Native advertising has improved the way brands connect with audiences by offering promotional content that they explore regularly.

And there are so many different types, or formats, of native advertising, making it difficult to figure out the right route toward native ads.

In this article, we’ll explore the different types of native advertising formats with examples that will help you develop your own native advertising strategy. You’ll discover real-world examples that showcase how brands creatively promote themselves into platforms without disrupting the user experience and making the content seem native to that platform.

Let’s start with basics.

What is Native Advertising?

Native advertising is a type of paid media that blends with the format, style, content, and tone of the platform on which it appears. These ads are designed specifically to fit with surrounding content and give off a more organic and less intrusive feel.

You’ve likely come across native ads without even realizing it, mostly, in form of recommended content.

For example: “sponsored articles on news websites, promoted listings in search results, and “recommended for you” content widgets are all examples of native advertising.”

Now, let’s get straight into Native Ad formats and Native Advertising examples that you can take inspiration from.

1. In-Feed Native Ads

In-feed native ads seamlessly integrated into the content streams of websites, apps, or social media platforms.

These ads mimic the design, layout, and tone of surrounding content to ensure they blend naturally into the user experience. They are typically labeled as “Sponsored” or “Promoted” to maintain transparency.

Common placements for in-feed native ads include content feeds, product feeds, and social media feeds.

# Content Feeds – Found on publisher sites like Buzzfeed or news aggregators, these ads appear as articles, images, or videos within the standard content stream.

# Product Feeds – Displayed on eCommerce platforms like Amazon or eBay, these ads promote products as a suggestion.

# Social Media Feeds – Platforms like Facebook and Twitter feature these ads as “Promoted Posts” or “Suggested Tweets”.

Also, the endless scrolling format on social media platforms encourages users to engage with in-feed ads as they feel more receptive to content, allowing engagement without disrupting their flow.

Source

Alt: In-feed native ads – social media feeds – Native Advertising Examples

The effectiveness of in-feed native ads lies in their ability to align with consumer psychology.

These ads are embedded within the browsing experience, reducing irritation compared to traditional banner ads. When customers are presented with ads in their browsing feed, they’re already focused and they respond better to subtle influence made by that native ad placement. This is because they see it aligns with their needs and isn’t looking forceful too.

This subtle approach to advertising helps bring in better engagement and click-through rates.

2. Content / Product Recommendation Widgets

Content or product recommendation widgets are typically embedded within or at the end of articles, product pages, or feeds on websites and apps. They appear as a set of links, thumbnails, or product cards under headers like “Recommended for You” “You May Also Like” or “Related Products”.

These widgets are designed to match the look and feel of the surrounding content, ensuring a seamless browsing experience.

Placements for content and product recommendation widgets include:

# Below Articles or Blog Posts

Suggesting related content to keep users engaged.

Here’s an example of how native ads are integrated in between and at the end of articles and blog posts from the website of Irish Independent.

Here’s another example of the same from BuzzFeed.

You can see how precisely a paid content recommendation is placed based on what user is currently viewing.

# On Product Pages

Highlighting complementary or similar products to encourage cross-selling.

Here are two examples from Amazon, both from the product page. The first example shares a small promotional widgets that recommend a different yet better product.

 

And a recommendation box that suggests exploring similar brands.

These recommendations widgets follow key psychological principles that help drive engagement and conversions.

These widgets analyze user behavior, preferences, and demographics to deliver highly relevant suggestions. This makes users feel understood and valued, increasing the likelihood of interaction and return visits.

Users are often introduced to content or products they might not have actively searched for.

When recommendations are based on trends, ratings, or what similar users have enjoyed, it introduces the chances of better clicks.

3. Sponsored Editorials / Advertorials

Sponsored editorials, also known as advertorials, are paid content pieces designed to resemble regular editorial articles but promote a brand, product, or service. They are typically published within the editorial sections of newspapers, magazines, or websites, where they blend in with the host publication’s style and tone.

Unlike traditional ads, advertorials provide in-depth information, storytelling, or useful content that aligns with readers’ interests.

They are clearly labeled as “Sponsored”, “Advertorial”, or “Promoted” to maintain transparency.

Placements for sponsored editorials and advertorials include:

• Within online or print editorial sections.
• As standalone blog posts or articles on publisher sites.
• Embedded in social media feeds as sponsored posts.
• Featured in newsletters or branded content hubs.

