Best Mobile Ad Formats and Types to Increase Ad Viewability

Increasing ad viewability on mobile devices is crucial for advertisers to maximize the impact of their campaigns. Several mobile ad formats and types can help improve viewability. There are some effective options like Interstitial ads, Native Ads, Video Ads, Playable ads, Interactive ads and many such that helps you achieve the ad viewability. 

With MagicBid you can boost your revenue by seamlessly integrating ads in your mobile ad formats. Finding effective ways to generate revenue is paramount to the success and sustainability of any app.

In addition to choosing the right ad format, consider optimizing for mobile responsiveness, ensuring fast loading times, and utilizing analytics to understand user behavior. Testing different formats and tracking performance metrics will help tailor your strategy for optimal ad viewability on mobile devices.

The classification of Best Mobile Ad formats are mentioned below: 

1. In-app Advertising

When it comes to in-app advertising, choosing the right ad formats and types is crucial for increasing ad viewability. Considering the context of the app, target audience, and user experience is important while choosing the most suitable ad format. Regularly analyze performance metrics and user feedback to refine your in-app advertising strategy for optimal viewability and engagement.

In app advertising is attention grabbing that is seamlessly integrated into the interface. The strategically placed ads are effective and especially do not disrupt the user experience. 

Interstitial Ads: Full-screen ads that appear between app content, providing a high-impact and attention-grabbing experience. Some of the In app advertising are although traditional but are well designed. Interstitial ads, Native ads, Rewarded Video Ads, In feed ads, Banner ads, Playable ads and Overlay ads are some of the examples. 

2. Mobile Web Advertising

Mobile app advertising refers to the promotion of mobile applications through various advertising channels to increase app installations, user engagement, and overall visibility. This form of advertising is essential for app developers and businesses seeking to reach and attract users in the highly competitive mobile app ecosystem. Mobile app advertising encompasses a range of strategies and tactics to effectively market and promote applications on smartphones and tablets.

Mobile ad formats of web advertising is a dynamic and evolving field, with advertisers continually adapting strategies to keep up with changing user behavior, platform updates, and technological advancements in the mobile industry. Effectively reaching and engaging a target audience is crucial for the success of mobile apps in a highly competitive market.

In-app advertising also attracts the interest of brands/advertisers as:

• Less Distracting
• Highly Engaging and Interactive
• Better Controlled and Managed

How to Optimize Your In-App Advertising Strategy or Goal Set

Optimizing your in-app advertising strategy or goals involves refining and improving various aspects of your approach to ensure better performance, user engagement, and overall success. By consistently evaluating and adjusting your in-app advertising strategy based on data and user feedback, you can enhance the effectiveness of your campaigns and achieve your advertising goals. 

Here, you get a great solution to address some goals:

1. Increase Conversions

Optimizing in-app advertising for increased conversions involves refining your strategy to encourage users to take desired actions, such as making a purchase, signing up, or engaging with specific features. Setting a clear conversion goal will clearly define the actions that you want to take. By optimizing landing pages and simplifying the conversion process by minimizing users step, reducing the form field eliminating unnecessary barriers help increasing the conversion rate. 

Additionally you may use retargeting campaigns, geo targeting and utilize social proof keeping a monitor. By implementing these strategies and continually refining your approach based on performance data, you can optimize your in-app advertising for increased conversions and ultimately enhance the overall success of your campaigns.

2. User Retention and Engagement

Optimizing your in-app advertising strategy to align with user retention goals involves focusing on strategies that not only attract users but also encourage them to continue using your app over time. Here’s a guide on how to optimize your in-app advertising for improved user retention.

Understanding user behavior will help tools to gain insight into user behavior within your app. It will clearly segment your audience based on behavior, demographics and other relevant factors. Target messaging, educational content and social integration also helps to build a long time user retention and engagement. 

Be prominent on Optimize load times, build loyalty programs, social integration and updating regularly. By incorporating these strategies into your in-app advertising approach, you can optimize for user retention and create a more sustainable and successful app ecosystem. Regularly analyze metrics, gather user feedback, and adapt your strategy to evolving user needs for continuous improvement.

