New York City is the city that never sleeps, so you’d better be sure you’re using that to your advantage. From the Mad Men era to today, NYC remains the epicenter of advertising, but things are only getting more competitive as the city’s population continues to grow. It’s more important than ever for brands to partner with a top-notch New York advertising agency to make sure they’re standing out from the crowd.
The best advertising agencies in New York City combine strategic thinking with cutting-edge creativity to deliver measurable results for their clients, constantly stepping up their game to stay on top. But we know that there are an overwhelming number of agencies to choose from in NYC, so we’re gonna break down the best ones in the game for you.
What Are the Top 10 Advertising Agencies in NYC?
|
Rank |
Agency |
Best For |
Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
NoGood |
Growth marketing and AEO for performance-driven startups and scaleups |
84% client retention rate; 65% of clients double revenue in 6 months; pioneers in Answer Engine Optimization |
|
2 |
Ogilvy |
Global brand building and integrated marketing for Fortune 500s |
128 offices in 88 countries; part of WPP; #1 global agency for creative excellence (WARC); founded 1948 |
|
3 |
BBDO |
Award-winning creative that drives business results |
Most awarded agency network; “Network of the Decade” (Cannes 2020); “The Work. The Work. The Work.” philosophy |
|
4 |
Grey |
Famously effective campaigns across all marketing disciplines |
432 offices in 96 countries; part of WPP; “Famously Effective Since 1917”; 22 Lions at Cannes 2025 |
|
5 |
Wieden+Kennedy |
Culture-defining creative and iconic brand building |
Independent agency; created “Just Do It” and “This Is SportsCenter”; offices in 10+ global cities |
|
6 |
R/GA |
Digital transformation and innovation consulting |
Recently independent (2025) with $50M innovation fund; “Digital Agency of the Decade” (2009); created Nike+ |
|
7 |
Known |
Data-driven marketing with AI-powered optimization |
Adweek’s 2025 Midsize Agency of the Year; proprietary Skeptic™ AI platform; combines data science with creativity |
|
8 |
Yard NYC |
Cultural storytelling and independent creative work |
Independent creative boutique; transforms brands into “cultural beacons”; nimble and focused approach |
|
9 |
Barbarian |
Digital-first creativity and emerging technology innovation |
Founded 2001; part of Cheil Worldwide; created Subservient Chicken; won Grand Prix Innovation Lion at Cannes |
|
10 |
Droga5 |
Culture-first creative that builds influential 21st-century brands |
Part of Accenture Song; Agency of the Decade (2010-2019); recognized 25+ times as Agency of the Year |
1. NoGood
Don’t let our name fool you; we put the “good” in NoGood. As a leading growth marketing agency composed of experienced growth engineers, data scientists, creatives, and performance marketers, we harness the latest growth strategies and AI tools to drive growth for your brand.
We have built our reputation as a pioneer in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and performance-driven marketing. Our specialty lies in high-velocity experimentation and data-driven growth strategies, serving startups, scaleups, and Fortune 500 brands alike. We’ll brag a little, too: we have an 84% client retention rate, with 65% of our clients doubling revenue in the first six months.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 2016
Team Size: 11-50 employees
Key Services: AEO, SEO, Organic Social, Social Ads, Paid Search, Performance Branding, Lifecycle Marketing, Content Marketing, CRO, Video Marketing, Marketing Analytics, Fractional CMO
Industries Served: B2B, Consumer, Fintech, SaaS, Retail, Healthcare, AI
Case Studies: NoGood has worked with clients like SteelSeries, MongoDB, Inflection, and more. View all of our case studies here.
2. Ogilvy
Ogilvy is a global advertising and marketing powerhouse founded by David Ogilvy, now operating as part of WPP Group with 128 offices across 88 countries. Known for its “Borderless Creativity” philosophy, Ogilvy has created iconic campaigns for over 75 years. Ogilvy’s New York office continues to serve as their flagship location, driving integrated marketing solutions that span advertising, public relations, consulting, experience design, and health communications, all unified under the mission to inspire brands and people to impact the world.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 1948
Team Size: 10,001+ employees
Key Services: Brand Strategy, Creative Content Development, PR, Reputation Management, Experience Design, Communications, Strategic Business Consulting
Industries Served: CPG & Beauty, Healthcare & Pharma, Financial Services & Technology, Automotive & Transportation, Retail, Entertainment, Travel & Tourism
Case Studies: Ogilvy has worked with clients like Coca-Cola, San Pellegrino, Vaseline, and more. View all of their case studies here.