Here’s an example of an advertorial written for Audi on the Irish Independent news website.

Sponsored editorials tend to succeed because they combine advertising with valuable, informative content that readers find engaging rather than intrusive. Also, advertorials often use narrative techniques to connect emotionally with readers, making the promotion feel more relatable and less salesy, which is necessary to make an ad seem native.

4. Floating Native Ads

Floating native ads are dynamic ad units that “float” or remain visible as users scroll through a webpage or app. Unlike fixed banner ads, these ads are designed to move with the user’s viewport, often appearing in a corner of the screen or as a subtle overlay.

Their placement is very careful to avoid obstructing core content, typically allowing users to minimize or close the ad for a less intrusive experience. Floating native ads can take the form of small banners, chat bubbles, interactive widgets, or even video players that stay anchored as users navigate the page.

Here’s an example of a floating ad which is placed natively on the product page of Amazon.

You can see how relevant it is to the current product that the customer is exploring, subtly asking to explore more of the collection by that brand.

Such native ad elements would spark curiosity and encourage user interaction, leading to higher click-through and conversion rates.

5. Native Video Advertising

Native video ads are seamlessly integrated into the content environment of a website, app, or social platform, so they appear as a natural part of the user experience rather than a disruptive interruption.

A few of the common native video ad placements include:

# In-Feed Videos

These appear within social media feeds (like Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn) or news sites, formatted to match organic posts. A video ad by Lakme is a perfect example of prompting a product natively through a social media platform.

# Brand-Creator Direct Collaboration for Video Ad

Brands also work directly with creators to produce videos that feature the product or message in a way that fits the creator’s unique style and audience expectations. This ensures the ad feels like a natural part of the content rather than a separate commercial.

These videos are published on the creator’s channel where their loyal audience already spends time.

Here’s an example of National Geographic collaborating with DHL for paid content.

Source: YouTube

Here’s another example of how brands and influencers collaborate, a type of native ad.

This placement has the benefit of the creator’s credibility and connection with their viewers, increasing the likelihood of positive engagement and conversion. Besides the creator’s own channel, these native video ads can also be promoted through paid campaigns across various platforms, ensuring wider reach while maintaining the authentic feel of the original content. That’s also called a multi-channel strategy for native ads.

6. In-Article Ads

In-article ads are native advertising units placed directly within the body of an article, typically between paragraphs.

They are designed to blend seamlessly with the content and provide a good-read suggestion in between. Here’s an example for Native In-article Ad from the Forbes website.

In-article ads usually come with a layout and style that match the surrounding content, ensuring they don’t disrupt the reader’s experience but still remain noticeable.

In-article ads work because they use ad elements while still fitting in the article’s flow, which makes them less likely to be ignored or cause frustration, leading to higher engagement. Also, the contextual relevance of the topic is added with logical breaks where readers are more likely to pause.

Such as; after introductory sections or between major points.

7. In-App Ads

In-app native ads are embedded within mobile applications, designed to match the look, feel, and functionality of the app’s user interface.

These are integrated within content feeds, such as news streams, product lists, or social updates, appearing as natural entries in the feed. You can also see them displayed as suggested articles, videos, or products at the end or within content, these ads encourage further engagement without breaking the user journey.

Placed within the flow of app content, such as between sections or after certain user actions.

Here’s an In-app Native Ad example from Instagram.

Such ads match the app’s inclusive design and are highly relevant to what users recently interacted with. Also, they feel like a natural part of the app, making them less distracting than banners or pop-ups. That makes it easy for users to interact with as they are relevant and visually consistent with the app, leading to better click-through and conversion rates.

8. Promoted Trending Topics / Hashtags

Promoted trending topics or hashtags are featured prominently on social media platforms or news websites, typically in the trending or discovery sections.

Brands pay to have their hashtag or topic appear alongside organically trending content, ensuring high visibility to a broad audience.

These placements are most common on platforms like Twitter (now X), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Forbes, The New York Times, and more platforms where trending lists or explore pages are central to user discovery.

Here’s an example of how trending topics are promoted natively on the website of Forbes.

Here’s a promotion of a hashtag, a native ad example from Twitter (now X).

9. Native Audio Ads

Native audio ads are audio advertisements designed to blend naturally with the surrounding audio content, such as podcasts, streaming music, or audio articles. Unlike traditional audio ads that interrupt the listening experience, native audio ads match the tone, style, and format of the content, making them feel like a seamless part of the program.