3. Brand Awareness

To optimize your in-app advertising strategy for brand awareness, it’s essential to focus on creating a strong brand presence and making a lasting impression on your target audience. Consistent branding maintains visual elements, including logos, colours, and fonts, across all your in-app advertisements. Consistency reinforces brand recognition.

Compelling Visuals and Creatives on the other side uses high-quality, visually appealing images or videos that effectively convey your brand’s message and identity. Creative and compelling visuals can leave a lasting impression on users. Brand messaging, storytelling and social media integration with testimonials, reviews and brand hashtags will help you achieve that

Consistent efforts to reinforce your brand identity, coupled with engaging and memorable in-app advertising, can significantly contribute to building and sustaining brand awareness.

4. Drive Overall Revenue Generation

To increase ad viewability and overall revenue generation in mobile advertising, it’s crucial to choose effective ad formats and types that align with user preferences and behavior. Ads designed to seamlessly blend into the look and feel of the surrounding content that provides a non disruptive user experience. Interstitial ads, Native Ads, Video Ads, Playable Ads, Carousel Ads, Rich Media Ads, Expandable and Dynamic creative optimization can be applied along various ad formats. 

Ultimately, the effectiveness of mobile ad formats depends on your target audience, campaign goals, and the nature of your product or service. Regularly analyze performance metrics, conduct A/B testing, and adapt your strategy to optimize ad viewability and revenue generation.

Mobile Web Advertising 2024 How Can It Help Your Business?

Mobile advertising has several benefits to the business and contributes to their growth and success in an immense way. It increases the reach and visibility allowing business to get along with a larger audience increasing the brand visibility. By targeted advertising mobile web platforms allow targeting based on the user demographic interest location and behavior which helps you to connect with the right audience. 

Mobile web advertising also provides detailed analytics and metrics which allows businesses to measure the performance of their campaign being cost effective. It also allows personalized and customized messaging for prompt immediate action and drive engagement. It is a dynamic and effective tool for business growth providing opportunities to connect the diverse audience, drive website traffic and achieve marketing objectives in a mobile Centric digital landscape. 

What are some of the Standard Mobile Ad Formats?

There are several standard mobile ad formats that advertisers commonly use to reach audiences on mobile devices. These formats vary in size, style, and functionality. 

The following are some of the standard mobile Ad Formats.

• Mobile Banner Ads: Mobile banner ads are a type of display advertising that appears on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. They are small, rectangular visual advertisements typically placed at the top or bottom of a mobile app or webpage. These ads are a common and traditional form of mobile advertising, often used to promote products, services, or apps

• Interstitial Ads: Interstitial ads are a type of full-screen advertisement that appears at natural transition points within a mobile app or website. These ads are designed to capture the user’s attention by covering the entire screen, typically between content pages or during breaks in the app’s flow. The term “interstitial” refers to the ad’s placement between content, serving as an intermediary element. 
• Video Ads: Video ads are a form of digital advertising that uses video content to convey a marketing message to the audience. These ads leverage the visual and auditory elements of video to tell a story, showcase a product, or communicate a brand’s message. Video ads can be displayed on various online platforms, including websites, social media, mobile apps, and video streaming services
• Native Ads: Native ads are a type of online advertising that seamlessly blends into the design and context of the platform where they appear, making them look like a natural part of the content. These ads are designed to match the visual and functional elements of the surrounding content, providing a non-disruptive and more integrated user experience. The goal of native advertising is to deliver promotional content that feels native to the platform and resonates with the audience without interrupting their browsing or viewing experience.
• Rich Media Ads: Rich media ads are a type of online advertising that goes beyond the standard static or text-based formats. These ads incorporate advanced features and interactive elements to create a more engaging and immersive user experience. Rich media ads often include multimedia components, such as images, videos, audio, animations, and interactive elements, allowing advertisers to deliver more dynamic and interactive content to their audience

Mobile Banner Ads

Mobile banner ads are a type of display advertising specifically designed for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These ads are small, rectangular visual elements that are typically displayed at the top or bottom of a mobile app or webpage. Mobile banner ads are a common and traditional form of mobile advertising used by advertisers to promote products, services, or apps to a mobile audience.

