What is a display ad?

A display ad is characterized as typically image or video-based, making it visually appealing and engaging. These types of ads are often served on websites, applications, or social media platforms as part of an advertising network and are designed to capture the attention of users through graphics, animations, or video content. The objective is to promote a product, service, or brand in a visually striking manner, encouraging users to interact with the ad by clicking on it to learn more or make a purchase.

In contrast to other types of advertisements, such as text-based ads that appear in search results or email advertisements that target users directly in their inboxes, display ads leverage visual elements to attract a wider audience by appearing on various digital platforms. They also do not focus solely on social media techniques, as display ads can be found across multiple channels, including websites outside of social media, which further distinguishes their purpose and format.