If you want your mobile ads to work wellyou need to choose the right size. Different ad sizes affect how users see and interact with your content. This article covers the best mobile banner dimensionstypesformatsand helpful tips to boost your ad performance.
In This Article:
Common Mobile Banner Sizes
Below is a table summarizing the most commonly used mobile banner ad types and their dimensions:
| Ad Type | Dimensions (pixels) |
| Mobile Leaderboard | 320×50 |
| Large Mobile Leaderboard | 320×100 |
| Medium Rectangle | 300×250 |
| Large Rectangle | 336×280 |
| Half Page / Double Rectangle | 300×600 |
| Square | 250×250 |
| Display (Expandable/Interstitial) | 320×480 |
| Video Ad (16:9 aspect ratio) | 320×180 |
Mobile Leaderboard Ads (320×50)
The 320×50 is the most standard and widely used mobile ad size on mobile devicesoften referred to as the “mobile leaderboard.” It’s typically placed at the top or bottom of the screenoffering non-intrusive visibility. Its compact nature makes it cost-effective for advertisers and easy to integrate for publishers.
Large Mobile Leaderboard (320×100)
Twice the height of the standard leaderboardthis ad format provides more space for visuals and copy while maintaining a similar screen footprint. It improves viewability and click-through ratesmaking it a common choice for higher-impact mobile placements.
Medium Rectangle (300×250)
One of the most popular ad formats across all platformsthe 300×250 (also known as MREC)is ideal for placement within contentespecially between text blocks. It’s favored for its versatilitybroad advertiser supportand solid performance in both engagement and monetization.
Large Rectangle (336×280)
Slightly larger than the 300×250the 336×280 provides increased real estate for creativesenabling more detailed messaging. While some ad platforms have delisted itmany top SSPs and DSPs still support it due to its effectiveness in capturing attention within content.
Half Page (300×600)
Known as a “half-page” or “double rectangle,” this large format occupies significant screen spacedelivering strong visual impact and brand engagement. It’s used by premium advertisers and is often featured in high-visibility placements for maximum performance.
Square (250×250)
Though less commonthis compact square ad format is useful in flexible layouts where space is limited. It’s suitable for both static and dynamic creatives and can work well in modular designsespecially on mobile web pages.
Display Ads (320×480)
This full-screen mobile ad format is often used for interstitials and rich media ads. It’s highly engaging due to its immersive size and supports expandable and interactive ad types. Ideal for games and appsit works well during natural breaks or transitions.
Video Ads (320×180)
Designed with a 16:9 aspect ratiothis ad size is optimal for mobile video placements. It’s commonly used in instream video formats (pre-rollmid-rollpost-roll) and benefits from compatibility with transcoded video files from higher resolutions. It’s a good balance of visibility and Ux.
5 Types Of Mobile Ads For The Best Performance
Mobile Banner Ads
Mobile banner ads are the most common and widely used format in mobile advertising. They are rectangular ads that appear at the top or bottom of an app or webpage. Banner ads are simple to design and easy to implementmaking them ideal for both large and small publishers.
While their performance variesthey are highly effective in building brand awareness due to their constant visibility. Typical sizes include 320×50300×250and 320×100. These ads are non-intrusive and maintain a good user experienceespecially when placed thoughtfully.
Despite concerns about “banner blindness” (users ignoring banners)well-designed banner ads with strong visuals and clear messaging can still achieve solid resultsparticularly when A/B testing is used to optimize performance.
Rich Media Ads
Rich media ads are interactive and visually engaging formats that go beyond basic images or text. They can include videosanimationsslidersand other interactive elements. This makes them more appealing and memorable than static ads.
These ads often adapt to different screen sizes and respond to user actions like tapping or swiping. Rich media formats help boost engagementincrease brand recalland drive higher click-through rates (CTR).
Howeverthey can be heavier and take longer to loadso it’s important to balance visual impact with performance. When used properlyrich media ads can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a mobile campaign by making the ad experience more dynamic and immersive.
Mobile Interstitial Ads
Interstitial ads are full-screen ads that appear at natural pauses in an appsuch as between game levels or page transitions. They offer high visibility and typically include rich mediastatic imagesor videos. These ads deliver excellent engagement and conversion rates because users must interact with them (either by clicking or closing) before continuing.
While they can be effectiveoverusing interstitials or placing them at bad times can annoy users and hurt retention. Best practice suggests showing them during natural breaks to avoid disrupting the user experience. Their high impression rate and large screen coverage make them a powerful tool when used responsibly.
Mobile Video Ads
Mobile video ads are among the most engaging ad formats available. These ads use short videos (often 15–30 seconds) to tell a storydemonstrate a productor deliver a message. They can be placed within video content (in-stream) or appear on their own (out-stream). Publift and SmartyAds highlight video ads’ emotional impactwhich helps brands connect better with audiences.
They also offer high CTRs and strong ROIespecially when targeted properly. Howevervideo banners require more production time and budget. It’s also important to ensure videos are optimized for quick loading and fit the screen properly. When executed wellmobile video ads are a compelling way to boost user engagement and drive results.
Mobile Native Ads
Mobile native ads are designed to blend in with the content around themmaking them appear less like ads and more like organic parts of the app or website. They’re often labeled with terms like “sponsored” or “promoted,” but their format mimics the look and feel of the platform. This seamless integration leads to higher engagement and more trust from users.
According to Sharethroughnative ads generate up to 53% more views than traditional banners and are more likely to be shared. They’re best used on content-rich sites or apps where mobile Internet users are highly engaged. While they require more customizationthe payoff is a more effective and user-friendly advertising experience.
Tips For Effective Mobile Banner Ads
To maximize performance and maintain a good user experiencefollow these essential tips:
- Use high-quality visuals and simple copy: Your banner should feature cleareye-catching images and concisepersuasive text. Avoid clutter and overcrowded text; users should understand your message in seconds. Subtle movement can attract attentionbut excessive animation is distracting and may slow performanceespecially on slower devices.
- Aim for a responsive design: Ensure your ad looks good on various screen sizes and orientations. Test across different devices to confirm readability and proper alignment.
- Use a clear call-to-action (CTA): Be direct about what you viewers to dosuch as “Install Now” or “Learn More.” A strong CTA increases clicks and drives conversions.
- Optimize loading time: Use lightweight file formats and avoid overly complex creatives. Slow-loading ads frustrate users and reduce engagement.
- Test and iterate (A/B testing): Continuously test different ad designscopyand placements to find what performs best. Use the data to refine future campaigns.
Place ads strategically: Position banners at the top or bottom of the screen or between content blocks. This ad placement ensures visibility without disrupting the user experience. - Don’t trigger accidental clicks: Placing ads too close to interactive elements like buttons or links can lead to unintentional clicksfrustrating users and lowering conversion quality.
- Skip clickbait or misleading copy: Misleading ads damage brand trust and increase bounce rates. Be honest and relevant in your messaging.
Final Thoughts
Not all mobile ads are created equal. Picking the right mobile web banner sizes and formats can make your ad stand outget more clicksand earn better results. Keep testing what works for your audience and stay updated with trends to stay ahead in mobile banner advertising.
See more common Ad banner sizes:
