Rich media ads are interactive online ads that use video, audio, animation, or game-like features to get people to stop and engage. They often perform better than plain banners because people can click, watch, play, or interact — and those actions lead to more meaningful results like website visits, signups, app installs, or purchases.
That’s why advertisers who want maximum ROI are using rich media ad networks. We’ll explain the best rich media ad Network choices in 2025 and how to pick the right one for your campaign.
What is a “Rich Media Ad Network”?
A rich media ad network is a company or platform that helps advertisers deliver interactive and multimedia ads (video, audio, HTML5, playable ads, etc.) across apps, websites, connected TV (CTV), and other places. Networks provide tools for creating, placing, measuring, and optimizing these ads so advertisers can reach the right people and track results.
Examples of rich media content include expandable banners, interactive video with clickable buttons, playable ads in mobile games, and native “recommended content” with images and video.
(If you’ve used a clickable video ad or played a short game inside an ad, you’ve seen rich media.)
Why rich media ads often deliver higher ROI
- Rich media ads attract more attention because they include motion and interactivity. Attention → more clicks and actions.
- They offer deeper tracking (how long someone interacted, what they clicked), so advertisers can measure what works and improve it.
- Rich media can tell a story (video) or let people try a product (playable ads), which increases the chance they buy or sign up.
These claims are supported by ad network product pages and industry reports that explain how interactive ads increase engagement and measurable outcomes.
For example, interactive CTV/video platforms emphasize measuring interaction beyond impressions to show real engagement.
The Top 10 Chosen Rich Media Ad Networks for Maximum ROI
I chose a global mix of well-known and high-performing networks. So let’s dive in!
- Google Display Network (GDN)
- InMobi
- AdColony
- Innovid
- TripleLift
- PubMatic
- OpenX
- Taboola
- Outbrain
- Criteo
1) Google Display Network (GDN)
GDN is Google’s large display network that lets advertisers show rich, multimedia ads across millions of websites, apps, YouTube, and Gmail. Google supports responsive display ads and HTML5 rich ads that adjust to device sizes and placements. GDN ties tightly into Google Ads and Google Analytics so advertisers can manage targeting and measure performance in one place.
Features
- Responsive display ads that adapt to screen size.
- Wide format support: video, HTML5 rich media, animated assets.
- Advanced targeting: audiences, demographics, remarketing, and custom intent.
- Integration with Google Analytics and conversion tracking.
Reviews (what people say)
Advertisers like the scale and targeting options. Many note the benefit of integrating display ads with search and YouTube for full-funnel campaigns. Independent guides and industry blogs praise GDN’s reach.
Pricing overview
Pricing model: CPM and CPC depending on campaign type; costs vary by industry, placement, and targeting. GDN uses auction-based pricing inside Google Ads. Exact rates are campaign-specific.
Pros
- Massive reach across web and apps.
- Strong targeting & analytics.
- Easy to scale and test creative variations (responsive ads).
Cons
- Highly competitive — costs can be high in top markets.
- Some placements have lower viewability; you must optimize placements & use exclusions.
Best for Brands and advertisers who want scale, precise targeting, and integrated measurement across search, display, and video.
GDN is the go-to platform for advertisers who need a large reach and reliable tools for rich media ads. For maximum ROI, use carefully targeted campaigns and track conversions.
2) InMobi
InMobi is a mobile-first ad platform that specializes in mobile rich media, in-app video, and programmatic solutions for advertisers and publishers. It focuses on mobile user acquisition, re-engagement, and tailored creative for small screens. Their platform offers responsive, rich creatives and mobile-targeting tools.
Features
- Mobile-first rich media formats (video, interactive formats).
- Audience targeting and analytics for mobile apps.
- Tools for monetization and programmatic buying.
Reviews
Widely used in APAC, LATAM, and other mobile-heavy markets. Industry overviews list InMobi as a top mobile ad network. Advertisers value its mobile reach and specialized ad formats.
Pricing overview
Pricing is typically CPM and auction-based in programmatic buys. InMobi’s exact pricing is campaign-dependent and usually available through sales.
Pros
- Strong mobile expertise and global reach for mobile users.
- Good for user acquisition and app monetization.
Cons
- Mobile-only focus may not fit campaigns that need cross-device or CTV reach.
Best for Advertisers focusing on mobile app installs, in-app engagement, or mobile-first creatives.
InMobi is a top pick when your priority is mobile-rich media and app-focused ROI. For global app campaigns, especially in mobile-first regions, InMobi is reliable.
3) AdColony
AdColony is a mobile advertising platform known for fast-loading, high-quality video ads and playable ad formats. Their Instant-Play™ technology emphasizes quick start times and high visual quality, which helps keep users watching and interacting. Playable ads let users try a short demo of an app or game inside the ad.
