Interstitial ads are full-screen advertisements that appear between content or during natural transitions in an app or website. For example, they might show up when moving from one screen to another or after completing a level in a game. These ads can be static (images) or dynamic (video, animations), and they typically require the user to interact with the ad before proceeding, either by closing it or clicking on it. In this blog, we will explain interstitial ads for beginners and experts alike, its types, pros, cons, and whether it is still relevant in 2025 or not.
Since they take up the entire screen, interstitial ads tend to be more attention-grabbing compared to other ad formats. However, overuse can lead to a frustrating user experience if not implemented carefully.
Interstitial Ads For Beginners : Types

Static Image Ads
Full-screen ads featuring a single image or graphic.
Video Ads:
Full-screen ads that play video, often with a skip option after a few seconds.


Rich Media Ads:
Interactive ads that include animations, audio, or other dynamic elements.
Playable Ads:
Interactive ads, often in gaming apps, where users can play a short segment of a game like Royal Match, Blackout Bingo, snake.io, etc.


Ad Carousels:
Interstitials with multiple images or videos that users can swipe through.
Web View Ads:
Full-screen ads that embed a mini website or landing page for users to interact with.


Countdown Ads:
Ads with a countdown timer that users must wait through before they can skip or close the ad.
Interstitial Ads For Beginners : PROs
- High Visibility: Full-screen format ensures users see the ad clearly.
- Engagement: Interactive and video formats drive better user interaction.
- Branding: Ideal for building brand awareness with impactful visuals.
- Higher Conversions: More likely to drive clicks and actions due to attention-grabbing nature.
- Revenue Potential: Offers strong monetization for app developers and website owners.
- Versatility: Available in different formats like static, video, and interactive.
- User Control: Often comes with a “skip” or close option, reducing frustration.
- Strategic Placement: Works well during natural pauses or transitions in content.
Interstitial Ads For Beginners : CONs
- Intrusiveness: Can disrupt the user experience, leading to annoyance.
- High Bounce Rates: Users may close the ad quickly if it’s irrelevant or hard to skip.
- User Frustration: Poor timing or overuse can drive users away.
- Mobile Data Usage: Video and rich media ads can consume significant data.
- Ad Blocking: Some users block interstitial ads, reducing effectiveness.
- Lower Retention: Frequent use may decrease user retention in apps.

Banner Ads Vs Interstitial Ads
KEY POINTS
- Visibility: Interstitials take up the entire screen, making them more attention-grabbing than banner ads, which can be easily ignored.
- Intrusiveness: Banner ads are less disruptive, while interstitials can interrupt the user experience.
- Engagement: Interstitials tend to drive higher engagement due to their size and impact, while banner ads are more passive and less engaging.

Native Ads Vs Interstitial Ads
KEY POINTS
- User Experience: Native ads blend seamlessly into the content, offering a more natural experience, whereas interstitials can be jarring if poorly timed.
- Attention: Interstitials capture full attention due to their screen coverage, while native ads rely on user context and can be less intrusive.
- Effectiveness: Interstitials often have higher conversion rates due to their visibility, while native ads may feel less like advertisements and offer better long-term user satisfaction.

Video Ads Vs Interstitial Ads
KEY POINTS
- Placement: Video ads can be part of an interstitial ad, but interstitials can be both video and static. Video ads generally require more user engagement and time commitment.
- User Control: Video ads may allow users to skip after a few seconds, while interstitials, especially static ones, often demand a click to close the ad.
- Impact: Video ads can be more engaging, but interstitials are more likely to be seen due to their full-screen nature.

Pop-Under Ads Vs Interstitial Ads
KEY POINTS
- User Experience: Both can be intrusive, but pop-under ads open in separate windows, which might annoy users more than full-screen interstitials that are part of the user flow.
- Visibility: Interstitials are often more visible and difficult to ignore, while pop-unders can be blocked or closed more easily.

Push Ads Vs Interstitial Ads
KEY POINTS
- Visibility: Interstitials take over the entire screen, while push ads are smaller notifications.
- Interaction: Interstitials require user engagement, while push ads offer quick actions like opening the app.
- Intrusiveness: Interstitials can be more disruptive, while push ads are less intrusive.
- Engagement: Interstitials often drive higher engagement, while push ads are better for timely updates.
When to Use?
Between Content Transitions:
Use them when users are moving from one section of content to another, like between app levels or after completing a task (e.g., finishing a game level).
During Natural Breaks:
When users are already waiting for content to load or during idle moments, interstitials can fit seamlessly into the experience without disrupting flow.
On App or Website Launch:
Displaying an interstitial ad when users first open an app or website can be effective, but avoid overwhelming them with too many at once.
After User Actions:
Trigger an interstitial after users perform certain actions, such as completing a purchase, filling out a form, or scrolling a specific amount of content.
To Promote Special Offers:
Use them for time-sensitive promotions or special offers to capture users’ attention and encourage immediate action.
When Retaining Attention:
Interstitials can be effective for keeping users engaged during long loading times or while transitioning between app screens.
Interstitial Ads in 2025
In 2025, interstitial ads remain relevant due to their effectiveness in mobile-first environments, where full-screen formats capture attention. With the rise of interactive and video content, these ads provide immersive experiences, especially in gaming and entertainment. Advanced data analytics and AI enable precise targeting, making interstitial ads more personalized and relevant to users’ behaviors and preferences. They continue to be a key monetization tool for app developers, driving higher revenue, particularly when users are highly engaged. If you’re just starting out in 2025, learning about interstitial ads for beginners will equip you with the knowledge to use them strategically and effectively.
Shorter attention spans also favor interstitials, as they demand immediate interaction. Furthermore, the integration of augmented and virtual reality opens up new possibilities for immersive ad experiences. The success of interstitial ads in 2025 will depend on their seamless integration into user journeys and creative use of emerging technologies.
Lastly
In conclusion, interstitial ads remain effective in 2025, especially with mobile-first experiences, advanced targeting, and engaging content. When used strategically during transitions, they drive high engagement and conversions. To maintain effectiveness, they must be relevant, timely, and non-intrusive. As technology evolves, integrating interactive and AR/VR content will enhance their impact, making them a valuable tool for advertisers and developers. Whether you’re a developer or marketer, Interstitial Ads for Beginners will help you understand how to optimize these ads for better performance.
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