3. BBDO
BBDO is one of the world’s most awarded advertising agency networks, with its headquarters in New York City and 289 offices across 81 countries as part of the Omnicom Group portfolio. Guided by their mantra, “The Work. The Work. The Work.,” BBDO has been named Network of the Year by the Cannes Lions Festival seven times and Network of the Decade in 2020, earning recognition as the most effective agency network in the world.
The agency’s single-minded focus on creating compelling commercial content that changes consumer behavior has driven unprecedented creative and business success, with BBDO consistently ranking among the top agencies globally for both creative excellence and effectiveness.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 1928
Team Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Key Services: Brand Strategy, Creative Advertising, Social Media, Content Creation, Branded Entertainment, Experiential Marketing & Events, Media Planning, Behavioral Insights, Data Analytics
Industries Served: Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Technology & Telecommunications, Financial Services, Insurance, Automotive & Transportation, Retail & eCommerce
Case Studies: BBDO has worked with clients like Guinness, Pedigree, Meta, and more. View all of their case studies here.
4. Grey
Grey is a global advertising and marketing agency with headquarters in New York City, operating 432 offices in 96 countries and serving one-fifth of the FORTUNE 500 as part of WPP Group. Founded in 1917 and operating under the banner “Famously Effective Since 1917,” Grey has built a reputation for creating work that is both attention-grabbing and results-driven.
Under Global CEO Laura Manes (the first woman to hold this position in the agency’s 107-year history) Grey has solidified its leadership with record award wins including 22 Lions at Cannes 2025 and Grand Effies in every market.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 1917
Team Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Key Services: Advertising, Brand Strategy, Creative Development, Social Media, Content Creation, Experiential Marketing, PR, Media Planning
Industries Served: Consumer Goods, Beauty & Personal Care, Healthcare & Pharma, Automotive, Financial Services, Technology & Telecommunications, Retail, Entertainment, Travel
Case Studies: Grey has worked with clients like PETA, Stella Artois, Applebee’s, and more. View all of their case studies here.
5. Wieden+Kennedy
Wieden+Kennedy is a legendary independent creative agency founded over 40 years ago with the radical belief in being “an ad agency that didn’t like advertising.” With offices in Portland (headquarters), New York, Amsterdam, London, Tokyo, Shanghai, São Paulo, and other global locations, W+K has built an unparalleled reputation for creating culture-defining work that moves beyond traditional advertising to influence popular culture itself.
Not sure if you’ve heard of them? You definitely have. Widen+Kennedy are responsible for some of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history, including Nike’s “Just Do It,” ESPN’s “This Is SportsCenter,” and Bud Light’s “Dilly Dilly,” consistently using creativity to make meaningful cultural impact across every medium and discipline.
Headquarters: Portland, OR (with offices in New York City, NY)
Year Founded: 1982
Team Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Key Services: Brand Strategy, Creative Development, Integrated Campaigns, Digital & Social Content Creation, Experiential Marketing, Branded Entertainment, Product Design
Industries Served: Athletic & Sportswear, Consumer Electronics & Technology, Food & Beverage, Automotive & Transportation, Entertainment & Lifestyle
Case Studies: Wieden+Kennedy has worked with clients like YETI, McDonald’s, the Super Bowl, and more. View all of their case studies here.
6. R/GA
R/GA is an innovation consultancy and digital design agency that recently returned to independence in 2025 after 23 years as part of Interpublic Group, backed by $50M in innovation funding. Founded by brothers Richard and Robert Greenberg, R/GA has evolved through several nine-year business model transformations to remain at the forefront of technological and creative innovation, earning recognition as Adweek’s Digital Agency of the Decade in 2009 and Campaign Magazine’s Digital Innovation Agency of the Decade in 2019.
