The Best Paid Media Agencies in 2026
If you’re looking for a paid media partner in 2026, you’ve likely noticed that the old way of doing things is dead. We’ve moved past the era where simply having a "PPC specialist" was enough. Today, the platforms are so automated that anyone with a credit card can get an ad live. The real challenge now isn't technical execution; it’s creative resonance and data integrity.
London’s agency scene has had to adapt fast. The agencies that are actually winning for their clients right now are those that understand how to feed the AI algorithms the right creative "fuel" while keeping a firm hand on the strategic wheel. It’s about knowing when to trust the machine and when to step in because you know the human audience better than the code does. Whether you’re scaling a D2C startup or managing a legacy brand, these are the teams we’ve seen doing the work that actually moves the needle.
1. PinPoint Media
https://www.pinpoint-media.co.uk
PinPoint Media is a performance marketing agency that focuses on where the world is actually heading: AI-driven Paid Social, Paid Search and high-velocity Content Marketing. We do not believe in set-and-forget campaigns. In a world where algorithms move faster than ever, our approach is built on constant testing and real-time optimisation.
We spend our days in the weeds of campaign management for consumer and D2C brands. This might mean using AI to iterate on hundreds of creative variations for a YouTube Shorts campaign or building out complex, multi-layered attribution models for Google Ads. We are practical, hands-on and obsessed with ROI. Because we are part of the PrettyGreen group, we also have the unique ability to tie your paid spend directly into PR, influencer strategy and experiential events. For a client, this means a single team can plan, execute and optimise campaigns across every channel with total strategic alignment.
Core Services
Paid Social: Strategic execution and creative production across Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn and YouTube, using AI to scale what works.
Paid Search: Expert management of Google and Microsoft Ads with a heavy focus on conversion tracking and smart bidding.
Content Marketing: High-end creative production including video and imagery designed specifically to stop the scroll and drive action.
Office Location: Old Street, London & Cheltenham
Year Founded: 2013
Team Size: 20+ employees
Industries Served: Consumer brands, direct-to-consumer, B2B, tech, FMCG, lifestyle
Case Studies: View all case studies
2. The Social Shepherd
The Social Shepherd has grown into one of the most prominent social-first performance agencies in the UK. They are particularly strong for e-commerce and lifestyle brands that need to bridge the gap between high-quality creative and hard performance data. They manage everything from creator-led UGC to massive monthly spends on Meta and TikTok with a very clear focus on ROAS.
Core Services
Paid Social, Paid Search, Creative Production, Influencer Marketing
Office Location: London & Bath
Year Founded: 2018
Team Size: 60+ employees
Industries Served: E-commerce, lifestyle, travel
Case Studies: View all case studies
3. Found
Found describes themselves as an "everysearch" agency. In 2026, this is a vital distinction. They don't just look at Google; they look at how people find brands across TikTok, Amazon and even AI-driven discovery engines. They use proprietary AI tools to track how brands appear in "zero-click" environments, making them a great choice for companies that need to stay ahead of the curve in search.
Core Services
Paid Search, Paid Social, SEO, AI Discovery & GEO
Office Location: Clerkenwell, London
Year Founded: 2006
Team Size: 80+ employees
Industries Served: B2B, retail, finance, travel
Case Studies: View all case studies
4. Brainlabs
https://www.brainlabsdigital.com
Brainlabs is the go-to for brands that want a scientific, data-first approach. They were one of the first agencies to really lean into automation and they continue to lead the way with custom scripts and proprietary tech. They are best suited for large-scale advertisers with complex datasets who need to squeeze every bit of efficiency out of their global budgets.
Core Services
Programmatic, Paid Search, Paid Social, Marketing Automation
Office Location: Clerkenwell, London
Year Founded: 2012
Team Size: 800+ global employees
Industries Served: Tech, finance, large-scale retail
Case Studies: View all case studies
5. Impression
Impression is a highly consultative agency that excels at integrated digital growth. They are particularly good for businesses that feel their current channels are siloed. By looking at how paid media interacts with digital PR and SEO, they create a more cohesive growth strategy that focuses on long-term business impact rather than just short-term wins.
Core Services
Paid Media Strategy, Digital PR, Analytics, Paid Search
Office Location: London & Nottingham
Year Founded: 2012
Team Size: 100+ employees
Industries Served: B2B, SaaS, manufacturing, retail
Case Studies: View all case studies
6. Roast
Roast focuses on the human side of performance. While they are experts in the technical aspects of PPC and paid social, they put a lot of weight on consumer insight and intent. Their work is often very creative, looking at how search intent can be captured through better messaging and a more thoughtful approach to the customer journey.
Core Services
Paid Search, Paid Social, Display, Consumer Insights
Office Location: Soho, London
Year Founded: 2015
Team Size: 50+ employees
Industries Served: Entertainment, FMCG, luxury goods
Case Studies: View all case studies
Final Thoughts
Choosing an agency is a bit like hiring a co-founder. You aren't just looking for a service provider; you’re looking for someone who cares about your CAC and LTV as much as you do. The biggest mistake brands make is going for the "prestige" of a massive name, only to realise their account is being managed by a junior who’s never actually sold a product in their life.
At PinPoint Media, we’ve always kept things personal. We’re in the accounts every day, testing new hooks, refining the AI models and making sure your budget isn't being wasted on "vanity" clicks. Because we’re part of the PrettyGreen family, we can also zoom out and see how your paid ads fit into the bigger picture of PR and real-world fame.
The best way to find out if an agency is right for you isn't by reading a list like this, though. It’s by having a conversation about your specific goals and seeing if they actually listen or if they just start pitching. If you want a partner who’s as hands-on as it gets, let’s talk.
Stay Informed with PinPoint Media Blog
