5 Different Programmatic Ad Formats

A range of programmatic ad formats can be used as per the advertiser's needs and requirements. As a media buyer or digital advertiser, it is crucial to know about different programmatic ad formats with their use. This blog is for anyone interested in learning more about digital programmatic ad formats.

Display Ads

Display ads can be defined as any marketing content displayed to users, either in an online publication, email, or mobile app. Display ads come in a number of formats, such as images and rich media. They are often marketed on a cost-per-impression model (CPM) offered through demand-side platforms (DSPs).

Native Ads

Native ads can be defined as ads that occur within a magazine but have been designed to match the look and feel of the website on which they exist. Over the last ten years or so, programmatic technology enables this technology to expand and now, it is the dominant format in online advertising. In general, programmatic native ads require a picture, headline, logo, and short description.

Interstitial Ads

Interstitial advertising is a multidimensional rich media format that supports banner advertising, video advertising, and other ad units based on HTML5. These ad formats are less intrusive, drive high engagement, and offer a better experience. These appear on mobile devices & in applications and take up the entire screen. One best example of these ads is the flash sale ad format which comes with a timer feature and displays products in square catalog format where each product can be linked to their respective web page. Once the timer is over, a ‘Time-up’ screen is shown with a CTA button.

Expandable Ads

Expandable ads have high engagement and click-through rates. When a user performs a mouse-hover, click, or tap, these ads expand in size. The timer on an expandable digital ad causes it to retract after the timer expires. Expand to scroll ad format is one example of expandable ads. In this ad format, the collapsed banner displays minimal information with a CTA button. When the user clicks on the CTA button, the collapsed banner expands to a full-screen advertisement.

Video Ads

Video formats and video advertisements are clips that play before, during, or after the user's wanted content. The duration and style of video formats vary significantly, although they commonly run from ten seconds to two minutes. Grabbing the viewer's attention within several seconds of play is crucial to effective video advertising.

So, there you have it, a brief overview of different programmatic ad formats.