The Size of Banner Ads

Mobile banner ad sizes and tablet banner ad sizes are different from each other. Here is the best ad size for mobile and tablet.

For mobile, 320*50, and 300*50 mobile banner ads perform quite well.

For tablets; 728*90 and 300*250 mobile banner ads perform quite well.

The Features of 320*50 and 300*50 Mobile Banner Ads

• They are leaderboards of mobile.
• They are the most effective mobile ad banners.
• They are popular among mobile websites and apps.
•  They can be fitted for wider screens at either the top of the screen or the bottom.
• The thing that should be considered is to make texts and CTA buttons big enough to be readable on a small device.

The Features of 728*90 Banner Ads

• Known as “leaderboard”
• They are often placed at the top centre of a webpage.
• They are popular among tablets and desktops as they perform better on them.
• All graphics don’t fit perfectly within its dimensions. So, create content that fits perfectly for the wide and short format.
• The price tends to increase due to its popularity.

The Features of 300*250 Mobile Banner Ads

• Known as “medium rectangles”
• They are popular among tablets and desktops and among some apps compatible with tablets.
• As its shape is like the square, it has more places to fill with the ads.
• 300*250 banner ads that are placed above outperform ads placed below.

Most Popular Display Banner Ad Sizes

Obviously, common ad sizes will have greater demands and thereby getting you the best fill rate and eCPM. As suggested by Google, here are the most common mobile ad banners.

1. 300 x 250 – Inline rectangle
2. 320 x 50 – Mobile leaderboard
3. 320 x 100 – Large mobile banner
4. 250 x 250 – Square banner
5. 200 x 200 – Small square banner

However, you need to be wary of ad placement. We advise you to follow Google’s recommendation.

Interstitial Mobile Ads

These are a type of best mobile ad format that appears between content transitions in full screens, such as during natural breaks or pauses in an app or mobile website. Unlike banner or display ads, interstitial ads take up the entire screen, providing a more immersive and attention-grabbing experience for users.They are interactive ads that cover the full screen. They are displayed at the transition points of an app such as while an app is loading or after an app is closed.

Giving full screen experience, engagement opportunities, ad formation variation, cross platform compatibility, measurable performance. When used thoughtfully and in alignment with user expectations, interstitial mobile ads can be a powerful tool for advertisers to capture attention, convey messages, and drive user engagement and actions. Balancing ad frequency and relevance is essential to ensure a positive user experience and maximize the impact of interstitial advertising campaigns. 

When to Use?

Interstitial ads are a powerful advertising format, but their effectiveness largely depends on the context and user experience. Using interstitial ads during natural breaks or transitions in your app Or mobile can minimize the disruption and enhance engagement. Test and optimize the placement of interstitial ads based on the content transitions in mobile websites will help having a natural flow and maintain a positive user experience. 

When using interstitial ads, it’s essential to consider the user experience and align ad placements with the natural flow of the app or mobile website. Balancing the frequency of interstitials, ensuring relevance, and providing valuable content will contribute to a positive user experience and maximize the impact of your advertising efforts.

Where to Use?

Interstitial ads can be strategically placed in various locations within mobile apps and mobile websites to maximize their effectiveness.

App Launch: Display interstitial ads during the launch of the mobile app without interrupting  the active  engagement. 

Between App Levels or Stage:  Integrate interstitial ads between levels or stages in mobile games or interactive apps. Place the interstitial ads where it can capture attention without disrupting the gaming experience.

Loading Screens: Show interstitial ads during loading screens when transitioning between app sections or activities.

In addition to this, you may utilize interstitials to announce app updates, new features, or important news. Test and optimize the placement of interstitial ads based on user feedback and performance metrics. When deciding where to use interstitial ads, it’s crucial to consider the user experience and align ad placements with the natural flow of the app or mobile website. Strategic placement and thoughtful integration will enhance the effectiveness of interstitial ads while ensuring a positive overall user experience.

The Size of Interstitial Ads

For mobile; 320*480 (the most popular size) and 480*320 interstitial ads perform quite well.

