The Ultimate Guide to Adsterra Ad Formats in 2025: Which One Pays Best?
Monetizing your blog or website traffic doesn’t have to be a guessing game, especially when you’re using a powerful platform like Adsterra. With its variety of ad formats, Adsterra gives you the tools to earn from every type of visitor, whether they’re on desktop, mobile, or even using apps.
 |
| A red-themed graphic depicts a hand pointing at a laptop screen displaying ad types, including "Banner" and "Social Bar." The text reads "High-Paying Ads for Publishers in 2025." (image credit: Adsterra Team) |
In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore all the Adsterra ad formats, their features, real-world performance, and which ones are most profitable in 2025.
> Ready to monetize your traffic? Sign up now at [Adsterra Publisher Registration]
Why Adsterra Ad Formats Matter
Your choice of ad format directly affects your earnings. The right ad for the right audience can double your CTR, boost CPM, and improve the user experience.
Whether you're a blogger, YouTuber, app developer, or news publisher, understanding how Adsterra's ad formats work will help you:
- Choose the best format for your niche
- Improve ad visibility and engagement
- Increase your revenue per visitor
Let’s break down each format Adsterra offers.
1. PopAds
What They Are:
A pop-under ad opens behind the main browser window when a user clicks anywhere on your site. It’s one of Adsterra’s highest-paying formats.
Pros:
- High CPM, especially for Tier 1 traffic (US, UK, CA)
- Works on both desktop and mobile
- Doesn't interrupt the user’s reading experience
Cons:
- Can be blocked by pop-up blockers
- May be too aggressive for some audiences
Best For:
- Streaming sites
- File download platforms
- Adult or grey-area traffic
Real Tip:
If your audience is OK with aggressive ads, pop-ups can be your biggest earner.
2. Social Bar Ads
What They Are:
Social Bar is a unique Adsterra format that displays custom-designed, interactive ads that mimic social notifications or chat alerts.
Features:
- Can look like messages, calls, stories, or alerts
- Highly customizable design
- Non-intrusive and mobile-friendly
Pros:
- Very high CTR (especially on mobile)
- Bypasses ad blockers
- Can be made to look like native UI elements
Best For:
- News websites
- Blogs and magazines
- Mobile-heavy audiences
Pro Tip:
Utilize the Social Bar for Kenyan mobile traffic—it performs exceptionally well with entertainment or gossip content.
3. Native Banners
What They Are:
Native banners are image-based ads that blend in with your content layout. They feel less like ads and more like recommended articles.
Pros:
- Clean, in-content design
- Doesn’t disrupt user flow
- Higher engagement in long-form content
Cons:
- Requires good placement to stand out
- Lower CPM others
Best For:
- Blogs and article-heavy sites
- Informational and health content
- Review websites
Related: [How to Optimize CTR for African Websites]
4. Banners (Display Ads)
What They Are:
Traditional **display ads** in sizes like 300x250, 728x90, and 160x600. These are static or animated images shown in your site layout.
Pros:
- Simple integration
- Accepted by most ad blockers (if not too aggressive)
- Works with nearly any layout
Cons:
- Banner blindness—users may ignore them
- Requires proper placement for results
Best For:
- News portals
- Education blogs
- General informational content
Tip:
Use above-the-fold banner placements for best performance. Combine with native ads for better results.
5. Push Notifications
What They Are:
These are opt-in ads sent to users even after they leave your site. Users receive small pop-up alerts on their desktop or mobile device.
Pros:
- Continued monetization after the user leaves
- High retention and recall
- Non-intrusive
Cons:
- Requires users to opt in
- Delayed revenue (ads shown later)
Best For:
- Viral news blogs
- Entertainment and tech content
- Return visitor strategy
Smart Strategy:
Offer a “Subscribe for updates” pop-up to convert more push subscribers.
6. Direct Link Ads
What They Are:
A direct link is a monetized URL that can be used anywhere, including on blogs, social media, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Pros:
- No website needed
- Perfect for influencers or social media marketers
- Can be inserted into buttons or CTAs
Cons:
- Quality of traffic must be high
- Users must willingly click
Best For:
- YouTubers
- Telegram group owners
- Affiliate marketers
Learn how to use [Direct Links with Telegram groups]
How to Choose the Right Format for Your Website
Choosing the best ad format isn’t about picking the one with the highest CPM—it’s about what matches your content and audience.
| Format | Best For | Average CPM (Tier 1) | Mobile Friendly |
|----------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------|------------------|
| Popunder | Streaming, downloads | $4–$12 | Yes |
| Social Bar | Blogs, news, gossip | $3–$10 | Yes |
| Native Banner | Informational content | $1–$4 | Yes |
| Display Banner | General use | $0.5–$3 | Yes |
| Push | Viral, high-volume sites | $1–$6 | Yes |
| Direct Link | Social media, no website needed | Varies | Yes |
Optimizing Your Ad Format Performance
Here’s how to squeeze every dollar out of Adsterra’s ad formats:
1. Use Heatmaps
See where users click most and place ads in those hotspots.
2. A/B Test Formats
Try different ad types for 7 days each and compare CTR, RPM, and bounce rate.
3. Avoid Overloading
Avoid using too many formats at once—it can slow down your site or annoy users.
4. Target High-Value GEOs
Use country filters to attract Tier 1 traffic. Consider writing content for international audiences.
Combining Ad Formats: The Winning Strategy
Adsterra allows you to combine formats for maximum revenue.
Here’s a top-performing combo:
Social Bar + Native Banner + Push Notifications
This setup keeps the site clean and mobile-friendly and monetizes visitors long after they leave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using popunders only—high CPM, but high bounce rate.
- Forgetting mobile users—always check how ads appear on phones.
- Not testing placements—position affects CTR more than you think.
- Ignoring loading speed—too many scripts = slow site = low income.
Final Thoughts: What Format Should You Choose?
If you’re just starting out, here’s a simple strategy:
- News Blog in Africa? Start with Social Bar + Push.
- Entertainment site? Try Popunder + Native Banner.
- YouTube channel or Telegram group? Use direct links.
And no matter your setup, keep testing. Ad performance isn’t static—it depends on season, traffic source, and niche.
Start earning today with [Adsterra Publisher Signup]
Bonus: Real-World Publisher Testimony
"I run a celebrity gossip blog in Nairobi, and switching to Social Bar doubled my income in a week. The CTR went from 1.2% to 3.8%. Highly recommend!"
— Yusuf M., Blogger & Publisher