Does a campaign depend on its advertising budget alone? For a brand active on social media, creative, targeting and optimisation need to work together. Esekai brings these dimensions together on Meta Ads and TikTok Ads. Our selection of advertising campaign management agencies also distinguishes specialist teams from networks covering several disciplines.
The French digital advertising market grew by 12% in the first half of 2026, reaching €6.689 billion, according to the Observatoire de l’e-pub. In this context, choosing among the best online advertising agencies in 2026 means linking each channel to a business objective. Also check which conversions are measured, the role given to creative, and how fees, production and media budget are separated.
Which Agencies Should You Choose for Your Objective?
To connect social videos with Meta Ads or TikTok Ads campaigns, Esekai offers the most directly suited service. For a multichannel media plan, a group-level strategy or broader social media expertise, the other agencies in this selection meet different needs.
| Rank | Agency | Advertising expertise | Support | Known terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esekai | Meta Ads, TikTok Ads and social video | Creative and media management can be combined | Quote-based, six-month minimum commitment |
| 2 | Vanksen | Social, search, display, programmatic, DOOH | Media strategy, optimisation and reporting | Pricing not specified here |
| 3 | Publicis | Media, creative, data and digital marketing | Integrated services across its various entities | To be confirmed depending on scope |
| 4 | Havas | Media, creative, production and content | Support from the network’s agencies | To be confirmed depending on the agency chosen |
| 5 | Dentsu | Marketing, media, technology and data | Integrated ecosystem and agency network | To be confirmed depending on scope |
| 6 | We Are Social | Social, search and display paid media | Regular monitoring and campaign optimisation | Pricing not specified here |
1. Esekai
Ideal for: brands looking to bring together vertical video, advertising creative and media management on Meta Ads or TikTok Ads.
We are a vertical video production studio based in Paris. Our team can combine creative production with campaign management, or deliver these services separately. Management can include campaign structure, targeting, A/B tests, retargeting and scaling. We work with brands of all sizes and sectors, and have supported more than 350 brands.
Creative can take the form of ads designed for paid media, UGC videos or organic content. To better understand the role of creative in a campaign, read our analysis of the best Creative Ads agency in France. We track the metrics suited to each project, including views, retention, clicks and conversions.
Pros
- Video creation and campaign management can be combined in a single service.
- Management covers Meta Ads and TikTok Ads in particular, with testing and retargeting.
- More than 350 brands supported is a benchmark of experience across a wide range of profiles.
Cons
- The service requires a minimum six-month commitment.
- The media budget is separate from production costs, and pricing is quote-based.
2. Vanksen
Ideal for: companies wanting to organise a media strategy across several channels, in France or internationally.
Vanksen offers a digital advertising service covering social, search, display, programmatic and DOOH. The support described includes media strategy, campaign set-up, optimisation, performance analysis and customised reports. The agency also cites a test-and-learn method as well as certifications on advertising platforms.
Pros
- The range of channels suits advertisers who do not want to limit their plan to social media.
- Strategy, campaign management and reporting are all within the stated scope.
- Its social media and media expertise can meet both content and distribution needs.
Cons
- With several possible channels, it is worth defining priorities, metrics and the budget allocated to each channel from the outset.
3. Publicis
Ideal for: companies seeking support that combines creative, media, data and digital marketing.
Publicis Groupe brings together various entities dedicated to creative, media, technology and data. This structure makes integrated set-ups possible, from strategy and creative through to media planning and digital services. It may suit projects requiring several areas of expertise rather than a one-off intervention on a single platform.
Pros
- The group brings together creative, media, technology and data expertise.
- Its organisation allows for multichannel campaigns and different levels of support.
Cons
- For a targeted assignment, clarify the entity, the dedicated team and how responsibilities are shared between the teams involved.
4. Havas Groupe
Ideal for: brands wanting to align creative communications, media and content production.
Havas showcases expertise in media, creative, production and content, along with a portfolio of campaigns run by various agencies within the group. This breadth may suit a brand looking to bring its communications and media buying together within a wider set-up. The exact scope, however, depends on the agency involved and the project entrusted.
Pros
- Creative and media are among the group’s areas of expertise.
