What Is Interstitial Advertising?

An interstitial advertising is a type of full-screen advertisement that temporarily covers the entire interface of its host application. These ads are strategically placed at natural transition points within an app, such as between different activities or game levels. Unlike pop-up ads, interstitials are known for their full-screen coverage and can be expandable, starting as regular banner ads before filling the screen. They come in various formats, including text, static images, rich media, and video. For user convenience, static interstitial ads generally offer an immediate close option, whereas video interstitials may incorporate a brief delay, typically up to five seconds, before they can be closed. Additionally, some interstitial ads are interactive and playable, providing users with a game preview or interactive experience before they choose to download or learn more.

Exampes and Best Practices for Interstitial Ads

1. Optimal Timing and Placement:
   • Practice: Integrate ads at points where users naturally pause, like after completing a task or level in a game.
   • Example: A puzzle game might show an interstitial ad after a player successfully completes a level, right before they proceed to the next.
2. Frequency Management:
   • Practice: Limit the number of ads shown to prevent user frustration. A common rule is one ad per user session.
   • Example: A productivity app may show a single interstitial ad when a user finishes setting up a to-do list, but not repeatedly during task creation.
3. User Experience Focused Design:
   • Practice: Design ads that are visually appealing and non-disruptive to the overall user experience.
   • Example: A streaming app might use an elegantly designed interstitial ad for a new TV show, matching the app’s aesthetic and theme.
4. Relevance and Targeting:
   • Practice: Use data analytics to understand user preferences and show relevant ads.
   • Example: In a sports news app, users reading about basketball could see interstitial ads related to basketball gear or upcoming games.
5. Interactive Elements:
   • Practice: Include interactive elements in ads to engage users. Playable ads or ads with call-to-action buttons are effective.
   • Example: A gaming app might offer a short, playable demo of a new game through an interstitial ad.

Interstitial Ads Revenue

Interstitial ads are a lucrative revenue stream for app developers and marketers. Their effectiveness comes from their full-screen visibility, leading to higher click-through rates (CTRs) compared to other ad formats like banners.

1. Interstitial Video Ads: These combine the compelling nature of video content with the advantage of full-screen visibility, often resulting in higher CTRs and revenue potential.
2. Interstitial Banner Ads: Though less engaging than video ads, they are less intrusive and can be a steady source of income, especially if well-targeted and creatively designed.
3. Fullscreen Interstitial Ads: These are the most immersive form of interstitial advertising, covering the entire screen and providing a complete focus on the ad content, thereby maximizing impact and revenue potential.