Instream vs Outstream video ads
Videos have emerged as a significant ad format due to their dynamic and engaging nature. Among video ads, Instream and Outstream are two formats that dominate the scene. A deep understanding of these formats is crucial for publishers aiming to monetize their platforms effectively and advertisers looking to get the most value for their money
Instream Video Ads
Instream ads are integrated within video content on platforms and are displayed before (pre-roll), during (mid-roll), or after (post-roll) the video content. They are known for their ability to captivate viewers when they are already engaged with a video, making them highly effective for brand visibility.
Advantages:
High Engagement: Given their placement within video content, instream ads tend to have high engagement rates.
Brand Visibility: They offer excellent brand visibility as they capture the viewer’s attention when they are already engaged.
Better Recall: Viewers tend to have better recall of instream ads due to their positioning within engaging content.
Disadvantages:
Intrusiveness: They can be perceived as intrusive since they interrupt the viewing experience.
Dependent on Video Content: Publishers need to have existing video content to leverage instream ads.
Outstream Video Ads
Contrastingly, outstream video ads, also known as in-read or native video ads, appear within non-video editorial content, offering a less intrusive advertising experience. They play in a muted state, allowing the audience the choice to engage with the ad. This format is ideal for publishers without video content on their platforms and is particularly mobile-friendly given the exponential rise in mobile users and app downloads over the years.
Advantages:
Less Intrusive: They offer a less intrusive advertising experience as they play muted and can be scrolled past.
Flexibility: Outstream ads provide flexibility in design and placement, allowing for a tailored advertising experience.
Mobile-Friendly: They are particularly beneficial for mobile platforms, extending the reach of video advertising beyond traditional video players.
Disadvantages:
Lower Engagement: They might have lower engagement rates compared to instream ads as they are not tied to video content.
Muted Playback: The muted playback can result in lower noticeability unless the viewer chooses to engage with the ad.
Which one Suits Your Platform?
The choice between Instream and Outstream largely depends on the nature of your platform and your monetization goals. Implementing a mix of both can potentially maximize ad revenue, catering to a broader audience, and creating a balanced advertising ecosystem on your platform. Although, these tips might come in handy when making a decision:
- Placement and User Experience:
- Instream ads are placed within a video player, making them suitable for platforms with rich video content, but they can interrupt the viewer’s experience.
- Outstream ads are embedded within editorial content or appear in web page corners, making them less intrusive and ideal for platforms without video content.
- Monetization Potential:
- Instream ads are traditionally lucrative for publishers due to their high engagement levels.
- Outstream ads provide a new monetization avenue for publishers, especially on mobile platforms.
- Flexibility and Customization:
- Outstream ads offer flexibility in design and placement, allowing for a tailored advertising experience. They come in various formats like In-Page, In-Banner, and In-Text, each with unique placement and engagement benefits.
- Quality Control and Brand Safety:
- Outstream ads give publishers more control over ad placements, aiding in avoiding problematic content and ensuring brand safety.
Getting Started with Video Ads
Holid offers both instream and outstream video ads, catering to a variety of publisher requirements. The services provided significantly lessen the administrative burden through automatization, allowing a focus on revenue enhancement and system improvement.
We are proactive in scouting new technologies to uncover additional revenue streams, ensuring the utilization of the latest advertising innovations.
The blend of technology and service, paired with our instream and outstream video ads, offers a balanced advertising ecosystem for publishers. Whether it’s maximizing engagement with instream ads or extending advertising reach with less intrusive outstream ads, Holid’s offerings are tailored to meet a diverse range of advertising needs.