What is one primary function of ad networks?

The primary function of ad networks is to connect advertisers with publishers. Advertisers utilize ad networks to reach a broader audience across multiple websites and digital platforms without needing to establish direct relationships with each publisher. This connectivity helps streamline the process of buying and selling ad inventory, allowing advertisers to place their ads in front of targeted users and enabling publishers to monetize their available ad space effectively.

While providing analytics is an important aspect of ad networks, it is not their primary function. Similarly, housing user data is a critical component of how ad networks operate, particularly for targeting purposes, but it does not encompass the core role they play in connecting parties. Controlling ad creatives is also essential but secondary to the fundamental purpose of facilitating transactions between advertisers and publishers.