In this article, we’ll go through each format step by step. We’ll explain what it is, why it works, and where it works best — so you can make better choices and get more from your traffic.
Ad formats are not just a design choice — they shape how your campaign performs.
The same offer can show very different results depending on how it’s delivered. A popunder may drive conversions. A banner may build recognition. A rewarded ad may keep users engaged. That’s why picking the right format matters just as much as targeting or budget.
At OnClickA, we offer a wide range of formats built to support different goals — from quick reach to deep engagement. And whether you're an advertiser or a publisher, understanding how each format works helps you use it more effectively.
Where and how your ads can run
OnClickA supports multiple traffic types to match your offer and audience:
- Web: Includes Push, In-Page Push, Popunder, Banner, Native, Video, Direct Link.
- Mobile: including Banner, Native, and Video.
- Telegram Mini Apps: A separate ecosystem with unique formats — Banner, Interstitial, and Rewarded Ads.
Each environment has its strengths. Whether you’re working with browser traffic, app installs, or Telegram audiences — you’ll find the right fit.
Ad Formats Overview
Push Notifications (Web-push)
Push notifications are small messages sent directly to users who’ve subscribed. They appear on the screen even when the user isn’t browsing, which makes them hard to miss.
Why it works
Push ads are direct and attention-grabbing. They don’t depend on a webpage or placement — the message goes straight to the user. It’s also flexible: you can change creatives quickly, and test offers without waiting.
Good for
– Quick engagement on mobile
– Time-sensitive promos, free trials, limited offers
– Often used in Sweepstakes, Finance, Utilities, and Mobile App installs
In-Page Push
In-page push looks like a push notification but appears on a website. It doesn’t require a subscription, so it reaches every visitor.
Why it works
It blends into the page, which makes it less disruptive. At the same time, it keeps the visual format that users recognize from push notifications. Since it doesn’t need user opt-in, volumes are usually higher.
Good for
– Offers with simple flows (e.g., one-click submit, installs)
– Scalable campaigns needing broader reach
– Performs well for Nutra, Content Unlock, and Finance
Popunder Ads
A popunder is a landing page that opens behind the main browser window. The user sees it later — after they finish what they were doing.
Why it works
Popunders don’t get in the way. They give the user a clean view of your offer, without competing elements around it. This helps focus attention and often leads to higher conversion rates. The format works especially well on desktop, where new tabs stay open longer.
Good for:
– Direct offers that need undivided attention
– Funnels with multiple steps (e.g., sign-up + upsell)
– Popular for iGaming, Dating, VPN, and Crypto
Native Teaser Ads
These ads appear as part of the website content — often with an image, short title, and description. They look like related articles or suggestions.
Why it works
Because they match the style of the page, native ads don’t feel like ads. This can lead to higher engagement, especially when the content is aligned with user interests.
Good for
– Soft-sell and content-driven funnels
– Prelanders, surveys, or quizzes that warm up the user
– Works well for Sweepstakes, iGaming, Dating, Nutra, and Finance
Video Ads
Short videos shown before, during, or after content — or as standalone placements on partner sites.
Includes sub-formats:
– In-stream
– Out-stream
– Video Slider
Why it works
Videos explain more in less time. They capture attention and give room to show benefits, emotions, or storytelling. It’s a strong format for users who prefer watching over reading.
Good for
– Visual products or offers that need explanation
– Brand trust and emotional connection
– Used in Gaming, Mobile Apps, Nutra, and eCommerce
Direct Link
Direct Link is the simplest format: it’s just a direct URL. No banner, no creative — the user clicks and goes straight to your landing page.
Why it works
It’s quick, flexible, and doesn’t require any setup. Great for testing offers, driving volume, or working with mobile traffic.
Good for
– Fast redirects and pre-lander flows
– Common in Utilities, Sweepstakes, and Mobile installs
Telegram Mini App Ads
Telegram Mini App Ads run inside Telegram-based apps — small, interactive tools that work like mobile apps, but inside Telegram itself. These ads reach users while they’re already engaged, without leaving the app. This format includes three ad variations: banner ads, interstitial ads and rewarded ads.
Why it works
Mini Apps create a focused, interactive environment. Ads appear in context — while the user is solving tasks, playing games, or using tools. That means more attention, higher engagement, and better conversion quality.
Good for
– Campaigns targeting Telegram audiences
– Engaging users in-session with minimal friction
– Interactive funnels with engagement steps
– Common in Gaming, Crypto, Finance, and Entertainment
- Rewarded Ads - Video or Post
Users get something in return — coins, bonuses, or access — for watching a video or opening a post.
- Interstitial Ads
Ads that appear between steps, levels, or during pauses. They can cover the full screen or just part of it — for example, after completing a game level or before starting the next section.