For tablets; 1024*768 and 768*1024 interstitial ads perform quite well.

The Features

• It is placed on crucial moments like opening a game.
• Closing the ad requires user action.
• Full screen on mobile especially grabs the attention of users.
• They are best placed within games with levels, according to experts.
• It has a larger space and a broader message. Also, they are visually compelling.
• It requires more design work.

Rewarded Mobile Ads

Rewarded mobile ads are a type of advertising format in which users receive some form of reward or incentive in exchange for engaging with the ad content. These ads are commonly used in mobile apps, especially in gaming applications, to provide users with a positive and value-added experience. Unlike traditional ad formats that may interrupt the user experience, rewarded ads offer users something in return for their time and attention.

Rewarded mobile ads come with incentives and rewards, Opt in engagement, video content, App monetization, ad formats that give a positive user experience increasing the user retention. It also has some gamification elements that turns the ad engagement into an interactive experience adding an extra layer. 

Rewarded mobile ad formats are a win-win for both advertisers and users. Advertisers get users’ attention in a more positive and voluntary manner, while users receive tangible benefits for their interaction. This format has proven to be effective in creating a balance between app monetization and user satisfaction.

Native Mobile Ads

Native mobile ads format refers to a type of mobile advertising format that seamlessly blends into the visual and functional design of the mobile app or website where they appear. These ads are specifically tailored to match the form and function of the surrounding content, making them look like a natural part of the user interface. Native mobile ads aim to provide a more cohesive and non-disruptive user experience while still delivering advertising messages. 

It builds Integration, Relevance, cross platform consistency enhancing user experience. Examples of native mobile ads include sponsored posts on social media, promoted content within news apps, or recommended products within an e-commerce app. The effectiveness of native mobile advertising lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate promotional content into the user experience while maintaining relevance and authenticity.

The Size of Native Ads

Native ads come in various sizes and formats, and the specific dimensions can vary based on the platform or advertising network. Publisher displays the ad in a way fitting the actual content of its app. Native ads are designed to seamlessly blend with the content of the hosting platform, providing a more natural and non-disruptive user experience. When creating native ads, it’s crucial to adhere to the guidelines provided by the specific platform or ad network to ensure that the ads seamlessly integrate with the user experience. These guidelines typically include recommendations for image dimensions, headline length, description length, and other relevant details. Advertisers should also consider the responsiveness of native ads to various devices, such as desktops, tablets, and smartphones, to ensure a consistent and visually appealing display across different screens.

They come in various forms and sizes. Your job is just to give the component of the ad. Publisher displays the ad in a way fitting the actual content of its app.

The Features

• The basic feature is being less distracting than other ads.
• It has a higher CTR (10.6%) and better ad engagement (14%).

Mobile Rich Media

Mobile rich media refers to a type of digital advertising that goes beyond traditional static banner ads, incorporating interactive and dynamic elements to engage users more effectively. Rich media ads are designed to provide a more immersive and interactive experience on mobile devices. These ads often include features such as videos, animations, interactive games, and other dynamic content.

Mobile Rich media ads include Interactive elements, Multimedia Content, Dynamic creatives, Expandable ad formats, Gamification, Tracking and Analytics.

What are Rich Media Ads?

Rich media advertising is particularly effective in mobile environments where user attention spans may be shorter, and visual appeal and interactivity play crucial roles in capturing and retaining user interest. The dynamic and interactive nature of rich media ads can contribute to higher engagement rates and improved overall campaign performance. These ads are a type of digital advertising that goes beyond traditional static banner ads, incorporating interactive and dynamic elements to enhance user engagement. These ads use multimedia elements, such as images, videos, audio, animations, and interactive features, to create a more immersive and interactive experience for users. Rich media ads are designed to capture attention, encourage user interaction, and deliver a more compelling message compared to standard display ads.

Rich media ads include advanced features such as video, audio, GPS, or other elements.

