14 Types of Advertising
Advertising types have evolved drastically over the years, from traditional print ads to modern digital, mobile, and Meta advertising formats. Whether you’re exploring ads types aviation, ads types Meta, ads types AdMob, or general advertising types, this guide explains all 14 major categories used by brands today.
What is advertising?
Advertising is a marketing strategy where brands promote products, services, or messages to influence consumer behavior. These messages appear across media channels such as print, TV, social media, mobile apps, and even billboards.
In digital marketing, ads types include everything from paid search, Meta ads, Google Display, AdMob mobile ads, to industry-specific categories like aviation advertising. The goal remains simple: visibility, engagement, and conversions.
14 Different types of advertising
Below are the 14 most common ads types used worldwide, including modern digital formats and traditional offline advertising methods.
1. Print advertising
Print advertising includes magazines, newspapers, brochures, flyers, catalogues, and posters.
Where it’s used:
- Local promotions
- Event marketing
- Brand awareness campaigns
Despite digital growth, print ads still perform well in certain industries like education, healthcare, and real estate.
2. Direct mail advertising
This involves sending promotional material directly to the audience’s mailbox—physical or digital.
Examples:
- Coupons
- Postcards
- Catalogues
- Email newsletters
Direct mail ads can feel personalized and often have high engagement.
3. Television advertising
TV ads remain one of the most powerful advertising types for reaching mass audiences.
Why brands use TV ads:
- High credibility
- Wide reach
- Ideal for major product launches
Streaming platforms now also offer targeted advertising similar to Meta or Google ads.
4. Radio advertising
Radio continues to be an effective medium, especially for local businesses.
Benefits:
- Low cost
- Great for regional promotions
- Works well during commute hours
Podcast advertising and radio share similar audio-marketing strengths.
5. Podcast advertising
Podcast ads are booming as listeners spend more time on audio platforms.
Why podcasts work:
- Strong host-to-listener trust
- Niche targeting
- Affordable for small brands
This format is ideal for reaching engaged communities.
6. Mobile advertising
Mobile ads appear in apps, games, browsers, and on mobile websites.
Under mobile, we also include ads types AdMob—Google’s platform for in-app ads.
Mobile ad examples:
- App install ads
- Rewarded video ads
- Push notifications
- In-app banners
Perfect for businesses targeting smartphone users (almost everyone!).
7. Social media advertising
Platforms like Meta (Facebook + Instagram), LinkedIn, TikTok, Twitter (X), and Snapchat offer powerful ad systems.
This is where ads types Meta come in:
Formats include:
Meta ads remain one of the most cost-effective digital advertising options.
8. Paid search advertising
Paid search ads appear at the top of search engine results.
Where it appears:
- Google search
- Bing
- Yahoo
These ads target users actively searching for solutions, making them high-intent and high-conversion.
9. Native advertising
Native ads blend seamlessly with content, looking like part of the page.
Examples:
- Sponsored articles
- In-feed ads
- Content recommendations
These ads match the platform’s tone and feel less intrusive.
10. Display advertising
Display ads include banners, pop-ups, and graphical ad units across websites.
Features:
- Visual appeal
- Targeted audiences
- Retargeting capabilities
Includes Google Display Network (GDN), the world’s largest display ecosystem.
11. Outdoor advertising
Outdoor advertising covers any promotional message outside the home.
Examples:
- Billboards
- Transit ads
- Posters
- Bus stop displays
Industries like aviation often use outdoor ads at airports and transportation hubs—part of ads types aviation.
12. Guerrilla advertising
Guerrilla advertising is creative, unconventional, and attention-grabbing.
Characteristics:
- Low budget
- Highly shareable
- Uses public spaces creatively
It’s memorable and great for building brand buzz.
13. Product placement advertising
Brands place products directly into movies, shows, music videos, YouTube videos, or influencer content.
Examples:
- Coke cups in reality shows
- Cars in Hollywood movies
- Laptops and tech gear in TV series
This format feels natural and increases brand association.
14. Public service advertising
These ads promote a cause, not a product.
Examples:
- Health awareness
- Safety campaigns
- Environmental messages
Often created by governments, NGOs, and large organizations.
Also Read:
- Different Types Of Advertising
- Different Types Of Online Ads
- Types of Google Advertising
- Different Types Of Internet Advertising
- Different Forms Of Online Advertising
FAQs — Ads Types Explained
1. What are ads types in digital marketing?
Ads types include paid search, social media ads, display ads, mobile ads, and native ads. These formats help brands reach online audiences using targeted, data-driven approaches.
2. What are ads types Meta?
Ads types Meta refers to Facebook and Instagram advertising formats, including video ads, story ads, reels ads, carousel ads, and lead generation ads.
3. What are ads types AdMob?
AdMob ads are mobile advertising formats used in apps and games, including banners, rewarded videos, and interstitial ads.
4. What are ads types aviation?
These include airport ads, in-flight ads, airline magazine ads, digital airport displays, and branded screens inside terminals.