- Its network allows you to review campaigns and content designed for a range of communication contexts.
Cons
- Before comparing proposals, identify which agency in the network is responsible for the project and which channels are actually included.
5. Dentsu
Ideal for: advertisers looking to connect marketing strategy, media, technology and data.
Dentsu France describes its approach as an integrated communications offering powered by technology and data. Its network includes Carat, iProspect, dentsu X and Dentsu Creative. The group states that it supports 350 clients in France. This expertise makes it an option worth considering when your needs go beyond managing a single campaign.
Pros
- The network brings together entities specialising in media, creative and marketing.
- Integrated strategy and data are part of Dentsu France’s positioning.
Cons
- For a specific project, ask which entity leads the strategy, media buying and results tracking.
6. We Are Social
Ideal for: brands wanting to strengthen paid distribution and measurement of their content on social platforms.
We Are Social describes a paid media offering covering social media, search and display. The agency says it tracks performance by channel, format, country and audience segment, then optimises creative, formats, channels and targeting. Its service page also mentions partnerships with Facebook and TikTok.
Pros
- Regular monitoring and optimisation cover several distribution criteria.
- The offering links social campaigns with other channels such as search and display.
- Testing and experimentation are part of the approach presented.
Cons
- If you also want to entrust video production to the same team, specify the formats and creative included in the assignment.
How Do You Compare Online Advertising Agencies?
An online advertising agency should not be chosen solely on the platforms listed on its website. Ask which objectives it handles, who prepares the creative, which metrics are included in reporting and how often campaigns are optimised. An online shop will often want to measure purchases and acquisition cost, whereas a local brand may prioritise calls or store visits.
Also check how conversion tracking complies with the applicable data collection rules. The CNIL FAQ on trackers points out that some trackers used to measure advertising performance require consent. This question is worth raising before launch, especially if several tools and providers handle the data.
If your campaigns use creator content or native ads, make sure their commercial nature is clearly identifiable. The ARPP digital rules set out the principles of clarity and identification applicable to digital advertising.
Finally, choose a conversion event that reflects a meaningful outcome for your business. A purchase, a quote request and a sign-up are not the same objective. The Google Ads conversion tracking documentation distinguishes between these actions and explains how to measure them. If paid search is part of your plan, you can also compare the offerings of the best Google Ads agencies in France.
Choosing Based on Your Campaigns and Resources
The right partner depends on the channels you want to activate and the level of creative expected. To combine social videos, Meta Ads or TikTok Ads campaigns and media management, Esekai offers a particularly well-suited service. Vanksen and We Are Social cover several digital channels, while Publicis, Havas and Dentsu draw on broader networks of expertise. Before committing, ask for a clear scope, defined metrics and a distinction between management fees, production and advertising budget.
Combine Video Creative and Meta Ads Campaigns
Want to test video creative in your social campaigns or structure how they are managed? At Esekai, we bring together strategy, production and editing talent. We support brands across different sectors, from script preparation to video delivery, with media management available depending on the project.
We can combine vertical ad production with Meta Ads campaigns, or deliver these services separately. The media budget remains separate from production costs, and pricing is quote-based. You can book a free, no-obligation 30-minute call to review your content and objectives. We will provide a tailored plan even if you decide not to continue working with us. To speak with our specialist Meta Ads agency, tell us about your priorities and current campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a digital advertising agency and a paid media agency?
A digital advertising agency can combine strategy, creative and distribution across several channels. A paid media agency focuses on buying and optimising paid campaigns, although some also offer creative.
Should you entrust creative and campaigns to the same agency?
This set-up makes communication easier between the teams producing the ads and those running them. A separate service also works if you already have content and media resources in-house.
How do you choose between social media and search engine advertising?
Start from your audience's intent and your offer. Social media lets you run creatives in content feeds, while paid search responds to the queries people type in.
Does the advertising budget include the agency's fees?
Not necessarily. Ask for a quote that separates the media budget, the management fees and, if needed, the production of the creatives.
How do you evaluate an agency before committing?
Ask for a written scope, KPIs suited to your business, a sample report and the exit or commitment terms. At Esekai, a free, no-obligation first meeting lets us review your content and give you a tailored plan.