The Sizes of Rich Media Ads

Rich media ads, being more interactive and feature-rich, can come in various sizes and formats to accommodate different platforms and placements. The sizes of rich media ads may vary based on the specific requirements of the advertising platform or network. It’s crucial to note that these are general guidelines, and advertisers should always check the specific requirements and recommendations of the ad platform or network they are using. Different platforms may have unique specifications for rich media ads, including file size limits, accepted file formats, and other considerations. Adhering to platform-specific guidelines ensures that rich media ads are displayed correctly and effectively on the chosen advertising channel.

You can see the size of rich media ads from the image below.

The Features

• Known as ‘multimedia banner’
• It is the best format for advertisers with ambitious goals.
• They are interactive and dynamic.
• They can be synchronized with technologies like JavaScript & HTML.

Mobile Video Ads

Mobile game ads are a type of advertising specifically designed to promote and drive engagement with mobile games. These ads aim to attract new players, encourage downloads and installations, and increase user retention for mobile games on various platforms, including smartphones and tablets. 

Mobile video ad formats display video content that plays when a user is engaging with an app or opens it knowingly and willfully. It requires a higher budget than others but offers higher engagement. 

Mobile video ad formats display video content that plays when a user is engaging with an app or s/he opens it knowingly and willfully. It requires a higher budget than others but offers higher engagement.

The Sizes of Video Ads

You can see the size of video ads from the image below.

The Features

• Users like video.
• It requires more budgets to produce.
• It can be useless if you are poor.
•  They should be short (as mentioned in the 15 to 30 seconds range).

Playable Ads

Playable ads are a type of interactive and engaging advertising format that allows users to interact with a mini-version of a mobile game or app directly within the ad itself. These ads provide users with a hands-on experience, typically showcasing the gameplay or functionality of a mobile app or game in a playable and interactive format. Playable ads are commonly used in mobile advertising to increase user engagement, drive app installations, and provide a preview of the app or game experience.

Playable ads has an interactive Gameplay, Click-to-Play Functionality, App Installation Prompt and many varieties of genres. 

Playable ads have become popular in the mobile advertising space due to their ability to provide users with an interactive and immersive preview of an app or game. By offering a firsthand experience, playable ads aim to attract more qualified and engaged users who are likely to convert into active users after installation.

Mobile Game Ads

Mobile game ads are a type of advertising specifically designed to promote and drive engagement with mobile games. These ads aim to attract new players, encourage downloads and installations, and increase user retention for mobile games on various platforms, including smartphones and tablets. 

Mobile game ad formats take the best out of the in-app environment: interactivity, commitment, and memorable user experience. In-game advertising can be static and vibrant, including videos or interstitial advertisements. Mobile game ads require creativity, targeting precision, and an understanding of the gaming audience. By employing a mix of engaging ad formats, strategic placement, and community-building efforts, game developers and advertisers can effectively promote mobile games and drive user acquisition.

Mobile game ads has interactive playable ads, In app advertising, Rewarded Video Ads, Social Media Promotion, User Reviews and Testimonials along with community engagement.

Mobile game ad formats take the best out of the in-app environment: interactivity, commitment, and memorable user experience. In-game advertising can be static and vibrant, including videos or interstitial advertisements.

The Size of Mobile Game Ads

The size of mobile game ads can be similar to interstitial and video mobile ad formats.

The Features

• They are highly interactive and engage more.
• They are cost-effective.
• Their mobile ad format is universally supported.

Different Ad Types

Mobile advertising encompasses various ad types, each tailored to engage users on smartphones and tablets. 

Let’s have a look at the different mobile ad types:

       1. Text, Image & Rich Media

Text, image, and rich media are distinct ad types, each offering unique characteristics and engagement opportunities in the world of digital advertising. Text-based advertisements typically consist of a headline, description, and a clickable link which relies on compelling copy to convey the message. Additionally being lightweight and quick to load. In summary, the effectiveness of text, image, and rich media ads depends on the advertising goals, target audience, and the platforms used. A thoughtful integration of these ad types can create a cohesive and impactful digital advertising strategy

       2. Video

Video is a powerful and versatile ad type that leverages visual and auditory elements to convey a message, tell a story, and engage audiences. Video advertising has become increasingly popular across various digital platforms due to its ability to captivate users, deliver immersive content, and drive user actions. By using auditory elements and conveying brand messages this visual impact helps in capturing the audience’s attention. 