They are usually clearly distinguishable but delivered in a way that feels less intrusive and more engaging.

A few of the placements for native audio ads include

# Podcasts

Platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher enable native sponsorship ads and dynamic ad insertion where the creator subtly promotes product in between their content.

Example – Audio Native Ads.mp3

# Music Streaming Platforms

Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio offer native audio ad formats integrated into their streaming experiences.

Here’s an example of an audio ad from Spotify.

Native Audio Ads work as it’s hosted by familiar voices. Due to that, ad listeners are more likely to trust and engage with the message. These ads maintain the flow of the audio content, reducing listener irritation and ad skipping.

Also, these ads are placed in relevant content contexts to resonate better with listeners, increasing recall and conversion.

10. Native Carousel Ads

Native carousel ads are interactive that allow users to swipe or scroll horizontally through multiple images or videos, each with its own headline, description, and call-to-action. Carousel ads are mostly seen on social platforms and sometimes on news websites.

Here’s how carousel ads are integrated in social media platform feeds to make it seem native content. An example from Facebook.

Users can swipe or click through up to 10 cards in a single ad unit, each showcasing a different product, feature, or aspect of a story.

Each card can have its own image or video, headline, description, and call-to-action, allowing for creative storytelling or product showcases. The interactive, swipeable format captures attention and encourages users to spend more time with the ad, increasing dwell time and the likelihood of clicks.

These ads are ideal for eCommerce, travel, automotive, and more business niche, as you can highlight a collection / range in a single ad.

Here’s another type of carousel ad from a news website that promotes additional articles at the end of the content.

11. Native Search Ads

Native search ads are paid advertisements that appear within search engine results pages (SERPs) and are designed to closely resemble organic search listings. Their formatting, font, and placement are intentionally matched to the platform’s natural search results, making them less intrusive and more likely to be perceived as helpful content by users.

These ads are typically displayed at the very top (and sometimes bottom) of SERPs, above the organic results.

They are marked with subtle labels such as “Ad,” “Sponsored,” or “Promoted” to maintain transparency among organic listings.

A native search ad placements include:

# Web Page Promotion on Search Engine

Google, Bing, and Yahoo all use native search ads as a core part of their advertising offerings.

12. Promoted Listings

Native search ads are paid advertisements that appear within search engine results pages (SERPs) and platforms.

This ad format is designed to closely resemble organic search listings. Their formatting, font, and placement are intentionally matched to the platform’s natural search results, making them less intrusive and more likely to be perceived as helpful content by users.

A few of the ad placements for promoted listings include:

# eCommerce Platforms

Sites like Amazon and eBay display native search ads at the top of product search results or in between the product listings in search results.

Here’s another example of a promoted listing ad on Amazon.

# Product Promotion on Search Engines

With this ad format, your products appear in search results as user search for a relevant query.

13. Interactive Native Ads (Quizzes, Polls, AR, etc.)

Interactive native ads are advertising formats that require active participation from users. This ad format is best for transforming a passive viewer into an engaged participant. These formats are highly effective for boosting ad engagement, gathering valuable audience insights, and creating memorable brand experiences.

A few of the placements and types of interactive native ad formats include:

# Quizzes

Users answer questions to receive personalized results, recommendations, or entertainment.

Here’s a native ad example where a brand placed its quiz on a beauty article, so, a reader already concerned for their skin issues can participate and figure out a nice routine.

And yes, it will include a few of their products as recommendations for subtle promotion.

# Polls

Many brands add quick, interactive questions that collect opinions or feedback from users in real time and that encourages users to participate and engage. It will either be on social media or on a website, depends.

# Augmented Reality

Users interact with branded digital elements overlaid on the real world via their devices.

AR, such as 3D models, animations, product information, or branded filters, are viewed through a device’s camera.

Social media AR filters are a great example of AR Native Advertising.

Here’s an example from Lakme where they let users try on their products through a social media filter.

Here’s another example of an interactive native ad from Myntra, where they let their customers try on and purchase with a sponsored social media filter.

AR native ads invite users to interact with branded content in real-time, such as virtually trying on makeup, placing furniture in their home, or scanning packaging to unlock interactive experiences.

