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Understanding Targets vs RTB vs RTB Groups

Learn the key differences and when to use each in Moja AI

Written by Luis Colmenares

Why This Matters

When setting up routing in Moja AI, you’ll encounter three core concepts:

  • Targets

  • RTB (Real-Time Bidding Targets)

  • RTB Groups

While they may seem similar, they behave very differently.

Understanding these differences will help you:

  • Route calls correctly

  • Maximize revenue

  • Avoid configuration mistakes

1. Targets (Static Routing)


What is a Target?

A Target is a fixed destination where calls are sent.

There is no bidding or competition the system routes calls based on your routing logic (priority, weight, etc.).

Inbound RTB routing-plan note: When a routing plan is used for inbound RTB responses, all eligible routes can be included in the inbound RTB response. Priority and weight do not limit which eligible targets are offered in that response.


How It Works

  • Call enters routing plan

  • System selects the target

  • Call is sent directly


Example

Call → Target A ($40 payout)

Every call routed here follows the same logic and payout.


When to Use Targets

Use Targets when:

  • You have fixed payout agreements

  • You want predictable behavior

  • You’re working with direct buyers


Key Advantage

✔ Simplicity and stability


Limitation

✖ No revenue optimization (no competition)


2. RTB Targets (Single Buyer, Dynamic Pricing)


What is an RTB Target?

An RTB Target is a single buyer that receives a request and responds with a dynamic bid in real time.


How It Works

  • Call triggers a request (ping)

  • Buyer returns a bid (e.g., $25, $30)

  • If accepted → call is routed


Example

Call → RTB Target → Returns $28 → Route call

When to Use RTB Targets

Use RTB Targets when:

  • Pricing changes frequently

  • Buyer decides value per call

  • You want flexibility


Key Advantage

✔ Dynamic pricing


Limitation

✖ Only one buyer → no competition


3. RTB Groups (Multiple Buyers Competing)


What is an RTB Group?

An RTB Group is a collection of RTB targets that compete for the same call.


How It Works

  • System sends request to multiple RTB targets

  • Each returns a bid

  • Highest valid bid wins


Example

Call → RTB Group
├── Buyer A → $25
├── Buyer B → $35
├── Buyer C → $30

Route to Buyer B ($35)

When to Use RTB Groups

Use RTB Groups when:

  • You have multiple buyers for the same vertical

  • You want to maximize revenue

  • You want automatic optimization


Key Advantage

✔ Competition = higher payouts


Limitation

✖ Slightly more complex setup


Advanced caps with Inbound RTB Groups

For Inbound RTB traffic routed through RTB Groups, advanced caps count against the winning RTB formula when a winner is selected. This helps cap tracking reflect the actual source that received the billable call instead of a generic Inbound RTB label.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature

Target

RTB Target

RTB Group

Pricing

Fixed

Dynamic

Dynamic (competitive)

Number of Buyers

1

1

Multiple

Competition

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

Optimization

Manual

Limited

Automatic

Complexity

Low

Medium

Medium–High


Real-World Analogy

Think of it like selling a product:

  • Target → You sell to one buyer at a fixed price

  • RTB Target → You ask one buyer “how much will you pay?”

  • RTB Group → You let multiple buyers bid in an auction


Final Takeaway

  • Use Targets for stability

  • Use RTB Targets for flexibility

  • Use RTB Groups for maximum revenue

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