Video ads, when executed effectively, have the potential to create a lasting impact on audiences, driving engagement, brand awareness, and conversions. The combination of sight, sound, and storytelling makes video a dynamic and influential tool in the digital advertising landscape.

       3. Interactive

Interactive ads are a dynamic and engaging ad type that encourages user participation and involvement. Unlike static ads, interactive ads invite users to interact with the content, providing a more immersive and personalized experience. These ads encourage users to actively engage with ads rather than passively view them.  This engagement fosters a deeper connection with the brand or message.

Interactive ads may incorporate simple games, quizzes, or challenges that users can participate in, making the experience entertaining and enjoyable. These ads incorporate rich media elements, such as images, videos, animations, and audio, to create a visually appealing and dynamic experience. The combination of multimedia and interaction enhances the overall immersive nature of the ad.

Interactive ads are particularly effective in capturing and maintaining user attention, fostering a sense of active participation and enjoyment. The combination of user engagement, personalization, and multimedia elements makes interactive ads a compelling choice for advertisers looking to create memorable and impactful experiences for their audiences.

Things to keep in mind while placing different types of mobile app ads are:

1. Choose the right ad size
2. Choose the right display ads
3. Don’t create false footers

How to Choose the Right Ad Formats

Choosing the right ad formats is a crucial aspect of creating an effective digital advertising strategy. The selection of ad formats depends on various factors, including campaign objectives, target audience, platform, and the nature of the product or service being promoted. 

Here are steps to guide you in choosing the right ad formats:

Define Campaign Objectives: Clearly outline the goals of your advertising campaign. Are you aiming for brand awareness, lead generation, website traffic, or sales? Different ad formats are better suited for different objectives.

Identify Target Audience: Understand your target audience’s preferences, behaviors, and the platforms they frequent. Choose ad formats that align with the way your audience consumes content and engages with ads.

Consider Platform and Placement: Each platform has its preferred ad formats and specifications. Consider where your audience spends the most time—whether it’s on social media, search engines, mobile apps, or websites—and tailor your ad formats accordingly.

Adapt to Mobile: Given the increasing use of mobile devices, ensure that your chosen ad formats are optimized for mobile platforms. Responsive design and mobile-friendly formats are essential for reaching users on smartphones and tablets.

Understand Ad Format Options: Familiarize yourself with the various ad formats available, including display ads, video ads, social media ads, native ads, interactive ads, and more. Each format has its strengths and is suitable for specific purposes.

Consider the Funnel Stage: Align ad formats with the stage of the marketing funnel. For instance, display and video ads may be effective for generating awareness, while retargeting or interactive ads can be more impactful in the consideration and conversion stages.

Budget Considerations: Consider the budget available for your advertising campaign. Some ad formats may require higher production costs or bid prices, so choose formats that align with your budget while still meeting your campaign objectives.

Adapt to Trends and Innovations: Stay informed about industry trends and emerging ad formats. New technologies and innovations may introduce more effective ways to engage with your audience.

Review Analytics and Performance: Regularly review analytics data to assess the performance of your chosen ad formats. Identify which formats are driving the desired results and adjust your strategy accordingly.

By taking a strategic and data-driven approach, you can choose the right ad formats that align with your goals, resonate with your target audience, and deliver optimal performance across various digital advertising channels.

What are the right mobile ad formats and the best mobile ad sizes? The question never gets old and publishers are still searching for the right answer. Well, as an SSP, we decided to put an end to curating this ultimate guide.

Conclusion 

Increasing ad viewability on mobile devices involves choosing best mobile ad formats and types that are effective and engaging for users. Viewability is a critical metric in digital advertising that measures the likelihood that an ad is actually seen by the user. Magic Bid offers cutting edge technology solutions  to maximize your mobile app monetization potential. 

By incorporating these mobile ad formats and strategies, advertisers can enhance the viewability of their ads and create more engaging experiences for users on mobile devices. It’s essential to continuously analyze performance metrics and adapt strategies based on user behavior and preferences.