadian brands looking for an alternative to Google Search Ads. 

Bing Ads lets you reach a unique audience, often skewing older and more professionally oriented—think users in finance, business, and tech. And here’s the kicker: there’s less competition, meaning you can sometimes see lower costs per click and often higher ad positions. 

Microsoft also lets you target ads across its entire ecosystem, including Yahoo and AOL, so your campaigns reach beyond Bing itself. If you’re after a quality audience at a reasonable cost, Microsoft Advertising offers some serious to Canadian advertisers.

5. LinkedIn Ads

LinkedIn Ads are the secret weapon for brands with a B2B edge or a professional target audience. Canada’s largest professional network is where decision-makers, industry experts, and career-driven folks come to connect, learn, and grow—and they’re in the right mindset to take action. 

LinkedIn’s ad platform lets you zero in on specific job titles, industries, and even company sizes, so you’re not just broadcasting—you’re laser-focused. 

It’s important to note that in our experience, LinkedIn Ads are pricier than some other platforms, but for companies aiming to showcase thought leadership, promote services, or engage potential clients, they’re worth every penny. Especially if you’re selling an expensive product or service, where the lifetime value of a client is high. 

If your brand wants to get in front of high-value professionals, LinkedIn Ads make sure you’re speaking to the right people, at the right time. The social network ranks #2 on the list of the most popular social media platforms in Canada.

6. TikTok Ads

TikTok Ads are where brands go to get noticed by Canada’s most engaged digital crowd—Gen Z and Millennials who can’t get enough of those catchy, fast-paced videos. 

TikTok’s ad game is built for creativity: whether you’re crafting an In-Feed Ad, jumping on a trending hashtag, or making a full-on Branded Effect, this platform gives brands a chance to show off their playful side. TikTok’s users spend serious time scrolling, which means your ads have a solid shot at high engagement. Plus, with its algorithm, TikTok serves your content to the right users based on interests, behavior, and viewing patterns. 

If you’re looking to build buzz, push the boundaries a little, and connect with a younger, trend-savvy audience, TikTok is a great advertising platform to consider. 

7. Pinterest Ads

Pinterest Ads are perfect for brands that thrive on visuals and inspiration. 

Canadians hit Pinterest when they’re in planning mode, searching for everything from home décor to travel ideas to new recipes—making it a goldmine for brands looking to influence purchase decisions early. 

With options like Promoted Pins, Video Ads, and even Shopping Ads, Pinterest lets brands seamlessly blend in with users’ searches and personal boards. What makes Pinterest Ads special is intent; people come to Pinterest with an open mind, ready to discover, save, and, ultimately, buy. 

E-commerce and retail ad platforms in Canada

1. Amazon Advertising

Amazon Advertising is the go-to for brands aiming to reach shoppers right at the point of purchase. With options like Sponsored Products, Sponsored Brands, and Sponsored Display, you can showcase your products to Canadians actively searching for items like yours. 

Amazon's platform offers robust targeting, allowing you to focus on specific keywords, product categories, or even competitor listings. Plus, with access to Amazon's vast customer data, your ads can be finely tuned to reach the right audience. 

2. Walmart Connect

Walmart Connect is Walmart Canada's retail media platform, offering brands the opportunity to engage with customers both online and in-store. 

Leveraging Walmart's extensive first-party data, the platform provides targeted advertising solutions that reach a broad audience. With 44% of Canadian shoppers visiting Walmart stores weekly and nearly 3 million users active on the app each month, Walmart Connect offers unparalleled reach. The platform's suite of omnichannel ad solutions includes sponsored product listings, display ads, and in-store promotions, enabling brands to influence customer decisions at multiple touchpoints.

Top programmatic advertising platforms

1. The Trade Desk

The Trade Desk is a leading programmatic advertising platform that empowers brands to execute data-driven campaigns across multiple channels, including display, video, audio, and Connected TV (CTV). By leveraging advanced targeting capabilities, advertisers can reach specific audiences with precision, enhancing the effectiveness of their marketing efforts. 

The platform's commitment to transparency and innovation has solidified its position as a preferred choice for advertisers aiming to optimize their media buying strategies.

2. StackAdapt (Canada-based)

StackAdapt is a leading Canadian programmatic advertising platform that empowers brands to create and manage campaigns across multiple channels, including native, display, video, connected TV (CTV), audio, in-game, and digital out-of-home (DOOH). 

By the way, if you love seeing examples of the best advertising in the wild–like awesome billboard ads, social media ads, and commercials–you need to check out our newsletter, The Ad Spot.

Built from the ground up with artificial intelligence engines and advanced machine learning algorithms, StackAdapt optimizes ad targeting and personalizes user experiences to deliver top campaign results. The platform's user-friendly interface and extensive library of third-party audiences enable advertisers to execute unique campaign ideas, reaching highly-customized audiences with precision.

