Point of this article..
- Both In-feed and In-article ads blend naturally with your site’s content.
- Unlock new ad spaces and boost revenue by combining native ads with selected display ads.
- Perfect for smaller screens and optimized by Google for maximum performance.
Discover the difference between In-feed and In-article ads, their benefits, best practices, and how Google native ads can improve user experience and boost ad revenue.
Publishers are always looking for smarter ways to monetize their websites without compromising user experience. Google’s native ad formats In-feed ads and In-article ads offer the perfect solution. These ad types blend seamlessly with your site’s design, keep readers engaged, and maximize revenue potential.
In this article, we’ll explore what In-feed and In-article ads are, their benefits, best practices, and how you can leverage them effectively.
What Are Google Native Ads?
Google native ads are ad formats designed to match the look and feel of your website content. Instead of disrupting the user journey, they integrate smoothly into your editorial feed or article pages.
There are two main types:
- In-feed ads: appear inside lists or content feeds.
- In-article ads: appear between paragraphs in articles.
Why Native Ads Matter for Publishers
Traditional display ads often disrupt the reading or browsing experience, leading to banner blindness or even ad blockers. Native ads solve this by blending naturally into the website’s design.
- Improved Engagement: Users are more likely to interact with ads that don’t look intrusive.
- Higher Retention: Visitors stay longer on websites that provide a smooth browsing experience.
- Increased Revenue: By monetizing unused areas of your site, you maximize potential income streams.
In-Feed Ads Explained
What Are In-Feed Ads?
In-feed ads are native ads placed inside a feed, such as a list of articles, news, or product listings. They are designed to match your site’s design so users see them as part of the browsing experience.
Benefits of In-Feed Ads
- Better User Experience: Ads blend naturally within the feed.
- New Monetization Opportunities: Place ads in areas not typically monetized.
- Mobile Friendly: Perfect for smaller screen spaces.
How They Differ from Standard Ads
- Integrated into user flow.
- Highly customizable.
- Use high-quality advertiser elements.
You can allow Google-selected display ads within your In-feed units. This increases CPM while keeping ads visually appealing.
Best Practices for Implementing In-Feed Ads
- Match the Look and Feel: Customize fonts, colors, and styles so ads look like natural content.
- Strategic Placement: Insert ads after every 3–5 items in your feed for maximum visibility.
- Test Different Layouts: Try grid vs list placements to see which performs better.
- Optimize for Mobile: Ensure ads scale smoothly across different devices.
In-Article Ads Explained
What Are In-Article Ads?
In-article ads are Google optimized native ads placed between paragraphs of an article. They are designed to keep readers engaged without breaking the reading flow.
Benefits of In-Article Ads
- Better User Experience: Use high-quality ad elements.
- Ideal for Mobile: Full-width ads for smaller screens.
- Google Optimized: Google adjusts layout, fonts, and CTA for better performance.
How They Differ from Standard Ads
- Blend seamlessly with content flow.
- Layout adapts to reader experience.
Uses responsive and high-quality ad creatives.
Similar to In-feed ads, publishers can also show selected display ads within In-article ad units to improve revenue.
Best Practices for Implementing In-Article Ads
- Place Strategically: Insert ads after 2–3 paragraphs to balance visibility and readability.
- Limit Frequency: Avoid overwhelming readers; too many ads may reduce engagement.
- Leverage Google Optimization: Allow Google to adjust styles for better performance.
- Monitor User Behavior: Track scroll depth and bounce rate to adjust placement.
In-Feed vs In-Article Ads: Which One Should You Use?
| Feature | In-Feed Ads | In-Article Ads |
| Placement | Inside content feeds (lists, products, news) | Between paragraphs in articles |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Limited but Google-optimized |
| User Flow | Matches browsing flow | Matches reading flow |
| Best For | Content feeds & product listings | Blog posts & news articles |
The best strategy is to use both ad formats together to maximize revenue across different areas of your website.
Challenges of Native Ads and How to Overcome Them
- Lower Initial CPM: Native ads may generate lower CPM at first compared to traditional display ads.
Solution: Enable selected display ads within your native ad units to increase earnings. - Customization Complexity: Over-customizing ads may affect readability or design consistency.
Solution: Follow Google’s recommended styling guidelines for balance. - Measuring Performance: It can be difficult to track which placement drives better engagement.
Solution: Use A/B testing and Google Ad Manager reports to monitor results.
Future of Google Native Ads
The trend in digital advertising is shifting toward user-first experiences. As ad blockers and privacy concerns grow, native formats like In-feed and In-article ads will continue to dominate.
- AI-Powered Optimization: Expect more automated adjustments by Google to improve performance.
- More Personalization: Ads tailored to user behavior and preferences.
- Expansion Beyond Websites: Native ads are increasingly being used in apps and video platforms.
Conclusion
In-feed and In-article ads are two of the most effective native ad formats from Google that allow publishers to monetize their websites without disrupting user experience. In-feed ads are best suited for feeds and listings, while In-article ads work well in content-heavy pages.
When combined and supported with selected display ads, these formats can significantly increase CPM, engagement, and overall revenue.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between In-feed and In-article ads?
In-feed ads appear in lists or feeds, while In-article ads are placed between paragraphs in articles.
2. Are In-feed and In-article ads mobile-friendly?
Yes, both formats are designed for smaller screens and perform very well on mobile.
3. Can I use display ads inside In-feed or In-article units?
Yes, you can allow Google to show selected display ads to increase CPM and revenue.
4. Why are In-article ads called Google optimized?
Because Google automatically adjusts their layout, fonts, and design to maximize performance on your article pages.
5. Which ad format should I use for better monetization?
The best approach is to use both In-feed and In-article ads across your website for maximum coverage and revenue.