Discover the top-performing ad formats for 2025 that drive clicks, conversions, and revenue. Our latest guide breaks down what works, why it works, and how to choose the best tools for your affiliate campaigns. Stay ahead of the curve and boost your results this year!
Things change quickly in the digital space. With the modern pace, it could be hard to keep track of what works and what doesn’t. With 2025 here, let’s look at the ad formats that are bringing in clicks, conversions, and cash. Whether you’re new to affiliate marketing or already experienced, this guide will help you pick the best tools for your campaigns and show how they work in growing verticals. Read on and get ready for the year ahead.
Ad Formats That Work
1. Popunders
Popunders are ads that open in a new tab or window behind the main page. They don’t yell “Look at me!” right away but wait patiently until the user finishes what they’re doing.
Why They Work:
Users see them after they’re done with whatever they were doing, so they don’t get as annoyed and are more likely to engage. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to set up—click, click, done. Moreover, they have high click-through rates (CTR), especially when your landing page is clear and eye-catching.
2. In-Page Ads
In-page ads are ad formats that appear directly on a webpage, similar to push notifications. They don’t take over the screen or interrupt the user’s experience. Instead, they sit within the page, usually as small, clickable banners or messages, making them feel less intrusive.
Why They Work:
In-page ads combine the benefits of being noticeable without being disruptive. They allow users to engage with the content on their terms, offering a more positive interaction compared to aggressive ad formats. Because they mimic push notifications in their style, they feel familiar to users and draw attention quickly.
3. Rewarded Posts in Telegram
Rewarded posts in Telegram offer users something in return for their time. Think discounts, bonuses, or points in a game in exchange for watching your ad.
Why They Work:
People love free stuff—it’s as simple as that. Rewarded posts are upfront about the deal: you do this, you get that. This builds trust and drives action. Telegram’s big active user base makes this format even more powerful.
4. In-Stream Video Ads
In-stream video ads play before, during, or after video content. They’re great for showing off what your product can do or simply catching attention.
Why They Work:
In-stream ads give advertisers a chance to show their product in action, deliver a quick demo, or introduce their brand deal. This format works especially well for visually appealing products or services that benefit from being shown rather than explained. A quick, impressive demo or an eye-catching promo can leave a lasting impression.
5. Banners
Banners are the OG of digital ads. They’re simple, visual, and sit quietly on the page until someone clicks.
Why They Work:
Sometimes, less is more. Banners are easy to spot but don’t shove themselves in your face. They’re perfect for showing discounts, promotions, or other info.
6. Interstitials
Interstitials are ads that take over the screen—either fully or partially—during natural breaks in a user’s experience. They demand attention, but with this format, timing is everything.
Why They Work:
Interstitials work because they capture full focus, even if only for a moment. When timed well, they can feel like a seamless part of the experience rather than an interruption. The key is balancing visibility with user comfort—use them strategically for maximum impact without overwhelming.
7. Direct Links
Direct links are exactly what they sound like—links that take users directly to your desired landing page. No extra clicks, no distractions, just a straight path to action.
Why They Work:
They remove all unnecessary steps between the user and your offer, reducing friction and making it easier for them to convert. Whether it’s signing up, purchasing, or viewing content, direct links keep the journey short and sweet.
8. Push Subscriptions
Push subscriptions let users sign up to get notifications from your website or app. Once they subscribe, you can send them updates, offers, or news directly to their devices, keeping them connected to your brand.
Why They Work:
Push subscriptions create a direct line to your audience. People who subscribe are already interested, so they’re more likely to engage. You can send them personalized messages about things they care about, like special deals or new features. It’s a great way to keep them coming back.
Relevant Verticals for 2025
Some verticals are thriving, and it’s not just luck—they’re tapping into universal needs and adapting to modern trends. From emotional connections to exciting entertainment, these industries are showing steady growth and delivering solid results. Let’s break it down and look at why they’re booming and which ad formats work best for them.
1. Dating
Why It’s Growing
With so much of life now happening online, loneliness has become a bigger issue. Dating apps help bridge that gap, giving people a way to connect, form relationships, or just find someone to talk to. The need for love, companionship, and social interaction is timeless, and dating platforms make it easier than ever to meet those needs.
