Comparison of Native Video Ads, Display Ads, and In-Stream Ads
To make the distinctions even clearer, here’s a side-by-side look at the strengths and perfect use cases for each ad type:
| Ad Type | Description | Strengths | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Video | Blends into content seamlessly | Less intrusive, boosts engagement | Brand storytelling, social media |
| Display | Static or animated banners | High visibility, effective for retargeting | Driving website traffic, retargeting |
| In-Stream | Plays before/during/after videos | High impact, targets video viewers | YouTube ads, high-visibility campaigns |
Pivotal Maxims for Choosing the Right Ad Type
Selecting the Appropriate Ad Format Based on Brand KPIs
In the rapidly changing tech ad circumstances, selecting the best ad format can be the difference between a campaign that sticks and one that gets lost in the shuffle. Each video format has its distinct advantages and uses — from native video ads to display ads to in-stream ads. But, which is right on your logo? Knowing how each type works, their advantages, and when they will be the best for your ad spend is pivotal.
This all-in-one guide explains the differences between native video ads, display ads, and in-stream ads, with real examples, actionable tips, and expert advice to guide you through your decision process. In the end, you will understand which of the ad formats are better suited for your brand objective and your audience consumption.
What’s really the Importance of Ad Format in Digital Marketing?
- Targeting the right audience is half the battle, but with tech marketing, the format you choose can dictate both effectiveness and results of an advertisement. That’s why selecting ad format matters so much:
- Attention-Grabbing Ability: Different ads types grab attention in different ways. Selecting a format that suits your audience can increase engagement by a lot
Brand Image: Ads that align more intrusive or mismatch their environment can damage your brand image. Proper ad type provides a more pleasant user experience.
Conversion Potential: All ad types cover a different section of the marketing funnel — from awareness to conversions.
Editorial — Choosing an ad format is not just about the clicks, it is about building trust in the advertisement and aligning the user with the expectation of the adform — Ad Strategist
The Beginner’s Guide To Native Video Ads, Display Ads, And In-Stream Ads
Now that we have covered the basics, the next step is to understand the ins and outs of when to use each ad type and showcase the differences between native video ads, display ads and in-stream ads.
Native Video Ads
Native video ads are video-based ads that are integrated into the content that surrounds them — in social media feeds or on editorial content. They come disguised as the stuff that users are already consuming, potentially making them feel less obtrusive and more enjoyable.
Good For: Brand awareness, storytelling, and content that is native to the platform.
- For Example: A travel brand creates a video about best summer destinations as part of a magazine-style article hosted on a lifestyle website.
Display Ads
Display ads are the regular banner ads that appear on websites. Visually, they are different, often including static or animated images, and surround the content. They are perfect to create awareness and grab eyeballs, but the downside is that they can be also disruptive if not targeted properly.
- Perfect For: Traffic, retargeting, and brand awareness.
Scenario: An online store runs display ads targeting users who previously viewed certain products about a summer sale.
In-Stream Ads
In-stream ads are the ones that display prior to, during, or after video content played through services like YouTube and social outlets. These ad types are visual, capitalizing on the user’s want to watch a video, and typically come with a few seconds skip options.
Perfect For: High-impact messaging and brand exposure to video viewers
Scenario: A fitness brand runs a 15-second in-stream ad before a viral in-stream workout video on YouTube
Native Video Ads contra Display Ads contra In-Stream Ads — Table
To further clarify the differences, here is a side-by-side comparison of the relative strengths and best uses for each:
Ad TypeDescriptionStrengthsBest ForNative VideoAd is native for organic ads which helps in engaging with the usersLess interrupting to the users, more engaging in nature.Ad storytelling on social mediaDisplayStatic or animated image based ads to give adsHigh likely to get seen by people, Best for retargeting the usersDriving website traffic and retargetingIn-StreamAd plays before/during/after the videosAd gives high impact and targets the video viewersYouTube ads and other high visibility campaigns.
How to Pick the Best Ad Type — SOME MAXIMS
Specifically, what ad format to use? With this in mind, we have compiled actionable advice to help you make sound decisions as to which ad type is best suited for your goals, budget, and audience behavior.
Choose Each Ad Type Based on Your Marketing Objective
Choose your ad type according to your campaign objectives. Is it conversions, awareness, or engagement you are after? Use native video ads for stories, display ads for retargeting, and in-stream ads for high-impact messaging
Consider Audience Preferences
Know where your audience resides and how they interact with content. Native video ads might be the right option for you if your audience is active on social media. Display ads might be a better fit if they are segmenting through websites to research a product.