- Banner Ads
Static banners placed inside the Mini App interface — at the top, bottom, or in between sections.
Banner Ads
A standard display format that appears in fixed positions across websites or apps — top, side, or within content.
Why it works
Banners are consistent and easy to scale. They’re a good fit for awareness campaigns or retargeting flows. You can test different visuals, formats (static or animated), and placements to see what performs best.
Good for
– Ongoing visibility for new or established products
– Retargeting based on interest or behavior
– Frequently used in eCommerce, Finance, Branding campaigns, and Nutra
Choosing the Right Format
There’s no single format that works best for every case. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve — and how you want users to interact with your offer.
If you’re focused on brand visibility
You want people to notice your product, remember it, and associate it with something positive. This is not about immediate conversions — it’s about reach and recall.
Best formats:
– Banner Ads: Consistent visibility across pages
– Native Teasers: Subtle integration into content
– Video Ads: Emotional storytelling and attention span
– Mini App Banners: Passive exposure inside engaged environments
These formats help build presence over time, especially when paired with strong visuals or messaging.
If you want user interaction and engagement
Here the goal is to get people involved — clicking, exploring, reacting. You need formats that feel more active and invite the user to participate.
Best formats:
– Push Notifications: Direct messages with high CTR
– Rewarded Ads (Mini App): People engage because there’s a reason to
– Interstitials (Mini App): Maximum visibility between steps
– Direct Link: Works well in in-app flows and click-based journeys where the user triggers the action
– In-Page Push: Native-looking prompts without needing subscriptions
– Native Ads: Good for leading into interactive landers or tools
These options are useful when you're promoting apps, subscriptions, or anything where time-on-site matters.
If your goal is pure conversion
You want users to land on your page and take action. No distractions, no warm-up — just traffic that lands and converts.
Best formats:
– Popunder: Full attention, no surrounding content
– Interstitials (Mini App): Maximum visibility between steps
– Rewarded Ads (Mini App): Quick actions rewarded inside Telegram
– Push Ads: Direct, mobile-friendly, and scalable
– In-Page Push: Great for high-volume testing
– Direct Link: Simple, click-through traffic — ideal for fast redirects and strong landing pages
These formats are strong for verticals like Gambling, Finance, VPN, or Dating — where ROI comes from fast, clear user action.
Success Stories
Here are three examples of how the right ad format helped advertisers hit their goals.
1. Telegram Game Promotion with Rewarded Ads
A service provider launched a Mini App game inside Telegram and used Rewarded Ads to drive traffic. The setup: users earned in-game rewards for watching short videos or interacting with content.
Results after 6 days:
– 142,000 impressions
– CTR: 20.6%
– Completion rate: 91.7%
– CPC: $0.03
– ROI: +58% in the first two weeks
The campaign reached highly engaged users already inside Telegram and delivered low-cost traffic with strong conversion potential.
2. Financial Offers with Push Notifications
A media buyer ran Push Ads for a financial comparison offer across multiple Tier-1 GEOs. The creatives were short and direct — “Check your credit score in minutes.”
10-day results:
– CTR: 7.4%
– Leads: 11,000+
– CPL: $0.57
– Conversion rate to signup: 38%
Push helped deliver the message at the right time — straight to the user’s device, no extra steps or distractions.
3. Telegram Game Promotion with Interstitial Ads
The team behind Hamsterdam used Interstitial Ads inside Telegram Mini Apps to drive awareness and clicks.
In just 3 days:
– 8,000+ clicks
– CTR: 12.7%
– CPC: $0.04
– Target GEOs: TH, IN, VN, PH, BR
The full-screen format helped deliver the message in context, with users engaging mid-session — during games or interactive flows.
4. Utilities Offer in Bangladesh with Push + In-Page
A performance marketer ran a web push and in-page combo campaign for an Android cleaner app. Traffic came from OnClickA and was tightly optimized for Android version and language.
Results (14 days):
– GEO: Bangladesh
– Spend: $242.79
– Profit: $356
– ROI: 146.6%
– CPC: $0.0041
Key to success: Bengali-language creatives, mobile targeting, alarm-style notifications, and precise filtering by OS version.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ad format is important — but so is choosing the right platform.
You can have the perfect creative, the right timing, and a strong offer — but without the tools to deliver it to the right audience, it won’t get far. That’s where OnClickA makes the difference.
With 240+ GEOs, advanced targeting by device, language, subscription type, and more, plus support for 8 high-performing ad formats, OnClickA helps you reach exactly who you need — on your terms. Whether you need attention, clicks, or conversions, we give you the flexibility to choose what fits your goal — and to test new ideas without wasting time or budget.
If you haven’t tried OnClickA yet, this is a great time to start. Sign up, explore the formats, and see what works for your offer.
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