StackAdapt, the leading AI-powered advertising and orchestration platform, has released its annual State of Programmatic Advertising 2026 report, revealing that top-performing marketers are four times more likely to consolidate their technology stacks and use artificial intelligence strategically to drive growth. The findings are based on insights from 484 senior marketing professionals across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, along with data from over 6,000 global advertisers using the StackAdapt platform. The report highlights a clear trend: marketers who unify their digital advertising channels, streamline their tech ecosystems, and adopt AI in a practical, results-driven way are achieving significantly better outcomes in performance, operational efficiency, and revenue growth. These leaders are not just experimenting with AI—they are embedding it into core campaign workflows, from audience targeting and creative optimization to real-time bidding and performance measurement. A key finding is that 72% of high-performing marketers have already consolidated their ad tech stack to three or fewer platforms, compared to just 18% of underperforming peers. This reduction in complexity allows for faster decision-making, better data integration, and more cohesive campaign execution across channels. AI adoption is also a differentiator. The report shows that 68% of top marketers use AI to automate routine tasks like bid optimization and audience segmentation, freeing up time for strategic planning. In contrast, only 22% of lower-performing marketers use AI beyond basic reporting or analytics. Moreover, the data reveals that companies using AI to generate and test creative variations see a 35% higher click-through rate and a 27% improvement in conversion rates compared to those relying solely on human-led creative development. The report also underscores the growing importance of data quality and privacy-compliant targeting. As third-party cookies phase out and privacy regulations tighten, marketers who leverage AI to build first-party data strategies and predictive modeling are better positioned to maintain performance and reach. StackAdapt’s CEO noted that the findings reflect a fundamental shift in the advertising landscape: success is no longer about having more tools, but about having smarter, more integrated systems powered by AI. “The future belongs to marketers who can unify their operations, reduce friction, and use AI not as a buzzword but as a strategic lever,” he said. As programmatic advertising evolves, the report concludes that consolidation and intelligent AI integration are no longer optional—they are essential for competitive advantage in 2026 and beyond.