Employ HIGH Intent Display Ads On Retargeting
Display ads are effective at retargeting where people have already shown interest in your brand. Retargeting ads take advantage of this by reminding them of products or services they’ve checked out, giving you the odds that you gain more conversions.
The visual quality should always be prioritized for your in-stream ads.
In-stream ads need to grab attention through visual storytelling in tight windows. Invest in quality visuals and to-the-point messaging that gets attention in the first few seconds.
EXPERIMENT WITH VARIOUS AD FORMATS, MEASURE OUTCOMES FOR IN-STREAM, VS NATIVE, VS DISPLAY ADS
There are many types of ad you can test and track to get meaningful insights. Monitor pivotal metrics such as engagement, conversions, and ROI to see what types of ads resonate best with your audience.
Ad-Type — Success-Full Examples of Brands Using Each
Now to give you with a clearer image of how each ad type works in the wild, here are examples of brands that nailed native video, display, and in-stream ads:
Airbnb – Native Video Ads
Use Cases: —Airbnb created immersive video stories around destinations and shared them on lifestyle platforms and social platforms using native video ads. Instead of a big sales pitch, they featured local experiences, so their ads resembled travel content instead. It combined potentially providing worth with creating a wanderlust-filled moment fully cementing brand loyalty.
Amazon – Display Ads
When it comes to using display ads for retargeting, Amazon has a legendary strategy. So when a user looks for a product on Amazon, they are bound to see display ads with that product on other sites. It has a way of reminding users of its product, motivating users to keep coming until they buy them.
Peloton – In-Stream Ads
Peloton — Peloton tactically uses concise, motivational in-stream ads that surfaces before their fitness-related content on YouTube. These high-energy advertisements also highlight the sense of community, the features that improve the Peloton experience, and tap into an audience already consuming fitness-related media.
Advice From a Our Tech Ad Consultant: “Brands such as Airbnb and Peloton are now winning because they honor the user experience and only select ad formats that seem native to the platform and give worth to the user.
Best Practices for Each Type of Ad
To exploit with finesse your campaigns effectively, here is how to make the most out of every ad type:
Ensure native video ads are organic in nature. Engage your users through story-telling and use the tone of the platform users are used to.
Content in Display Ads: Don’t go Overboard on the Complexity For display ads—particularly those centered around retargeting—nothing is more effective than a simple call-to-action and a clean design.
In-Stream Ads: Catch their eye instantly. In-stream ads need to be quick and engaging, with just one message or worth proposition.
FAQs about Native Video Ads, Display Ads and In-Stream Ads
Below are some of the most common questions brands have regarding native video ads contra. display ads contra. in-stream ads:
- What kind of ad is the best at delivering on brand storytelling?
- Native video ads are perfect for storytelling since they imitate platform content, and are, so, less disruptive and more appealing in many cases.
- How long for ads that run in-stream?
- To maximize views, limit in-stream ads to 15 to 30 seconds. You have 10 seconds to hook the viewer — communicate simply and stay on topic.
- Do display ads convert that well?
- Which is definitely the case for retargeting. With display ads, you help remind your users of the products they viewed and lure them back to your site to make their purchase.
- What effects do native video ads have on how people see a brand?
- Pros of Native Video Ads Because they can offer something of worth and fit into the content people are already consuming, native video ads can have a positive effect on brand perception, making people feel less like they’re advertisers.
- For a campaign, should I test multiple types of ads?
- Absolutely. By experimenting with various ad formats, you will gain a deeper understanding of what appeals to your audience so that you can modify your ad strategy for the best performance.
Making The Right Choice
The choice between native video ads, display ads, and in-stream ads really comes down to your brand objectives, budget, and target audience. So here a quick overview to help you decide:
For Engagement and Storytelling: Native Video ads are Normal Looking Content Ads.
Display Ads For Retargeting & Awareness: Use them to remain visible on various sites.
In-Stream for High-Impact Impressions: In-stream ads deliver against moments in video content that capture attention.
Every ad type comes with its own pros and cons, but when you know your audience, and by testing and optimizing your touch you can produce campaigns that not only target the right people but also touch them as well.
Selecting the right ad format — an important step in delivering ads to your audience, successfully engaging them, and also converting them. Carefully selecting between native video ads, display ads, and in-stream ads helps to guarantee that your ad material is incorporated into the user experience, and establishes a higher likelihood to connect, inspire, and convert. The next step is to use those insights—test and tweak until your brand reaches and engagement is through the roof.
