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Artificial intelligence has not simply improved digital marketing it has restructured the entire discipline from the ground up. Campaigns that once required weeks of analysis now optimize in real time. Customer segmentation that once demanded a full data science team is now an automated function inside the infrastructure of every serious AI marketing agencies operating in 2026. Ad creative is generated, tested, and refined in hours rather than weeks.

The businesses capturing the most value from this shift are not the ones buying AI tools in isolation. They are the ones partnering with AI marketing agencies that have rebuilt their operating model entirely around AI-driven performance, automation, and measurable return on investment. The challenge is that “AI-powered” has become the most overused phrase in agency marketing. Every firm with access to a few content generation tools now claims the title.

This guide cuts through that noise. Whether you are searching for an AI digital marketing agency for a scaling startup, a Web3 company needing crypto-native intelligence, or an enterprise brand requiring omnichannel AI integration, this buyer’s guide delivers the framework and shortlist you need to make a confident, informed decision in 2026.

What Is an AI Marketing Agency?

An AI marketing agency is a firm that embeds artificial intelligence including machine learning, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and generative AI into the core of how it plans, executes, and optimises marketing campaigns.

This is fundamentally different from a traditional agency that bolts on ChatGPT for copywriting and calls itself “AI-powered.” The difference lies in where AI lives inside the agency’s delivery model. Genuine AI agencies use it to forecast performance, automate audience segmentation, optimise media spend in real time, generate and test creative at scale, and increasingly make brands visible inside large language models like ChatGPT and Perplexity through Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO).

Why Brands Are Moving to AI Marketing Agencies in 2026

The shift isn’t just technological it’s competitive. Search has changed fundamentally. Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT’s browsing mode, and Perplexity’s answer engine are now major sources of brand discovery. If your agency isn’t optimising for these surfaces, you’re invisible to a growing slice of your audience.

Campaign optimization that once took weeks now happens overnight. AI-driven media buying platforms can reallocate budget, adjust targeting, and test hundreds of creative variants in real time, something no human team can match at scale.

Content production has been democratised, meaning differentiation now comes from strategy, positioning, and distribution intelligence, not just volume. AI agencies are building the systems that sustain this edge. According to recent industry surveys, 88% of marketers are already using AI daily. The question is whether your agency is using it strategically or superficially.

How We Selected These 9 AI Marketing Agencies

Every agency on this list was evaluated across five criteria:

Evaluation CriteriaWhat We Looked For
Depth of AI IntegrationAI embedded in strategy, media, content, and measurement not just tools
SpecialisationClear focus area rather than a “do everything” generalist
Demonstrable ResultsPublished case studies, verified client outcomes, and retention rates
AEO & Generative Search ReadinessCapability to optimise for ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews
Pricing TransparencyClear enough for buyers to assess fit before a sales call

What Actually Separates a True AI Marketing Agency From an AI-Washed One

Before comparing specific agencies, the most important skill any buyer can develop is the ability to distinguish genuine AI capability from surface-level positioning. According to Gartner’s 2026 Marketing Automation forecast, 75% of revenue operations tasks will be executed by AI agents by 2028 meaning agencies investing in real AI infrastructure today will define the competitive landscape of the next growth cycle.

The test is never “do you use AI?” Every agency in 2026 does. The productive question is: where in the decision-making process does AI actually operate, and what documented evidence exists that it produces better client outcomes? The table below maps this distinction across every meaningful operational dimension, followed by a detailed explanation of each row.

