What are rich media ads?
The common rich media formats, how they are measured, and how to balance impact with reader experience.
Written by Samhub with the help of AI·Updated 13 Oct 2026·3 min readRich media ads are ads with features beyond a static image, such as video, animation, expanding panels or interactive elements.
Common formats
| Format | What it does |
|---|---|
| Expandable | Grows when the reader interacts |
| Takeover | Brands the whole page |
| In-article video | Plays inside the article |
| Interactive | Polls, galleries or product views |
How they are measured
Besides impressions and clicks, rich media reports interactions, time spent and video completion. These show attention, which buyers value.
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Balance impact and experience
Heavy formats can slow pages and annoy readers. Set clear specifications for file size, sound and closing, and price rich media higher to reflect its impact.
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Frequently asked questions
Usually yes, because of production and higher impact.
Yes, when built for small screens and fast loading.
Agencies, creative studios or the publisher’s own studio.
No, they usually have their own specifications.
Related terms
The technical rules an ad file must follow.
The ad sizes every buyer and ad server supports.
A space on a page where an ad can appear.
Ads that match the look of the surrounding content.
Ads in video form, in or around content.
Video ads inside articles.
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