Features
- Instant-Play video ads (fast start).
- Playable ads for interactive demos.
- Mobile-first ad formats and analytics.
Reviews
Known in the mobile ad space for high-quality video and playable ad experiences. App developers and advertisers report good engagement for playables.
Pricing overview
Usually, CPM or CPC for installs; pricing varies by region and campaign goals. Contact AdColony sales for exact figures.
Pros
Cons
- Focused on mobile; not ideal for broad cross-device campaigns.
Best for App developers and advertisers who want to use playable ads and high-quality mobile video to lift installs and retention.
AdColony shines where mobile quality and interactivity matter. If mobile app installs are your KPI, this network is a strong contender.
4) Innovid
Innovid focuses on interactive and personalized video ads across connected TV (CTV), mobile, and desktop. They emphasize interactivity inside video — tracking how viewers engage with the video beyond simple impressions — and provide tools to personalize and measure viewer interactions. Innovid positions itself as a video-first ad platform with deep analytics for interactive CTV and online video.
Features
- Interactive CTV and video ad formats.
- Dynamic creative personalization and measurement.
- Cross-device video delivery.
Reviews
TV-focused advertisers and agencies use Innovid for measurement and interactivity. They highlight Innovid’s focus on viewer interaction and detailed analytics.
Pricing overview
Pricing depends on video inventory, device (CTV vs mobile), and campaign scope. Innovid typically works with agencies and large brands; contact sales for pricing.
Pros
Cons
- More tailored to video/CTV budgets — may be pricier for small advertisers.
Best for Brands focusing on video storytelling and CTV campaigns that need interactivity and measurement.
If your campaign depends on video engagement and cross-device storytelling, Innovid provides specialized tools to measure and increase viewer interaction.
5) TripleLift
TripleLift offers native and visual ad formats that integrate video and imagery directly into site content. Their platform includes in-image and in-video ad solutions and uses visual tech to optimize placements so ads feel natural and less disruptive. TripleLift emphasizes ad quality and design-driven formats that perform well in native environments.
Features
- In-image and in-feed native formats.
- Visual optimization and creative transformation tools.
Reviews
Advertisers and publishers like TripleLift for creative native formats that blend with content. Case studies show strong engagement improvements when the creative is matched to the context.
Pricing overview
Pricing varies by placement and campaign; typically, programmatic CPMs. Reach out to TripleLift for precise pricing.
Pros
- High-performing native formats that are less disruptive.
- Creative tools to optimize asset performance.
Cons
- Native placement may be less direct for conversion-focused campaigns unless the creative is optimized for action.
Best for Brand campaigns and content-driven advertisers that want visually integrated ads.
TripleLift is ideal when you want rich media that looks native and improves user experience while still driving engagement.
6) PubMatic
PubMatic is a sell-side platform (SSP) that helps publishers monetize inventory programmatically. For advertisers, PubMatic provides access to premium publisher inventory and supports rich media and video formats programmatically. PubMatic highlights scale and infrastructure for efficient programmatic buying and selling.
Features
- Programmatic access to premium inventory.
- Support for video and interactive formats.
- Data and yield optimization tools.
Reviews
PubMatic is well-regarded among publishers for yield. Industry news shows PubMatic focusing more on CTV and supply path optimization, which matters to advertisers seeking efficient buys.
Pricing overview
Pricing depends on PMP (private marketplace) deals, header bidding setups, and CPMs negotiated between buyers and sellers.
Pros
- Strong publisher relationships and high-quality inventory.
- Good for programmatic video and CTV buys.
Cons
- Primarily a publisher-side platform — advertisers access via DSPs or private deals.
Best for Brands and advertisers seeking premium inventory and programmatic control via PMP or DSP partnerships.
PubMatic is a central part of the programmatic supply chain and helps advertisers reach quality inventory with rich ad formats.
7) OpenX
OpenX is an independent ad exchange focused on programmatic buying and selling. It emphasizes quality, transparency, and direct publisher relationships. OpenX supports multiple rich formats and provides first-look deals and programmatic direct buying options.
Features
- Programmatic exchange with emphasis on premium inventory.
- Support for interactive ads and header bidding.
Reviews
Industry coverage notes OpenX for quality control and publisher relationships. Advertisers use OpenX for transparent programmatic buying.
Pricing overview
Auction-based CPM pricing; private deals available. Contact OpenX for campaigns and pricing.
Pros
- Focus on quality publishers and transparency.
Cons
- As an exchange, advertisers often need a DSP to access OpenX inventory.
Best for Advertisers and agencies looking for transparent programmatic inventory and premium placements.
OpenX is a reliable option when you need programmatic access to quality inventory for rich media formats.
