Marketers confront escalating waste as programmatic ads losses top $26 billion

By Felicia Nwosu

Programmatic advertising, once hailed for its efficiency, now bleeds value at an alarming rate.

A new study by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) reveals that wasted spend ballooned by 34 percent in just two years, climbing from $20 billion in 2023 to $26.8 billion in 2025.

Report Highlights Sharp Increase

Sharing this on its website, the recent report uncovered a sharp rise in programmatic ad waste, which climbed 34 percent in just two years.

According to the report, wasted spending in programmatic media buying jumped from $20 billion in 2023 to a staggering $26.8 billion in 2025.

Troubling Trend for Marketers

The findings highlight a troubling trend for marketers who have long battled inefficiencies in automated media trading.

Despite industry efforts to streamline spending and improve transparency, the overall pool of wasted investment continues to expand, underscoring the scale of value being lost in the marketplace.

Call for Greater Accountability

For advertisers, the study signals that while certain areas of media buying have become more refined, the broader challenge of programmatic inefficiency is intensifying.

With billions of dollars slipping through the cracks, the report serves as a reminder that greater accountability and sharper oversight remain urgent priorities for brands navigating the complexities of digital advertising.