This creates a memorable, engaging, and often shareable experience that goes beyond what static or video ads can offer.

Interactive native ads are one of the most engaging ad formats as users are invited to interact and spend time with the brand without a mention of buying. Also, the polls and surveys help collect real-time feedback and data on audience preferences.

That’s all about native ad formats you can try for your next campaign.

# A Few of the Best Native Ad Examples

Apart from the Native ad examples I shared, here are a few more native ad campaigns for your inspiration.

1. The New York Times X Rolex

Source

Native Ad Format – Advertorial

The Collaboration Is About …

This native ad collaboration between The New York Times and Rolex centers around the theme “Rewriting the Rules of Modern Leadership”, spotlighting Piyush Tewari as a key example of a transformative leader and community builder.

Through this storytelling approach, Rolex positions itself not just as a luxury watchmaker but as a brand that champions values like leadership, social impact, and enduring excellence. By highlighting Tewari’s work, the ad subtly reinforces Rolex’s identity as a brand that stands behind those shaping a better future.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

Rolex is not selling watches directly here. Instead, it’s using storytelling and thought leadership to:

• Associate with positive social impact.
• Elevate brand perception through inspiration and authority.
• Seamlessly blend into a credible news environment.

2. eBay X Gimlet Creative

Source

Native Ad Format – Branded Podcast (Advertorial Audio Content)

The Collaboration Is About …

This native ad collaboration between eBay and Gimlet Creative takes the form of a branded podcast titled “Open For Business”.

The podcast explores what it takes to build a business from the ground up, offering insights and stories relevant to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Each episode tackles practical themes, like hiring, workplace culture, or defining your company’s mission, featuring real-world examples and expert interviews.

By focusing on education, empowerment, and practical guidance, eBay positions itself as more than an eCommerce platform.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

eBay isn’t using this podcast to push products. Instead, it’s telling real stories and sharing useful advice that speaks to entrepreneurs.

The goal is to:

• Offer helpful content for people building businesses.
• Build trust by showing up with value, not just ads.
• Position eBay as a brand that truly supports entrepreneurs and small business owners.
• Team up with Gimlet Creative to deliver high-quality content, engaging episodes that feel more like storytelling than marketing.

3. The Guardian X General Mills

Source

Native Ad Format – Advertorial

The Collaboration Is About …

This native ad collaboration between The Guardian and General Mills puts the spotlight on regenerative agriculture, a farming approach that revives soil health and helps tackle climate change.

Through rich storytelling and expert insights, the piece makes a case for moving beyond sustainability to regeneration.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

This campaign isn’t a sales pitch. It’s a story with purpose. The strategy here is to:

• Show thought leadership in the sustainability space.
• Align General Mills with innovation and environmental responsibility.

4. CNN International Commercial X Ford

Source

Native Ad Format – Video Ad

The Collaboration Is About …

This native ad collaboration between CNN International Commercial and Ford highlights Ford’s commitment to innovation in road safety.

The centerpiece is a branded video ad, shared on CNN’s official Vimeo channel, that showcases a smart helmet designed for bike riders, highlighting the safety features of the Ford helmet. CNN has credibility and storytelling expertise, while Ford uses the platform to demonstrate how it’s thinking beyond cars, focusing on the safety of customers.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

Ford is highlighting its product benefits, using CNN’s reach to:

• Spark conversations around smarter urban commuting.
• Position themselves as leaders in safe driving.
• Connect with an audience.

5. Panoply X The Message

Source

Native Ad Format – Native Audio Ad (podcast)

The Collaboration Is About …

In this native ad collab, Panoply teamed up with GE to create The Message, a sci-fi podcast that feels more like a Netflix show for your ears than an ad. It follows a group of cryptographers decoding an alien signal, weaving in real science and tech inspired by GE’s work, but without ever sounding like a commercial.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

This is branded content done right. It works because:

• It reaches podcast fans in a format they already love.
• It builds curiosity and connection through story, not a sales pitch.
• It subtly reinforces GE’s image as a forward-thinking, innovative brand, without being in your face.

6. Spotify X Netflix

Source

Native Ad Format – Branded Playlist

The Collaboration Is About …

Spotify created a playlist featuring all the songs that were part of that web series, with a cover inspired by the series. This playlist targets music lovers who are also interested in that series, wanting to give it a try, or are interested in similar genres. When users discover the playlist, it sparks curiosity about the show, subtly promoting it.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

The branded playlist makes it easy for users to discover all the songs from the web series, and as they enjoy the music, it naturally sparks curiosity about the series itself. Overall, it encourages Spotify users to explore the show, benefiting both platforms.