AI Marketing Agency: Genuine Capability vs AI-Washed Positioning

Operational DimensionGenuine AI Marketing AgencyAI-Washed Positioning
Audience modelingOn-chain data, behavioral signals, predictive segmentation built on proprietary datasetsUses third-party ad platform targeting options with no additional intelligence layer
Campaign optimizationReal-time automated bid and creative adjustments with human strategic oversightManual monthly reviews; AI used as a reporting tool rather than an optimization engine
Content productionAI-assisted content at scale with quality control, E-E-A-T compliance, and brand consistencyChatGPT-generated copy without strategic structure or factual verification
Attribution modelingMulti-touch revenue attribution connecting ad spend to pipeline, LTV, and on-chain outcomesLast-click attribution with no connection to downstream business outcomes
Reporting infrastructureProprietary or deeply integrated dashboards with real-time visibility and predictive forecastingMonthly PDF reports summarizing past performance without forward-looking analysis
AI search optimization (GEO/AEO)Explicit strategy for ranking in generative AI answers across ChatGPT, Gemini, and PerplexityTraditional SEO repositioned with AI language but no distinct methodology for LLM visibility
Pricing transparencyClear models tied to scope, outcomes, and testable performance gatesVague “custom pricing” with no documented relationship to deliverables or results
Case study qualityNamed clients, specific outcome metrics (ROAS, CVR, pipeline, TVL)Generic “we helped a major brand” references without verifiable numbers

Audience modeling is where the gap between genuine and performative AI capability becomes most visible. Real AI agencies build segmentation on proprietary behavioral datasets or, in the case of Web-specialized firms, on-chain wallet data that reveals transaction history, DeFi behavior, and token holder patterns invisible to conventional platforms. Agencies without this infrastructure are simply using the default audience tools inside Google and Meta.

Campaign optimization is not the same as running automated bidding inside a platform. True AI-driven optimization means building feedback loops where real-time performance signals adjust creative, budget allocation, and audience targeting simultaneously with human strategists guiding the system rather than reviewing results weeks after decisions were made.

Attribution modeling is the most consequential differentiator. An agency that can only report on platform metrics impressions, clicks, cost per acquisition is measuring the wrong thing. The agencies that drive genuine business value connect advertising spend to pipeline stage, customer lifetime value, and eventually revenue, giving clients a clear picture of ROI rather than a dashboard full of engagement statistics.

AI search optimization (GEO/AEO) is the most distinct 2026 capability on this list. As a growing share of research and buying decisions moves through ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity, brands need visibility inside AI-generated answers — not just Google rankings. Agencies that treat GEO as a distinct service line with documented methodology are positioned for the future. Agencies that repackage traditional SEO with AI language are not.

The 2026 AI Marketing Landscape: Key Numbers

Understanding the scale of change underway provides essential context before evaluating individual agencies.

Market MetricFigureSource
AI marketing agency typical hourly rate$80–$200 per hourDesignRush 2026
Monthly retainer range$1,000–$12,000+WebFX 2026 pricing benchmarks
Per-project engagement range$3,000–$30,000+WebFX 2026 pricing benchmarks
Minimum campaign ad budget (typical)$3,000–$5,000/monthIndustry baseline before management fees
RevOps tasks executed by AI agents by 202875%Gartner 2026 Marketing Automation Forecast
Marketers acknowledging AI’s role in creative strategy43%Digital Agency Network 2026
Google Ads average CPC (2025)$5.26 (+12.88% YoY)Industry benchmark
Google Ads stated average ROI$2 earned per $1 spentGoogle internal data (well-managed campaigns)

These figures reveal both the opportunity and the trap: AI is genuinely transforming cost efficiency and performance, but most agencies are only engaging with its surface layer. The agencies below have moved beyond that.

The 9 Best AI Marketing Agencies for 2026

1. EAK Digital — Best AI Marketing Agency for Web3, Blockchain, and Crypto-Native Brands

EAK Digital holds a singular position in the 2026 AI digital marketing agency landscape: it is the only agency combining genuine AI-driven campaign infrastructure with crypto-native expertise, on-chain audience intelligence, and a nine-year track record across more than 250 blockchain projects. Founded in 2016 by Erhan Korhaliller whose career began with Nike, Rolls Royce, HSBC, and Estée Lauder EAK Digital operates from London, Dubai, and Istanbul with offices across six countries and 24/7 global campaign management capability.

In December 2025, EAK Digital was named Best Web3 Marketing & PR Agency of the Year at the Entrepreneur Middle East Leadership Awards, a recognition that reflects consistent delivery across every major crypto market cycle rather than a single standout campaign.

