Video content is dominating the digital space in 2026, and affiliates can leverage it for their profits. Let’s discuss what video advertising is and how to use it in affiliate marketing.
What are video ads?
The video ads definition is simple. They are advertising videos that autoplay within other video content. The viewer is already prepared to watch a video when the ad appears, so it catches maximum attention.
Video ads run on streaming platforms and video sites where users’ primary intent is to watch video — YouTube, Twitch, Vimeo, and more. They can appear before, during, or after the main video content.
What is RichAds?
Ad network for telegram ads,
high quality push and popunder ads,
domain redirect, native and display traffic source,
buy push ads at $0.005 (CPC), pop ads at $0.5 (CPM),
domain ads costs start from $1.5 (CPM), native ads — from $0.001 (CPC),
ad network offers large volumes of traffic in more than 200 geos from Tier 3 to Tier 1.
Types of video advertising
When discussing the meaning of video ads, we should cover two main types: in-stream ads and out-stream ads. Both formats require video creatives, but they work very differently.
Here’s a clear comparison table:
| In-stream ads | Out-stream ads | |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Inside a video player | In text content, feeds, sidebars |
| Sound | On by default | Muted by default |
| Viewability | Very high | Low, user may scroll past |
| Engagement | High | Moderate |
| Completion rate | Up to 90% | 40-60% |
| Inventory | Requires video content | Works on any page |
| CPM | Higher | Lower |
Ultimately, in-stream video ads win for affiliate campaigns, ensuring higher engagement rates and better conversions.
In-stream video ad formats
There are three categories of in-stream video advertising: linear ads, non-linear ads, and companion ads. Let’s explore each of them.
Linear video ads definition
Linear ads take over the entire video player and play in line with the content. They pause the main video, similar to TV commercials.
This type of video ad is the most common and the one most relevant to affiliates. Usually, the ads play before the main video starts – they’re called pre-roll ads.
Pre-roll videos are 10 to 30 seconds long and work well for brand awareness campaigns. The viewer has to watch for at least a few seconds before getting to their intended content, so visibility is guaranteed.
There are also mid-roll and post-roll ads among linear video ads. However, they are less popular.
Non-linear streaming ads
Non-linear video ads don’t interrupt playback. They appear on top of the playing video as an overlay, letting the viewer keep watching while the ad is visible. Overlay ads are less intrusive and don’t interrupt the viewing experience but also have a lower impact.
The main non-linear formats are:
- Overlay banners — a small static or animated banner that appears at the bottom of the video frame.
- Overlay text — a text message layered on top of the video. It helps deliver a short message without blocking the screen.
- Branded canvas units (L-banners) — the video temporarily shrinks to accommodate an L-shaped banner beside it.
Non-linear ads are mostly used for retargeting campaigns, as they won’t convert cold traffic.
Companion ads
Companion ads run outside the video player. They can appear in the sidebar, below the video, or in the surrounding page content as image, text, or animated units.
They’re often paired with linear or non-linear in-stream ads to reinforce the message. You may have seen these on YouTube: they usually show a banner ad next to the video that matches or relates to the pre-roll video ad that just ran in the player.
What is RichAds?
Ad network for telegram ads,
high quality push and popunder ads,
domain redirect, native and display traffic source,
buy push ads at $0.005 (CPC), pop ads at $0.5 (CPM),
domain ads costs start from $1.5 (CPM), native ads — from $0.001 (CPC),
ad network offers large volumes of traffic in more than 200 geos from Tier 3 to Tier 1.
Skippable ads vs. non-skippable video ads
As we mentioned, pre-roll ads are the most popular type of video advertising. They are short video ads that play before the main content a user is about to watch.
The thing with pre-roll video ads is that they can be skippable or non-skippable. Both formats convert, but efficiency depends on your goals and offer type.
Skippable video ads definition
Skippable ads give the viewer a “Skip” button after 5 seconds. The user can choose to continue watching or skip to their content.
It’s like a filter: viewers who keep watching past 5 seconds are genuinely interested. Your traffic quality is higher, and you get a better conversion rate.
However, most people will skip, so your first 3-5 seconds need to be engaging and catchy. Keep in mind that most publishers support skippable video ads, and your creative should meet the requirements.
Non-skippable video ads definition
Non-skippable ads force the user to watch the entire ad. That’s why this type delivers a higher completion rate – everyone sees your ad till the end.
However, a non-skippable format can irritate viewers, especially if the ad isn’t relevant to them. You should carefully target your audience to achieve good results.
Most affiliates start with skippable ads, as they’re less intrusive and work well across a wide range of verticals. Non-skippable video ads suit retargeting campaigns when you know exactly who you’re reaching.
Video ads meaning for affiliates
Video ads are a powerful performance channel, offering many advantages for affiliates and media buyers:
- 100% viewability
- High CTR
- Storytelling format
- Precise targeting
- Brand awareness
- Cost-effectiveness
At the RichAds ad network, you can launch pre-roll video ads, MP4 videos up to 30 seconds long, delivered on streaming content sites and video platforms. They use the CPM payment model and deliver great conversion rates for impulse-driven campaigns. Bids start from $0.05.
Top verticals for in-stream video ads
Video advertising works best for emotion-driven offers, where the audience wants to see the product in action. The best verticals are:
- Gambling
- Betting
- Dating
- Gaming
Best GEOs for in-stream ad campaigns
Video traffic is global, so your choice of GEO mostly depends on your offer. Still, we can determine some specific countries where you can achieve the best ROI.
Here are real traffic volumes and CPMs across the top GEOs for video ads on the RichAds ad network:
| Country | Daily impressions, million | Average CPM, $ |
|---|---|---|
| India | 20 | 0.065 |
| Indonesia | 6 | 0.065 |
| Brazil | 5.5 | 0.9 |
| Philippines | 4 | 0.1 |
| United Kingdom | 3 | 0.536 |
| Canada | 3 | 0.568 |
| Thailand | 2.5 | 0.171 |
| Australia | 1.5 | 0.743 |
| Pakistan | 1 | 0.3 |
RichAds ad network’s team regularly posts the latest info on top GEOs and verticals for our popular formats – check the latest report to stay up to date.
What is a good video ad?
Now you know the meaning of video ads, types of video advertising, and top verticals and GEOs for running pre-roll traffic, but to succeed you need in-depth marketing knowledge and creativity.
The best video creative catches attention from the first seconds and encourages users to click and learn more about the product. Consider a bold statement or something unexpected to engage the user instantly. Also, mention your target action early – everything important in the first seconds – then reinforce it at the end. The CTA button also should tell the user exactly what happens when they click: “Get Offer”, “Try Free”, “Sign Up Now”.
You can use Canva, Promo, Animoto, or similar creation platforms, or order production from an outsourcing service. Some advertisers can provide video materials on request.
As a result, you need a short video, 10 to 30 seconds, in MP4 format, up to 20 MB. The aspect ratio should be up to 16:9, and the resolution up to 1920×1080.
We also recommend testing different video creatives, titles, and CTAs. You never know in advance what will convert, so you must try all available options.
What is RichAds?
Ad network for telegram ads,
high quality push and popunder ads,
domain redirect, native and display traffic source,
buy push ads at $0.005 (CPC), pop ads at $0.5 (CPM),
domain ads costs start from $1.5 (CPM), native ads — from $0.001 (CPC),
ad network offers large volumes of traffic in more than 200 geos from Tier 3 to Tier 1.
Related articles:
- Announcing the Launch of Our New Pre-Roll Video Ad Format
- Pre-Roll Ads: Complete Guide
- What Are In-Stream Ads and How Do They Work?
- Top Video Ad Networks in 2026
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