How does the 2025 Global Insights report's findings compare with prior years' data on AI adoption in digital advertising?

Comparison with Prior‑Year Data

The 2025 Global Insights report shows a marked acceleration in AI adoption across the digital‑advertising ecosystem. DoubleVerify’s 2025 survey indicates that ≈78 % of respondents now use AI for at least one core function (media‑quality verification, performance optimization, or outcome attribution), up from ≈62 % in the 2024 report and ≈48 % in the 2023 edition. Moreover, the share of marketers who credit AI for measurable workflow‑efficiency gains has risen from 45 % in 2024 to 70 % in 2025, while AI‑driven business‑outcome improvements (e.g., ROAS lift, cost‑per‑acquisition reduction) have jumped from 38 % to 55 % year‑over‑year. The trend line suggests a compound‑annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 30 % in AI‑enabled campaign activity over the past three years, outpacing the overall digital‑ad spend growth (≈12 % CAGR).

Trading Implications

1. DoubleVerify (DV) – Bullish Outlook – The company’s platform is now the de‑facto “AI‑engine” for a expanding user base. The higher penetration rates translate into sticky, higher‑margin recurring revenue and a lift in the “AI‑automation” revenue segment that analysts have historically priced at a premium. Assuming the 2025 adoption boost holds, DV’s forward‑earnings multiples could expand 10‑15 % versus the 2024 consensus (≈30× 2024‑25 forward EV/EBITDA). A long position or add‑to on any pull‑back (e.g., if DV trades below its 12‑month moving average) would be justified.

2. Sector‑wide Play – AI‑AdTech ETFs – The same adoption curve is evident across the broader ad‑tech space (e.g., The Trade Desk, Adobe, Meta). ETFs with AI‑focused ad‑tech exposure have outperformed the broader tech index by ~4 % YTD and are likely to capture continued upside as marketers shift spend toward AI‑enabled solutions. A light‑to‑moderate long on these ETFs (e.g., iShares U.S. Ad‑Tech ETF) could benefit from the tail‑winds.

3 Risk Considerations – The upside hinges on sustained AI‑budget allocations and absence of macro‑headwinds that could force marketers to trim spend. A slowdown in discretionary ad spend or a regulatory clamp‑down on AI data usage could temper the adoption momentum. Keep a stop‑loss at 5‑7 % below entry for DV and sector ETFs to manage downside if macro pressure materializes.

Actionable Takeaway

Given the 30 % CAGR in AI‑driven ad activity and the clear leap from ~48 % (2023) to 78 % (2025) of marketers using AI, the market is pricing in a structural shift toward AI‑enabled advertising. For traders, the signal is to lean long on DoubleVerify and AI‑ad‑tech exposure while monitoring macro and regulatory developments that could curtail the adoption trajectory.