What separates EAK Digital from every other agency on this list is its combination of AI-powered performance marketing with capabilities no conventional AI agency can replicate: on-chain audience modeling targeting users by wallet behavior and transaction history; the strongest KOL network in Web3 built over nine years of genuine relationship development; and PR infrastructure that has secured earned coverage in CNBC, Forbes, CNN, CoinDesk, and Decrypt. Their client roster — Binance, Chainlink, Avalanche, Sui, OKX, Crypto.com, BNB Chain, and Theta Network — demonstrates execution at both startup and institutional scale.

EAK DigitalDetails
HeadquartersLondon, UK (Dubai, Istanbul + 3 additional global offices)
Founded2016
Team Size51–100 specialists
AI CapabilitiesOn-chain audience modeling, KOL attribution analytics, AI-assisted content at scale, sentiment analysis, performance marketing optimization
Core ServicesPerformance marketing, global PR, KOL/influencer marketing, SEO, content creation, 24/7 community management, event management, branding and design
IndustriesWeb3/blockchain, DeFi, cryptocurrency, FinTech, SaaS, technology
Ideal ClientWeb3 and blockchain projects needing AI-native marketing with integrated PR, KOL, and community infrastructure
PricingCustom based on scope and service integration
AwardsBest Web3 Marketing & PR Agency of the Year — Entrepreneur Middle East Leadership Awards 2025
Unique AdvantageOnly agency combining AI performance marketing with on-chain audience intelligence and the world’s strongest Web3 KOL network

EAK Digital also operates Istanbul Blockchain Week, BlockDown Festival, and DefaiCon Dubai major industry events that position clients at the center of global Web3 conversation in ways that no digital campaign alone can replicate. EAK TV, the agency’s original content channel featuring interviews with industry leaders including Changpeng Zhao and Roger Ver, provides an additional editorial authority layer that amplifies client narratives through trusted voices.

2. NP Digital — Best for Enterprise Brands Targeting Both Google and AI Search

NP Digital has made one of the clearest institutional commitments of any major agency to AI search optimization, explicitly positioning itself to help brands get found everywhere from Google to ChatGPT. The agency integrates GEO and AEO alongside established capabilities in SEO, paid media, creative, content, and analytics treating AI search visibility as a core service line rather than a side experiment.

NP DigitalDetails
AI FocusGEO/AEO, AI search visibility, cross-channel attribution
Core ServicesSEO, paid media, content, creative, analytics, AI search optimization
Ideal ClientEnterprise and large-scale brands needing global full-service capability across both traditional and AI search
PricingCustom enterprise pricing

3. Single Grain — Best Revenue-First Agency for SaaS and Technology Brands

Single Grain treats AI not merely as a content production tool but as a distribution and visibility shift reshaping how brands are discovered. Its content leadership covers generative engine optimization, zero-click AI search strategy, and AI-shaped paid search positioning it among the more strategically advanced firms on AI’s impact on organic and paid discovery. Clients include Airbnb, Amazon, and Uber.

Single GrainDetails
HeadquartersLos Angeles, California
Founded2009
AI FocusGEO, AI search content strategy, AI-powered demand generation
Core ServicesPPC, SEO, content marketing, CRO, growth marketing
Ideal ClientSaaS and technology brands with mature unit economics needing a system-level revenue marketing partner
Pricing$10,000+ per month

4. NoGood — Best for Startups and Fast-Scaling Consumer Brands

NoGood is built for speed, experimentation, and rapid channel discovery the qualities most critical for startups navigating the gap between product-market fit and scalable growth. Their AI integration spans audience segmentation, creative testing velocity, and performance analytics that compress the learning curve on new channels. Web3 and NFT sector specialization sits alongside strength in consumer tech and B2C growth marketing.

NoGoodDetails
HeadquartersNew York, New York
AI FocusAI-driven segmentation, creative testing velocity, growth experimentation
Core ServicesGrowth marketing, paid media, SEO, content, community strategy
Ideal ClientStartups and fast-scaling brands seeking rapid AI-powered experimentation to find the first scalable growth loop
PricingFlexible; growth-stage accessible entry points

5. Jellyfish — Best for Multi-Market Enterprise AI Operationalization

Jellyfish distinguishes itself by helping large organizations operationalize AI across creative, media, and data workflows at enterprise scale. Their Swarovski engagement drove 19% year-over-year growth while reducing paid media spend by 14% — an outcome reflecting the compound efficiency gains possible when AI is embedded across connected marketing functions rather than applied in isolated pockets. Enterprise teams also benefit from their digital training capability that builds internal AI marketing competency alongside external delivery.

