OTT Ads vs Display Ads: Differences & Similarities Explained

If you’re new to the world of online advertising, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to OTT and display ads. What’s the difference between the two, and why do businesses use them?

Whether you own a small business or a massive chain, it’s important to stay up to date on all the latest marketing and advertising trends so you can make them work for your business.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about OTT and display ads so that you can make an informed decision about which type of advertising is right for your business.

What Are OTT Ads?

OTT ads are a type of advertising that appears on streaming platforms like Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, and any other internet connected device.

Unlike traditional TV commercials, OTT ads are targeted to specific viewers based on their interests and viewing habits.

Want some OTT ad examples?

Here’s a simple one. Say there’s a viewer who frequently watches cooking shows. They might see an ad for a new kitchen appliance. The ad will likely be delivered through with the help of third-party ad servers, and will often take the form of a pre-roll or mid-roll video ad.

OTT ads are generally less intrusive than traditional TV commercials, and they can’t be skipped or blocked. As a result, they have the potential to reach a wider audience. Additionally, OTT ads can be interactive, providing viewers with the opportunity to learn more about a product or service before making a purchase.

What Are Display Ads?

Display ads are a type of online advertising that typically consists of banner ads, graphic ads, or video ads. Display ads are designed to grab attention and generate interest in a product or service.

They can be placed on websites, apps, or social media platforms, and they usually include a call to action, such as “learn more” or “buy now.” For example, a website that sells products for golfers may display ads for golf clubs on its pages. Similarly, a social media platform like Facebook may show ads for products that its users have expressed an interest in.

Display ads can be effective in raising awareness of a brand or driving traffic to a website, but they should be used as part of a broader marketing strategy as they do not always work as well in isolation.

What Are the Similarities Between OTT and Display Ads?

There are a few key similarities between OTT and display advertising.

For one, both forms of advertising are designed to reach consumers on their screens. And because consumers are spending more and more time streaming content on these devices, OTT and display advertising are both well-positioned to reach large audiences.

Additionally, both OTT and display ads can be targeted to specific demographics, interests, and even households. This allows brands to reach their ideal customers with laser precision.

Finally, OTT and display advertising are both effective ways to build brand awareness and drive sales.

What Are the Differences Between OTT and Display Ads?

There are a few key differences between OTT and display ads.

First, OTT typically refers to ads on streaming services that are delivered via the internet, which can also include connected TV advertising.

Display ads, on the other hand, are typically found on websites and can take many different forms, such as banner ads, text ads, or video ads, but does not specifically include CTV advertising.

Second, OTT ads are generally more expensive than display ads because they reach a larger audience and are more engaging.

Display ads are less targeted than OTT ads, but they reach a wider audience. As you might expect, they are also less expensive to produce, making them a good option for small businesses with limited budgets.

OTT and Display Ads – Which One is Right For Your Business?

So, which type of advertising is right for your business?

The answer may depend on your goals and budget.

OTT advertising can be an effective way to reach a large audience of potential customers, but it can be costly to produce high-quality creative assets. You’ll want to have your ducks in a row before submitting your ad creatives to a streaming TV advertising platform, since it can be costly and time-consuming to revise them.

Display advertising, on the other hand, is typically less expensive and can be highly effective in driving website traffic and leads.

If you’re not sure which type of advertising is right for your business, consider testing both to see what works best for your needs. For both types of advertising, it’s important to carefully consider your budget, timeline, and desired audience before doing anything else.

Final Thoughts

OTT advertising and display advertising are two effective means of reaching your target audience. They both have their own strengths and weaknesses that you should consider when planning your ad campaigns.

As with all marketing efforts, the key is to test different strategies and see what works best for your business.

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