Invalid conversions from bots and repeated submissions are distorting AI ad optimization, particularly in lead generation industries
TOKYO, JP / ACCESS Newswire / May 21, 2026 / Spider Labs Co., Ltd., developer of the marketing security SaaS platform Spider AF, analyzed conversion data from vertical video advertising campaigns observed between January 1 and April 30, 2026.
The analysis found that 17.01% of conversions generated through vertical video ads were classified as invalid conversions, meaning approximately one in six conversions may be fraudulent or otherwise unreliable.
Spider AF identified patterns including suspected bot-generated conversions and repeated submissions from the same IP address within short periods of time. Many of these cases appeared legitimate at the click stage and only became detectable after conversion events occurred.
As AI-driven campaign optimization becomes standard across advertising platforms, advertisers are increasingly required to evaluate not only conversion volume, but also conversion quality.
Key Findings
17.01% of conversions from vertical video ads were classified as invalid
Roughly one in six conversions may be inflating perceived ad performance
Fraudulent activity often becomes visible only after form submission or conversion
Invalid conversions can contaminate AI optimization data and trigger "reverse optimization"
Lead generation industries are particularly vulnerable, including:
Cosmetic clinics and healthcare
Financial services and FX
Recruitment and HR
Ecommerce and D2C
Real estate
How Invalid Conversions Impact AI Optimization
AI-powered advertising platforms optimize delivery based on conversion data. When invalid conversions are included in training signals, optimization systems may incorrectly learn that fraudulent traffic sources or duplicate converters are high-performing audiences.
This creates the risk of "reverse optimization," where campaigns increasingly prioritize traffic that generates fake or low-quality conversions instead of genuine prospects.
Spider AF's analysis also found repeated conversions originating from identical IP addresses within short timeframes, as well as suspicious inquiry form submissions using obviously fake information such as:
Name: "aaa"
Email: "111@example.com"
Phone: "000-0000-0000"
Despite being invalid, these submissions are typically counted as standard conversions within advertising dashboards, potentially distorting CPA and ROAS evaluations.
Recommended Measures for Advertisers
To reduce the impact of invalid conversions, Spider AF recommends:
Compare Ad Platform Data With CRM Outcomes
Validate reported conversions against qualified leads, sales opportunities, and closed deals.
Monitor Repeated Conversions
Identify multiple submissions originating from the same IP address within short time periods.
Exclude Invalid Conversions From Optimization Data
Remove fraudulent or duplicate conversions from AI learning signals to improve campaign accuracy.
Spider AF Solutions
Spider AF Ad Fraud Protection analyzes advertising activity from click through conversion to detect and block fraudulent traffic and invalid conversions.
Spider AF also provides Spider AF Ad Booster, which focuses specifically on conversion-stage fraud. Ad Booster evaluates user behavior throughout the conversion process and synchronizes only verified conversions back to advertising platforms to help improve AI optimization accuracy.
Key capabilities include:
Detection of fake form submissions and repeated conversions
Filtering of suspicious overseas or bot-driven conversion activity
Visualization dashboards for conversion quality monitoring
Free diagnostics estimating invalid conversion rates and advertising losses
Spider AF supports major advertising platforms including TikTok, Google, and Meta, and can be implemented with a simple tag installation.
More information:
Spider AF Ad Fraud Protection: https://spideraf.com/ppc-protection
Spider AF Ad Booster: https://spideraf.com/ppc-protection/ad-booster
Research Methodology
Survey Period: January 1, 2026 - April 30, 2026
Accounts Analyzed: 532
Total Data Volume: 44,246,500 records
Methodology: Proprietary internal database analysis
About Spider Labs Co., Ltd.
Spider Labs Co., Ltd. develops and operates Spider AF, a marketing security SaaS platform designed to protect advertisers from ad fraud, invalid conversions, affiliate abuse, unauthorized reselling, and other digital marketing threats.
Founded in 2011, Spider Labs is headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo.
Website: https://spideraf.com/
Media Contact
Spider Labs Co., Ltd.
PR Contact: M. Tison
Email: pr@spideraf.com
Phone: +81-3-6419-7946
SOURCE: Spider Labs, Inc.
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:
https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/study-17-of-vertical-video-ad-conversions-are-invalid-1169058