JellyfishDetails
AI FocusAI operationalization across creative, media, and data at enterprise scale
Core ServicesPaid media, analytics, creative, digital training, AI workflow integration
Ideal ClientMulti-market enterprise brands requiring unified AI-driven marketing operations
PricingCustom enterprise pricing

6. Thrive Internet Marketing Agency — Best for SMBs and Franchises Needing AI Search Visibility

Thrive has built a distinct advantage through its documented AI search optimization work spending months testing optimization strategies across ChatGPT, Gemini, and traditional search platforms to produce data-backed insights on what drives generative AI visibility. Their proprietary Thrive Stats dashboard provides real-time campaign analytics with complete transparency, and their 25-city U.S. presence makes them one of the most accessible agencies for local and regional businesses.

ThriveDetails
HeadquartersDallas, Texas (25+ U.S. city offices)
Founded2005
AI FocusAI search optimization (ChatGPT, Gemini), real-time analytics dashboard (Thrive Stats)
Core ServicesPPC, SEO, paid social, display, remarketing, CRO, landing page design
Ideal ClientSmall businesses, franchises, and local service businesses needing AI search visibility
PricingCustom; SMB-accessible starting points

7. Disruptive Advertising — Best for Paid Media Optimization with Conversion Rate Focus

Disruptive Advertising approaches PPC management with a scientific methodology predictive modeling, dynamic bid strategies, multivariate creative testing, and conversion path engineering refined daily rather than monthly. As a Google Premier Partner (top 3%) and Meta Business Partner, they combine platform certification with deep CRO capability. Their account cleanup and funnel restructuring work has built a strong reputation particularly for brands recovering from mismanaged campaigns.

Disruptive AdvertisingDetails
HeadquartersPleasant Grove, Utah
Founded2012
AI FocusPredictive modeling, automated bid strategies, multivariate testing
Core ServicesGoogle Ads, Microsoft Advertising, YouTube Ads, Facebook/Instagram, CRO, lifecycle marketing
Ideal ClientBrands seeking long-term strategic partnerships focused on sustainable profitability
CertificationsGoogle Premier Partner (top 3%), Meta Business Partner

8. Moburst — Best for App Growth, FinTech, and Consumer Technology Brands

Moburst sits at the intersection of strategy, creative, and performance marketing, integrating AI across creative testing, audience segmentation, and campaign optimization to deliver faster iteration cycles than traditional agency workflows allow. Their mobile-first growth expertise makes them particularly effective for consumer app companies, FinTech platforms, and entertainment brands where mobile conversion is the primary acquisition metric.

MoburstDetails
AI FocusAI-integrated creative testing, audience segmentation, real-time campaign optimization
Core ServicesApp growth marketing, paid media, organic growth, creative production, analytics
Ideal ClientTechnology, FinTech, consumer apps, eCommerce brands needing full-service growth capability
PricingCustom based on scope and service mix

9. NinjaPromo — Best Transparent Pricing Option for B2B, FinTech, and Crypto Brands

NinjaPromo is the most pricing-transparent agency on this list, publishing accessible plan structures Starter at $4,000/month for 40 hours, Growth at $7,200/month for 80 hours that make budget planning significantly easier for growing businesses. Their global offices across London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and Vilnius provide localized expertise for brands with international ambitions. Their HTX campaign delivered 378,000+ impressions and a 16.8% conversion rate at under $2 cost per click.

NinjaPromoDetails
HeadquartersLondon (NYC, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Vilnius offices)
Founded2017
AI FocusData-driven optimization, A/B testing, rapid market-responsive campaign adjustments
Core ServicesPPC, Google Ads, social media advertising, TikTok, YouTube, landing page optimization
Ideal ClientB2B, FinTech, SaaS, cryptocurrency, and healthcare brands wanting transparent subscription pricing
PricingStarter: $4,000/month (40 hrs) — Growth: $7,200/month (80 hrs)

How to Choose the Right AI Marketing Agency: Evaluation Framework

With a landscape full of agencies claiming AI capability, selection requires structure. The table below provides evaluation criteria with explanations of what each factor actually means in practice.

