Report 1/2026
State of Commerce Advertising
From Reach to Authority in an AI-Driven World
The results of the latest Commerce Advertising survey reveal a fundamental shift in the market: mere visibility is no longer enough. Instead, authority — the combination of expertise and credibility — is becoming the new currency in Commerce Advertising.
This report explores the industry’s response to the shift, highlighting a widening gap between rapid transformation and organizational readiness for an increasingly AI-driven future.
Download the full report to gain access to detailed insights shaping the future of Commerce Advertising.
The results of the latest Commerce Advertising survey reveal a fundamental shift in the market: mere visibility is no longer enough. Instead, authority — the combination of expertise and credibility — is becoming the new currency in Commerce Advertising.
This report explores the industry’s response to the shift, highlighting a widening gap between rapid transformation and organizational readiness for an increasingly AI-driven future.
Download the full report to gain access to detailed insights shaping the future of Commerce Advertising.
Get your free copy now!
The newest edition of the Commerce Advertising Index is now available — designed for decision-makers in performance marketing, commerce content, partner marketing, and affiliate marketing.
Key Takeaways
Zero-click Is Reality, Readiness is not
AI-driven, zero-click discovery has become a core business reality in Commerce Advertising, with a significant impact on traffic and sales. Yet 32.8% of respondents report little to no preparation for this new reality. The report reveals the strategic measures the industry is taking, and where the most critical challenges are emerging.
Reinforcing What Works—Initiating What’s Next
The response to AI-driven, zero-click discovery isn’t theoretical, it’s happening now. Two-thirds of respondents (66.7%) are leaning harder into proven channels, while 31.7% are adapting for AI-driven discovery. The report explains what’s driving these decisions and which path leaders believe will win.
The New Quality of Partnership: From Reach Provider to Authority Provider
As search and discovery evolve, expectations of partners are shifting fast. Scale alone is losing appeal as brands prioritize authority, relevance, and trust. The report shows how this shift is changing partner selection, and what it now takes to be visible, cited, and understood by AI systems.
Between Good and Better
Optimism in Commerce Advertising is strong: 57% report satisfaction with 2025 performance, and 63% plan to increase their Commerce Advertising budgets in 2026. But confidence doesn’t equal readiness. The report uncovers where momentum is real—and where blind spots remain.
Access all data and insights in the full report.
Get your free copy now!Also covered in the report:
AI Agents and Purchase Decisions
How widespread the influence of AI-powered chatbots and shopping assistants already is, and how large a share of online sales respondents expect to be affected.
Industry Mix in Commerce Advertising
Which sectors are contributing most to revenues, and how broadly Commerce Advertising is embedded across industries.
Current Industry Trends
Which topics are shaping Commerce Advertising right now, and which have lost relevance.
What is Commerce Advertising?
Commerce Advertising is an approach to online advertising that combines the strengths of performance marketing, commerce content, and affiliate marketing: contextual advertising along the customer journey helps users make better purchase decisions, opens up diversified monetization channels for publishers, and enables advertisers to maximize performance by accessing purchase-critical touchpoints.
About the study
Between December 4 and 18, 2025, a total of 177 participants took part in the survey, including publishers (49.7%), advertisers (38.4%), networks or technology providers (2.3%), and agencies, along with other company types (9.6%).
Are you ready to grow?
We are.