Which of the following best describes programmatic advertising?

Programmatic advertising is fundamentally characterized by the automated buying and selling of digital ad inventory. This process utilizes technology and algorithms to optimize ad placement and targeting, enabling advertisers to reach specific audiences more effectively and efficiently. Unlike traditional methods, which often involve manual negotiations for ad space, programmatic advertising streamlines the process, allowing for quicker adjustments and data-driven strategies.

The other choices highlight different aspects of advertising but do not accurately capture the essence of programmatic methods. For instance, manual buying and selling is the opposite of what defines programmatic advertising, as it emphasizes automation and technology. Furthermore, programmatic advertising is not confined to social media platforms; it extends across various digital channels, including websites and apps. Lastly, viewing ads without user targeting does not align with the goals of programmatic advertising, which is to leverage data to ensure that ads are relevant to the target audience.