Marketers are increasingly frustrated with ad verification technologies, often blaming them for issues like fraud, ID spoofing, and shady sites. Recent incidents involving Forbes and Colossus have intensified scrutiny on companies like DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science. Marketers are questioning the effectiveness of these tools and considering alternatives.
Key Issues with Ad Verification Technologies
- Forbes Incident: Forbes was caught running a site for ad dollar arbitrage, which verification tech failed to flag.
- Colossus Incident: Mismatched cookie IDs raised concerns about the reliability of these technologies.
- Granularity: Marketers feel that verification tools lack the granularity needed to detect nuanced issues.
Marketers' Reactions
- Rethinking Verification: Some marketers are contemplating whether to continue using verification tools or switch to curated ad inventory and authenticated reach.
- Alternative Solutions: Companies like Zefr are being considered for more tailored solutions, especially for platforms like YouTube.
Ad Verification Companies' Defense
- DoubleVerify's Stance: The company claims it already addresses many issues but faces misunderstandings about its capabilities. For instance, it doesn't flag certain activities as fraud due to industry standards and privacy reasons.
- Educational Efforts: DoubleVerify emphasizes the need for educating marketers about what their technology can and cannot do.
Future of Ad Verification
- Mixed Approaches: Some marketers are adopting a multi-layered approach, using various tools to address different issues rather than relying solely on traditional verification tech.
- Risk Management: While some are exploring alternatives, completely ditching ad verification companies is unlikely due to the risks involved, such as brand reputation and operational chaos.
Industry Impact
- Operational Challenges: Switching vendors could disrupt campaign measurement and optimization, and breach contracts requiring third-party verification.
- Frustration and Compromise: Despite the hassles, the consideration of alternatives highlights the depth of marketers' frustration. They are looking for ways to manage concerns without drastic changes.
Conclusion
The debate over ad verification technologies is leading to a recalibration rather than a revolution. While some marketers may abandon these tools, many will continue to use them with adjusted expectations and supplementary solutions. The ongoing issues like ID spoofing and MFAs will keep the scrutiny on companies like DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science, especially given their dual roles in the market.