With a global presence across New York, Austin, Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, London, Berlin, São Paulo, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Sydney, R/GA specializes in designing intelligent brand systems that help businesses transform and thrive in the intelligence age.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 1977
Team Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Key Services: Consulting, Experience Design, Product Innovation, Brand Development, Creative Strategy, Digital Advertising, Marketing Communications, Venture Studio & Innovation Labs
Industries Served: Technology & Consumer Electronics, Retail & eCommerce, Financial Services & Healthcare, Telecommunications & Media, Automotive & Travel
Case Studies: R/GA has worked with clients like Android, Verizon, the BBC, and more. View all of their case studies here.
7. Known
Known is a modern data-driven advertising agency named Adweek’s 2025 Midsize Agency of the Year and recognized on Ad Age’s prestigious A-List for two consecutive years (2024-2025). Founded on the principle of combining data science with world-class creativity (what they describe as an “Iron Man Suit”), Known has disrupted traditional agency models by providing transparent, data-infused advertising services that deliver measurable results.
With six offices across New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco, and Seattle, Known serves major brands including Penguin Random House, Paramount+, ADT, HP, Moderna, NWSL, Amazon, UCLA, and Microsoft, providing agency of record services and specialized marketing transformation capabilities.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 2020
Team Size: 201-500 employees
Key Services: Marketing Strategy, Advanced Analytics, Creative Development, Brand Strategy, Media Planning & Buying, Business Consulting, Performance Marketing
Industries Served: Entertainment & Media, Technology, Healthcare & Pharma, Sports & Professional Leagues, Higher Education, Consumer Brands
Case Studies: Known has worked with clients like Microsoft, MAX, Ubisoft, and more. View all of their case studies here.
8. Yard NYC
Yard NYC is an independent creative company that positions itself as a cultural beacon builder, transforming brands through strategic creative work that resonates with contemporary audiences. Based in New York City, Yard has developed a reputation for crafting campaigns that connect brands to culture through thoughtful storytelling and distinctive creative execution, with notable work including campaigns for NFL Shop, Lee, Wrangler, USTA, Kohl’s, Madewell, Athleta, Gap, Olly, and David Webb.
Yard NYC’s independent status allows for nimble decision-making and a focused approach to building meaningful brand connections without the constraints of holding company bureaucracy.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 2002
Team Size: 11-50 employees
Key Services: Brand Strategy, Creative Development, Advertising Campaign Development, Content Production, Photography, Social Media Strategy, Branding
Industries Served: Fashion & Apparel, Retail & eCommerce, Sports & Athletic Brands, Beauty & Wellness, Lifestyle & Consumer Goods
Case Studies: Yard NYC has worked with clients like Athleta, Bed Bath & Beyond, J. Crew, and more. View all of their case studies here.
9. Barbarian
Barbarian is a full-service creative digital advertising agency that has been pioneering the intersection of creativity, innovation, and technology since its founding. Headquartered in New York City and now part of the Cheil Worldwide network, Barbarian operates with a core belief that everything can be improved, specializing in boundary-pushing creativity and bold applications of emerging technology including AI, VR/AR, voice, and Web3.
The agency has created legendary viral campaigns and innovative experiences including the Subservient Chicken for Burger King, Samsung Centerstage retail experiences, and award-winning work for clients including Samsung, American Express, JBL, HubSpot, AbbVie, and Pacific Life.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 2001
Team Size: 51-200 employees
Key Services: Experience Design, Digital Product Development, Creative Strategy, Digital Brand Building, Emerging Technology Innovation, Tech Stack Consulting, Influencer Marketing, Content Creation
Industries Served: Consumer Electronics & Technology, Financial Services & Insurance, Healthcare & Pharma, Software & SaaS, Consumer Brands & Retail
Case Studies: Barbarian has worked with clients like Samsung, Mucinex, Caliber Collisions, and more. View all of their case studies here.