7. Fortune

Source

Native Ad Format – Sponsored Content

The Collaboration Is About …

Highlighting the work of a Hawaiian nonprofit (PMDP) focused on marine debris removal. The ad promotes the nonprofit’s efforts and likely aligns with Fortune’s audience’s interest in environmental and social impact.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

The ad doesn’t directly sell a product or service from Fortune.

Instead, it provides valuable and positive content about an organization doing good work.

This builds goodwill and associates Fortune with positive values.

The use of the hashtag #ad clearly marks it as advertising, maintaining transparency. The link directs users to a branded content article, offering a deeper dive into the story. The visual (image of people cleaning a beach) supports the narrative and draws attention.

8. The Telegraph X Ikea

Source

Native Ad Format – Interactive Native Ad (Quiz)

The Collaboration Is About …

Providing helpful and engaging content related to sleep and bedroom ideas, subtly promoting IKEA’s range of bedroom furniture and accessories. The “A-Zzz of Bedroom Ideas” suggests an alphabetical guide offering tips and inspiration for a better sleep environment.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

Instead of directly showcasing products, the ad offers useful information and ideas, positioning IKEA as a knowledgeable resource for improving sleep.

• The interactive elements (“Take the quiz,” “View all tips”) encourage user participation and exploration of the content.
• While the focus is on bedroom ideas, it’s likely that IKEA products are featured within the tips or quiz, providing relevant context without being overly promotional. The IKEA logo is present but not dominant
• By offering helpful content, IKEA associates its brand with comfort, good sleep, and practical solutions for the home.

9. BuzzFeed X Purina

Source

Native Ad Format – Sponsored Article

The Collaboration Is About …

Promoting the idea of bringing pets to various places beyond the home, likely aiming to connect pet owners with Purina’s brand and products by tapping into their desire to spend more time with their animals. The article title, “7 Unexpected Places You Can Bring Your Pets,” suggests a playful and informative approach.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

BuzzFeed is known for creating shareable and engaging content. This article, focusing on pet owners’ desires, fits that style.

While the article provides general information about pet-friendly places, the collaboration with Purina suggests a natural alignment with pet care and well-being. Purina’s logo is visible as the “Brand Publisher,” clearly indicating the sponsorship.

The inclusion of images, like the one showing a dog in an office, makes the content more attractive and shareable.

10. Apple X Podcast Channel

Source

Native Ad Format – Audio Ads (Mention In a Podcast)

The Collaboration Is About …

Promotion of the iPhone 16 Pro’s audio recording capabilities, specifically highlighting its use in recording this episode, which was recorded at Apple’s store in Mumbai, India.

Native Ad Strategy at Work

By mentioning the iPhone 16 Pro in the context of a podcast known for its audio quality, Apple is showcasing the phone’s microphone performance in a real-world professional use case.

Featuring the recording on a podcast suggests that the iPhone 16 Pro’s audio is of high enough quality for podcast production.

This reaches listeners of the podcast, who are likely interested in audio content and potentially technology used for content creation. While not explicitly labeling it as an ad, it shares detailed mention of the specific iPhone model and its helpfulness.

CONCLUSION

Throughout the article, we explored 13 of the best native advertising formats you can use in your content marketing strategy for 2025, from in-feed ads to recommendation widgets, sponsored content, and beyond. You saw how each format works for native advertising USA & India and how real brands are using them to drive results and increase brand awareness without disrupting the user experience.

Now with that information, you’re all set to experiment, adapt, and find the formats that fit your brand best.

Lastly, Which Native Ad Format Is Right For Your Campaign?

Well, selecting an ideal native ad format depends on your campaign goals, target audience, and the platforms you plan to use. And, choosing the right native ad format is necessary as it has a major impact on your campaign’s success. And for that, you need to be consistent with analyzing native ad metrics.

Rest, you can also choose from native ad networks like Taboola and Outbrain, which help distribute ads across native advertising platforms as they’ve publisher partnerships.

Our native advertisers at Mint Your Store can help you pick the right ad format and consult you better on how you get ahead with native advertising. Book Your Call Here.