Evaluation FactorWhat Strong Looks LikeWhat to Avoid
AI infrastructure depthProprietary or deeply integrated AI systems with documented methodology and client case studies“We use ChatGPT and other AI tools” with no further specification about where AI operates
Vertical specializationCase studies from your sector with named clients and specific outcome metricsClaims of equal expertise across 15+ unrelated industries with no sector depth
Attribution capabilityRevenue and pipeline attribution connecting spend to business outcomesPlatform-level metrics (impressions, CTR) with no downstream measurement
AI search readiness (GEO/AEO)Documented methodology for ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity visibility as a distinct serviceTraditional SEO repositioned with AI language but no structural difference in execution
Pricing model clarityClear structure tied to scope, deliverables, and performance gatesVague “custom pricing” with no documented relationship to results
Post-launch accountabilityWeekly reviews, real-time dashboards, proactive strategy adjustmentsMonthly PDF reports summarizing past performance without optimization implications
Case study integrityNamed clients, specific ROAS, CVR, pipeline, or TVL outcome figures“We helped a leading brand” without verifiable numbers or client permission to reference
Compliance awarenessIndustry-specific advertising restrictions understood and proactively addressedGeneric platform policy references with no vertical-specific expertise

Vertical specialization deserves particular attention because the most effective AI strategies are industry-specific. A Web3 project needs on-chain audience intelligence and a crypto-native KOL network. A healthcare brand needs HIPAA-compliant campaign structures. A SaaS company needs attribution that connects MQL to PQL to closed revenue. Agencies that claim equal proficiency across all of these contexts are either lying or stretched too thin to serve any of them well.

AI search readiness is the most forward-looking criterion on this list. The share of research and discovery happening inside AI-generated answers is growing rapidly. Brands that establish visibility in these environments now through structured content, authority signals, and E-E-A-T compliance will build compounding advantages as this shift accelerates through 2026 and beyond.

AI Marketing Agency Pricing Models: Which Structure Fits Your Business

Understanding pricing structures before agency conversations prevents misaligned incentives and budget surprises.

Pricing ModelHow It WorksBest ForCaution
Percentage of ad spend10–20% of monthly advertising budgetLarge accounts where management complexity scales with spendCan incentivize increased spend over efficiency
Flat monthly retainerFixed fee regardless of ad spendPredictable budgeting; efficiency-focused agenciesMay not scale with account complexity
Performance-basedFees tied to ROAS, cost per acquisition, or pipelineRisk-sharing and results accountabilityCan encourage short-term tactics; complex to structure fairly
Hybrid modelBase retainer plus performance bonusesStability with performance rewardsRequires clear documentation to avoid disputes
Subscription / hourlyFixed hours per month or direct time billingStartups, SMBs, project-based and audit workCost unpredictability; potential misalignment with results

Most established AI marketing agencies operate on percentage-of-spend or flat retainer structures. Enterprise agencies typically prefer retainers that allow proper resource allocation and consistent senior-level strategic involvement. The right model depends on your budget size, risk tolerance, and how directly you want agency incentives connected to specific business outcomes rather than activity volume.

AI Tools That Define Top Agency Operations in 2026

Understanding which AI tools for marketing agency work are separating top performers from the field gives you useful context when evaluating any agency’s technical claims.

AI Tool CategoryWhat It DoesWhy It Matters for Campaigns
Predictive analytics platformsForecasts campaign performance before budget is committedConcentrates spend on highest-probability channels before waste occurs
Generative content enginesProduces ad copy, landing pages, and content at scale with quality controlsEnables rapid creative testing across hundreds of variants simultaneously
Real-time bid management AIAdjusts bids, pacing, and placements automatically based on live performance dataEliminates the performance gap created by manual review cycles
On-chain audience modelingSegments audiences by wallet behavior, transaction history, and DeFi activityPrecision targeting for crypto campaigns unavailable through conventional platforms
GEO/AEO optimization toolsStructures content for citation inside AI-generated answersCaptures discovery happening through ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity
Multi-touch attribution systemsConnects marketing touchpoints to pipeline, revenue, and LTVReveals true campaign ROI beyond last-click metrics
Sentiment and conversation analyticsMonitors brand mentions, community health, and audience signals across platformsEarly warning on reputation issues; identifies organic amplification opportunities