Why It Works
Dating apps are not just about love anymore—they’ve evolved into a global, multi-billion-dollar industry. With AI-driven matchmaking, niche dating platforms, and freemium models that encourage premium upgrades, this sector is thriving. For businesses, dating apps attract a loyal audience that engages deeply with the platform, generating consistent revenue streams. Advertisers also benefit from the high-intent nature of users, making campaigns in this vertical particularly effective.
Effective Ad Formats
- Push Notifications
- Popunders
- In-Page Ads
- Interstitials
- Rewarded Posts in Telegram
- Direct Links
2. Webcam
Why It’s Growing
Webcam platforms are growing for a reason similar to dating apps but focus on quick, live interactions. They attract people’s curiosity and offer instant excitement in a safe, private space, combining fun and connection.
Why It Works
Webcam platforms are thriving because they capitalize on the growing demand for personalized content and immediate engagement. From a business perspective, the vertical benefits from users willing to pay for exclusive access, tipping systems, and premium subscriptions. These services are also leveraging advancements in payment technology, making transactions seamless and increasing profitability. For advertisers, webcam platforms offer a niche audience with high retention and spending power, ensuring solid returns on investment.
Effective Ad Formats
- Push Notifications
- Popunders
- Direct Links
- In-Page Ads
3. E-Commerce
Why It’s Growing
E-commerce is taking off like never before. People enjoy shopping online for everything from basics to luxury items. With quick delivery and endless options, it’s the perfect way to shop in today’s fast-paced world.
Why It Works
E-commerce is a giant in the global economy. In 2025, AI is making online shopping smarter with personalized recommendations and deals. Fast delivery and flexible payment options, including crypto, make it easier than ever to shop online. For advertisers, this means lots of ways to reach shoppers and drive sales in a growing market.
Effective Ad Formats
- In-Page Ads
- Interstitials
- Banners
- Rewarded Posts in Telegram
4. iGaming
Why It’s Growing
Gaming has always been about fun and excitement. From casual games to online casinos, iGaming offers entertainment with a mix of competition and rewards. As more people turn to mobile gaming, this space keeps expanding.
Why It Works
The iGaming industry is one of the most profitable in 2025. Mobile games bring in huge numbers of players, and even simple games can make millions through ads and in-app purchases. New trends like blockchain and play-to-earn games are also opening up new ways for users and advertisers to earn money. This makes iGaming a top choice for businesses looking to attract traffic and boost revenue.
Effective Ad Formats
- Push Notifications
- In-Stream Video Ads
- Interstitials
- Rewarded Posts in Telegram
How to Choose the Right Ad Format
Picking the right ad format is all about knowing your audience and your goals. Different formats work better depending on what you’re promoting and who you’re trying to reach. Here are some tips to help you decide:
1. Understand Your Audience's Preferences
Consider how your audience prefers to interact. Are they always on their phones, or do they prefer desktop browsing?Understanding their habits will help you design ads that feel natural and appealing.
2. Match the Format to Your Campaign Goals
What are you trying to achieve? If it’s driving immediate action, focus on strategies that guide users to take the next step quickly. For building awareness, use approaches that catch attention and stick in users’ minds.
3. Consider the Context
Think about when and where your ads will appear. Ads that appear at the right moment or fit smoothly into a user’s experience are more likely to succeed. Plan your placements to align with user behavior and activity.
4. Test and Adapt
Start small and see what works. Test different formats with a portion of your audience to figure out which ones drive the best results. Once you know what works, scale it up and refine your approach.
By tailoring your ad formats to your audience and goals, you’ll create campaigns that not only capture attention but also drive the results you’re looking for.
With so many ad formats and thriving verticals to explore, the opportunities are endless.
Ready to take your campaigns to the next level? With ClickAdilla, launching your next big success is just a few clicks away. From intuitive tools to expert support, we make it easy to target the right audience with the most effective ad formats. Don’t wait—start your campaign today and turn clicks into real results!
