With the typical American spending more than 5 hours a day on their phone, it’s easy to see why mobile advertising has emerged as one of the most effective advertising channels today. About 96% of Americans own a cell phone, and the vast majority of those people (roughly 81%) have a smartphone—meaning they’re spending a big chunk of their day scrolling social media and visiting websites via their mobile device.

If you want the most common types of mobile advertising explained to you, you’re in the right place. We’ve created this guide to help you learn more about how mobile advertising works, which types of advertising are most effective, and the advantages of mobile advertising. 

WHAT IS MOBILE PHONE ADVERTISING?

Let’s first set the stage: What is mobile phone advertising?

This is just one realm of digital advertising, in which ads are specially designed for mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. There are many different forms of mobile advertising, each with its own benefits.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF MOBILE ADVERTISING?

Mobile advertising began in 2000 when a Finnish news outlet shared the first mobile ad via SMS. However, advertising has come a long way since those days, becoming far more streamlined and versatile.

So what are the four main types of mobile advertising today? And how is the mobile platform different for ads? Here are the most popular types of mobile advertising explained:

1. NATIVE ADS

As the name suggests, these ads are made to look “native” to the media platform on which they’re published. Instagram ads are one native mobile advertising example that most consumers are familiar with. They’re well integrated into the app and have the same design as the rest of the Instagram feed. In fact, many users may not even know they’re looking at an ad at first glance.

2. BANNER ADS

One of the original forms of mobile advertising, banner ads are a simple form of marketing in which the ad appears in a long, rectangular box across the top or bottom of the page. Most banner ads are heavily image-based since there isn’t much room for long descriptions. Mobile phone users can then click on the banner ad to be directed to a page with more information. Many companies prefer this method as a way to boost brand awareness without being too disruptive.

3. INTERSTITIAL ADS

Interstitial ads appear during transition periods of phone use (like when clicking to a new screen on an app or after finishing a game). They take over the whole screen and give the brand a chance to capture the attention of their target audience in just a few seconds. These types of ads are growing in popularity because they offer a high impression rate in comparison to other types of mobile ads. 

4. VIDEO ADS

Video content has increased in popularity among marketers for the past few years, with 86% of companies using video in their marketing strategy today. Mobile video ads usually play when the phone user opens or clicks a button on an app. Though this type of mobile advertising is more expensive, it often produces an impressive return on investment. 

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE ADVERTISING?

Now you know the most popular types of mobile ads. But what are the advantages of mobile advertising?

This type of marketing gives companies unprecedented access to their target audience. With consumers spending so much of their time scrolling, swiping, and clicking away on their phones throughout the day, it’s an obvious choice for getting your brand in front of customers, no matter the age or demographic.

Mobile advertising also offers unique location and personalization tools that exceed the limits of traditional advertising. And truly great mobile advertising even has the potential to go viral since mobile phone users are always looking for the next great thing to share with friends and family. 

WHICH TYPE OF ADVERTISING IS MOST EFFECTIVE?

So which type of advertising is most effective? The statistics speak for themselves. More than 40% of online transactions are made using a mobile device. Mobile data traffic is expected to increase, and advertising now comprises the bulk of digital ad spending.

CHOOSE AGILITY

If you’re still asking, “How can I make a mobile ad?” it’s not too late to jump aboard the trend. Create effective, results-driven mobile ads today with the help of Agility’s platform.