10. Droga5
Droga5 is one of the world’s most celebrated creative agencies, founded by legendary creative director David Droga and now part of Accenture Song. Headquartered in New York with offices in London, Dublin, Tokyo, and São Paulo, Droga5 has been recognized as Agency of the Year more than 25 times and was named both Ad Age and Adweek’s Agency of the Decade (2010–2019).
The agency operates under the mantra “culture first, culture fast,” believing that brands adopted into culture enjoy sustained commercial success, and exists to build and sustain the most influential brands of the 21st century through creativity that forges real, emotional connections with people and drives measurable business results.
Headquarters: New York City, NY
Year Founded: 2006
Team Size: 501-1,000 employees
Key Services: Brand Strategy, Creative Development, Advertising Campaigns, Experience Innovation & Business Design, Production & Content Creation, Media Planning, Communications Strategy
Industries Served: Technology & Financial Services, Consumer Packaged Goods, Food & Beverage, Luxury Goods & Fashion, Media & Publishing, Automotive, Consumer Electronics
Case Studies: Droga5 has worked with clients like Bosch, Coors Light, Levi’s, and more. View all of their case studies here.
Final Thoughts: Choosing an Advertising Agency in NYC
Ultimately, the right agency partner is less about a big name and more about how the agency’s values, processes, strategies, and culture aligns with your brand’s needs and long-term partnership goals.
On one side, you have the legacy giants like Ogilvy, BBDO, DDB, Grey, and McCann, who are best for brands looking to make cultural waves and have a large budget. On the other side, you have more specialized firms like The Charles Group, and The Barbarian Group that prioritize data, measurable growth, and channel-specific expertise. And then you have, us, NoGood, which is culture-aware, data-driven, and AI-forward; delivering holistic, end-to-end growth that ensures your brand wins customers.
When it comes to modern marketing, the choice is clear. If you value performance, innovation, and ROI over reputation, then NoGood is the partner whose values and proven process align perfectly with your business goals.
NYC Advertising Agencies: FAQs
What is the role of an advertising agency?
A full-service advertising agency assists brands with creating and executing advertising campaigns. The goal is to reach target audiences, promote products or services, and achieve specific marketing goals for brands.
This involves conducting market research, developing creative concepts, designing advertisements, selecting appropriate social media campaign channels, and measuring the effectiveness of campaigns. Ultimately, the goal of these agencies’ work is to generate awareness, interest, and demand for the brand’s offerings.
What are the benefits of working with an advertising agency?
- Expertise in Advertising: Agencies have specialized knowledge and experience in various aspects of advertising and marketing.
- Creative Teams: They provide fresh and innovative ideas to effectively communicate with the target audience.
- Efficiency: Full-service agencies streamline the advertising process, saving time and resources for your brand.
- Objective Perspective: Agencies offer an external viewpoint, bringing insights and digital marketing strategies that may not be apparent internally.
- Measurable Results: They utilize analytics and metrics to evaluate the success of advertising campaigns, allowing for data-driven decision-making.
- Scalability: Agencies can adapt to your brand’s needs, whether a small-scale local campaign or a large-scale national initiative.
- Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing advertising tasks allows businesses to focus on their core competencies and strategic objectives.
- Innovative Technology: Agencies use top tools and technologies for research, analytics, and campaign management to improve access and effectiveness.
- Building Relationships: Long-term partnerships with an agency can help with ongoing collaboration, growth, and consistency in marketing efforts
How do I choose a full-service ad agency?
We evaluated the ad agencies on this list based on the following criteria to determine the top performers. Ultimately, the agency best suited for you and your business will depend on your needs and goals.
- Innovative Approach: The agency should have a track record of creating unique and successful campaigns that stand out in a crowded marketplace.
- Strategic Thinking: The agency should be able to develop campaigns that align with your brand’s business objectives and effectively reach the target audience.
- Results: The agency should be able to demonstrate measurable results for the brands they work with, whether it’s increased sales, brand awareness, or engagement.
- Good Reputation: The agency should be well-known and have won awards for their work.
- Industry Experience: The agency should have worked with brands in a specific industry and know about the latest trends and best practices.
- Client Satisfaction: The agency should have happy clients, shown through testimonials, reviews, and long-term relationships.