One control layer for traffic, policy and reporting.
Learn more ↗Digital advertising formats
The right ad format.
For the right experience.
What does the visitor see? Where does the ad appear? What do you need to connect? Explore visual guides to search, display, video and performance advertising—then find the Nexus product that fits.
Explore the formats ↓A placement, not just a name.Visual examples with real-world explanations.
Explore every format
See how each format works.
Format
What the visitor sees: a banner, native card or search result.
Delivery
How systems connect: feeds, OpenRTB or VAST.
Pricing
What is paid for: CPM impressions, CPC clicks or CPA actions.
13 of 13 formatsIllustrative placements · availability depends on your integration
01 · Search & context
Search ads
Ad formatA sponsored result next to a search query.
- Best for
- Reach people already looking for a product or service.
- Build with Nexus
- Search Syndication
02 · Display & native
Display banners
Ad formatAn image or HTML creative inside a reserved ad space.
- Best for
- Build awareness or send visitors to a landing page.
- Build with Nexus
- DSP Deployment
03 · Display & native
Native ads
Ad formatA clearly labeled sponsored card that fits the surrounding content.
- Best for
- Introduce a relevant offer in a familiar reading experience.
- Build with Nexus
- OpenRTB exchange & traffic hub
04 · Video & CTV
In-stream video
Video placementA video ad before, during or after another video.
- Best for
- Reach viewers inside a video-watching session.
- Build with Nexus
- Video ad network
05 · Video & CTV
Outstream video
Video placementA standalone video unit inside a page or content feed.
- Best for
- Add video inventory without needing a main editorial video.
- Build with Nexus
- Video ad network
06 · Video & CTV
CTV / OTT
Viewing environmentA video advertisement in a connected-TV or streaming experience.
- Best for
- Reach viewers on the large screen through compatible supply.
- Build with Nexus
- Video ad network
07 · Display & native
Interstitial & rich media
Placement familyA larger interactive or full-screen unit with a clear close control.
- Best for
- Create a high-impact message while respecting user navigation.
- Build with Nexus
- DSP Deployment
08 · Performance
Popunder / CPV
Traffic placementA separate landing-page window opened behind the active page, where permitted.
- Best for
- Deliver a landing-page visit under explicit traffic-quality rules.
- Build with Nexus
- XML ad network
09 · Performance
Mobile performance
Outcome-based workflowA mobile offer that leads to an install, registration or other defined action.
- Best for
- Measure a business outcome rather than a click alone.
- Build with Nexus
- Affiliate & conversion tracking platform
10 · Search & context
Contextual & domain
Contextual placementAn offer selected using page, keyword or domain context.
- Best for
- Match eligible demand to what the visitor is reading or visiting.
- Build with Nexus
- XML ad network
11 · Push
Web Push
Browser notificationA browser notification sent to a visitor who subscribed.
- Best for
- Reach a subscribed publisher audience through a configured delivery service.
- Build with Nexus
- Web Push publisher platform
12 · Push
In-page Push
On-page placementA notification-style ad card displayed inside a webpage.
- Best for
- Monetize an on-page placement using a supported in-page demand provider.
- Build with Nexus
- XML ad network
13 · Performance
Direct Link
Tracking pathA tracked link that takes a visitor to an eligible offer.
- Best for
- Connect a publisher click to an offer and its reported conversion.
- Build with Nexus
- Affiliate & conversion tracking platform
Often confused
Web Push ≠ In-page Push.
One reaches an opted-in browser subscription. The other displays an ad inside a webpage. Their audience, delivery and integration requirements are different.
Format versus platform
Presentation. Delivery. Results.
A format describes what the visitor sees. A delivery protocol, such as VAST or OpenRTB, connects the systems serving it. A buying model, such as CPC or CPA, determines which event is paid for. Choose all three around the experience you want to deliver.
A useful taxonomy
Compare by operating purpose.
Intent & context
Search, contextual and domain formats translate a query, page or domain into eligible advertising demand.
Display & native
Banner, native and high-impact units define how a visual message occupies or integrates with a digital experience.
Video & television
In-stream, outstream and CTV use video delivery contracts but operate in different player and viewing environments.
Performance
Popunder and mobile outcome workflows prioritize valid views, clicks, installs, leads or other defined actions.
Map your inventory