Conclusion

The best AI marketing agencies in 2026 are not defined by which tools they mention in their pitch decks. They are defined by where AI actually operates in their decision-making how it shapes targeting before a campaign launches, how it adjusts performance in real time, how it connects advertising spend to business outcomes rather than platform statistics, and how it builds brand visibility inside the AI-generated answer environments that are redefining how buyers discover and evaluate products.

EAK Digital leads this list for Web3, blockchain, and crypto-native businesses because it combines genuine AI-driven performance infrastructure with capabilities no conventional agency can replicate: on-chain audience intelligence, a nine-year KOL network built on real relationships, global PR relationships that have secured coverage in every major media outlet, and a full-service stack that treats every element of a campaign as part of one integrated growth system.

For businesses in other sectors, NP Digital, Single Grain, Jellyfish, Thrive, and Disruptive Advertising represent the current state of the art at different scales and vertical focuses. The right match always comes down to alignment — your industry, your stage, your budget model, and whether the agency’s AI capability is genuinely operational or strategically decorative.

Use the frameworks in this guide, demand case studies with real numbers, and evaluate every agency against the same standard: does their AI make your marketing measurably better, or just differently described?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an AI marketing agency and how is it different from a traditional digital agency? 

An AI marketing agency uses artificial intelligence as a core operational layer across audience modeling, bid management, creative testing, attribution, and content production. Traditional agencies apply AI to isolated tasks. Genuine AI agencies have rebuilt their workflow, measurement, and optimization loops around AI-driven decision-making — producing faster results with more measurable accountability.

How much does an AI marketing agency charge in 2026? 

Hourly rates range from $80–$200 per hour for project work. Monthly retainers span $1,000–$12,000+ depending on scope and seniority. Most campaigns require a minimum advertising budget of $3,000–$5,000 per month before management fees. Enterprise full-service engagements can exceed $50,000 per month.

What is an AI digital marketing agency in KC? 

An AI digital marketing agency in KC refers to agencies serving the Kansas City market with AI-powered marketing services. Many national agencies on this list serve KC-based businesses remotely with dedicated account teams, offering the same AI infrastructure as their coastal operations at competitive pricing.

What AI tools do the best marketing agencies use in 2026? 

Leading agencies use predictive analytics for campaign forecasting, generative AI for creative production at scale, real-time bid management systems, multi-touch attribution platforms connecting spend to revenue, and GEO/AEO tools targeting visibility in ChatGPT and Gemini. Web3 specialists like EAK Digital additionally use on-chain audience modeling tools unavailable through conventional ad platforms.

How long does it take to see results from an AI marketing agency? 

The first 30 days involve account auditing, data integration, and strategy alignment. Days 30–90 focus on campaign testing and creative iteration. Meaningful attributable results typically emerge at the 90–120 day mark, with compounding improvements from month four onward as AI systems accumulate sufficient data to optimize effectively.

Is EAK Digital suitable for non-crypto businesses? 

EAK Digital’s performance marketing, content, PR, and branding capabilities extend beyond the crypto sector. Their deepest competitive advantage — on-chain audience intelligence, the Web3 KOL network, and crypto-native PR infrastructure — is most relevant to blockchain, DeFi, and FinTech companies. Non-crypto brands with a technology or innovation orientation will find significant value; purely traditional consumer businesses may find better vertical alignment with other agencies on this list.

What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and why does it matter in 2026? 

GEO is the practice of structuring content, authority signals, and brand information to increase citation and visibility inside AI-generated answers from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. As a growing share of research moves through these tools, brands that appear in AI-generated answers capture visibility that Google rankings alone no longer provide. The best AI marketing agencies treat GEO as a distinct service line with documented methodology — not a rebranded version of conventional SEO.

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The Best AI Marketing Agencies for 2026: 9 Top Choices

May 2, 2026
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The Best AI Marketing Agencies for 2026: 9 Top Choices

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