Traditional media advertising platforms

Bell Media

Bell Media is Canada's leading media and content company, offering advertisers unparalleled reach across multiple platforms, including television, radio, digital, and out-of-home advertising. With Canada's #1 television network, 35 local stations, and a powerful lineup of specialty channels such as TSN and Discovery, Bell Media reaches close to 90% of Canadians monthly. Their radio network includes 103 stations in more than 58 markets, reaching 12 million listeners weekly. 

Additionally, Bell Media's digital properties attract 25 million monthly visitors, providing premium, brand-safe visibility. For advertisers seeking to connect with Canadian audiences through traditional media channels, Bell Media offers comprehensive solutions to meet diverse marketing objectives.

Rogers Media

Rogers Sports & Media is a premier Canadian broadcast, streaming, and content company that connects with over 30 million Canadians monthly. Their diverse portfolio includes more than 50 radio stations, over 65 community TV channels, and 23 conventional and specialty television stations. Notable brands under their umbrella include Sportsnet, Citytv, Breakfast Television, and 98.1 CHFI.

Outfront Media and Pattison Outdoor

Outfront Media was a prominent player in Canada's out-of-home advertising scene, offering a wide array of billboard and transit advertising solutions across the country. However, in June 2024, Outfront Media sold its Canadian operations to Bell Media for C$410 million. This acquisition expanded Bell Media's out-of-home advertising footprint, integrating Outfront's assets into its existing portfolio.

Pattison Outdoor is Canada's largest out-of-home advertising company, providing a comprehensive range of advertising products, including classic billboards, digital displays, transit advertising, and place-based media. With a presence in over 200 markets nationwide, Pattison Outdoor offers advertisers extensive reach and diverse options to connect with audiences across urban and rural areas. 

Postmedia Network

Postmedia Network is one of Canada's largest news media companies, operating over 130 brands across print, online, and mobile platforms. Their portfolio includes prominent publications like the National Post, Financial Post, and various regional newspapers, reaching millions of Canadians weekly. 

For advertisers, Postmedia offers a comprehensive suite of marketing solutions, including digital display advertising, sponsored content, and programmatic advertising. Leveraging their extensive first-party data, Postmedia enables precise audience targeting, ensuring campaigns effectively reach desired demographics.

Emerging advertising platforms in Canada

1. Spotify Ads

Spotify Ads offer a dynamic way for brands to connect with Canadian listeners through audio and video formats. 

With over 626 million monthly active users globally, Spotify provides advertisers with access to a vast and engaged audience. The platform's targeting capabilities allow brands to reach users based on demographics, listening habits, and even specific playlists, ensuring messages resonate with the right listeners. 

Additionally, Spotify's self-serve Ads Manager enables businesses of all sizes to create and manage campaigns with flexible budgets, making it an accessible option for those looking to tap into the growing digital audio space.

2. Twitch Ads

Twitch Ads offer brands a unique opportunity to engage with a highly interactive and dedicated audience. As a leading live-streaming platform, Twitch attracts millions of daily users who spend an average of 95 minutes per day on the site, making it a prime venue for advertising. 

Brands can choose from various ad formats, including pre-roll and mid-roll video ads, display ads, and innovative options like interactive "Multiplayer Ads," which allow viewers to participate in real-time polls, enhancing engagement. Twitch's community-centric approach ensures that advertisements are seamlessly integrated into the viewing experience, fostering authentic connections between brands and viewers. 

3. Snapchat Ads

If you’re looking for a dynamic way to engage with a younger, highly active audience, check out Snapchat Ads and Snapchat for Business. With 12 million users in Canada, Snapchat reaches 90% of the 13-24 year old population and 75% of the 13-34 year old population in 25+ countries. The platform provides various ad formats, including Snap Ads, Story Ads, Collection Ads, and Commercials, all designed to deliver immersive, full-screen experiences. 

4. Reddit Ads

Reddit Ads present brands with a unique opportunity to connect with targeted communities, known as subreddits, that are centered around specific interests and topics. With over 100,000 active communities, Reddit allows advertisers to reach niche audiences that are often difficult to find on other platforms. 

The platform provides various ad formats, including Promoted Posts, Display Ads, and Video Ads, all designed to blend seamlessly with user-generated content. Reddit's self-serve advertising platform offers advanced targeting options, enabling brands to focus on specific subreddits, interests, locations, and devices. Additionally, Reddit's community-driven nature encourages authentic interactions, allowing brands to engage directly with users through comments and discussions.

Your guide to the top advertising platforms in Canada

So, there you have it—the top advertising platforms in Canada, broken down and ready for action. Each of these channels has its own unique advantages, from reaching professionals on LinkedIn to connecting with Gen Z on TikTok. In the simplest terms, digital advertising is all about knowing where your audience is and meeting them there with the right message. And with this list, you’ve got a solid roadmap of where Canadians are hanging out online and beyond.

We’ve helped brands from all corners of Canada build smart, targeted campaigns on these platforms, so if you’re ready to dive in and make the most of these advertising opportunities, drop us a line. Let’s get your brand in front of the right audience and start making a real impact.