8) Taboola
Taboola is a content discovery and native advertising platform that places “recommended” content across publisher sites. It mixes images, headlines, and video inside editorial environments to drive clicks and engagement on content and product ads. Taboola is moving aggressively into new features (including AI and larger placements) to compete with broader ad platforms.
Features
- Content recommendation widgets, native ad placements, and video support.
- Large publisher network for discovery traffic.
Reviews
Known for driving discovery traffic and content engagement. Some concerns exist about content quality on low-end publishers, but Taboola continues to expand into bigger placements and new tools.
Pricing overview
Performance-based pricing (CPM, CPC) depending on campaign and placements. Taboola often operates via CPC or CPA for discovery ads.
Pros
- Massive reach for content discovery and native video.
Cons
- Variable content quality; needs careful publisher selection and creative testing.
Best for Content marketing, product discovery, and campaigns that need a wide reach and clicks to content pages.
Taboola is powerful for discovery and content-driven campaigns; use strong creative and careful targeting for the best ROI.
9) Outbrain
Outbrain is another large native advertising network that places promoted content on high-profile publisher sites. It helps advertisers distribute videos and articles to engaged audiences and offers detailed targeting options. Outbrain reaches many premium publishers and is used widely for content and native campaigns.
Features
- Native ad placements, support for video, and sponsored content.
- Large publisher network and detailed analytics.
Reviews
Outbrain’s performance is often strong for content-driven campaigns. It has high potential reach on premium publishers. Some historical issues around disclosure/labeling were raised, showing the need for transparency.
Pricing overview
Works on CPC or CPM depending on campaign setup; pricing depends on publisher, placement, and targeting. Outbrain typically requires campaign management and testing.
Pros
- Reach across premium publishers; good for content engagement.
Cons
- Must manage publisher placements and creative to avoid low-quality placements.
Best for Brands and publishers focusing on content promotion, video distribution, and audience discovery on premium sites.
Outbrain offers premium native inventory that can drive strong engagement — use clear, honest disclosure and track outcomes.
10) Criteo
Criteo is known for performance-driven retargeting and commerce media. It uses dynamic creatives to tailor ads (products, prices) based on user behavior and supports cross-device delivery across publishers and retail media. For advertisers focused on commerce, Criteo provides tools to show personalized product recommendations and drive purchases.
Features
- Dynamic retargeting with product feeds.
- Retail media and commerce-focused placements.
- Cross-device targeting and measurement.
Reviews
Often praised for e-commerce retargeting effectiveness and dynamic creatives. Many e-commerce brands use Criteo to recover lost sales with personalized ads. Reviews and case studies show improvements in conversion rates when using dynamic retargeting.
Pricing overview
Typically, performance-focused pricing (CPC/CPA/CPM, depending on setup). Retail media deals often require negotiation with the provider.
Pros
- Great for e-commerce retargeting and personalized product ads.
Cons
- Mostly commerce-focused — less useful for brand awareness campaigns not centered on product catalogs.
Best for E-commerce brands, retailers, and advertisers who want dynamic product ads and measurable commerce outcomes.
Criteo is a top choice when your campaign goals are conversions and sales from product re-targeting and retail media.
Comparison Table
Note: “Formats” shows the rich formats each is known for. “Access” shows how advertisers typically buy (direct, DSP, or native platform).
Factors to consider before choosing a rich media ad network
Use this checklist before you pick a network:
- Campaign goal — brand awareness? direct sales? app installs? Some networks are better for app installs (AdColony, InMobi), others for CTV/video (Innovid), and others for content discovery (Taboola/Outbrain).
- Target device & environment — mobile, desktop, in-app, or CTV? Pick networks built for that environment. (Mobile-first networks vs native/content networks vs programmatic SSPs.)
- Measurement & tracking — do they provide the metrics you need (video completions, interaction time, CTR, conversions)? Innovid and Google emphasize detailed interaction analytics.
- Inventory quality & brand safety — check publisher lists, ask about brand-safety tools and verification. Programmatic exchanges like OpenX and PubMatic stress quality and transparency.
- Creative capability — can the network handle your ad format? Playable ads need SDK support; interactive CTV needs specialized formats.
- Pricing & expected eCPM — request sample rate cards, but expect variance by region and placement. Some public ranges and eCPMs are available for mobile networks, but many rates require direct negotiation.
- Support & campaign management — does the network offer campaign managers, creative support, and optimization help?
How to structure a test campaign to find the best ROI?
Even when you know which Rich Media Ad Networks are the “Top 10,” not every platform will give you the same results. Every brand, app, and audience behaves differently. That’s why advertisers who get the highest ROI don’t just pick a network and hope for the best — they run small test campaigns first.
A structured test lets you see which ad network actually performs best for your product before you spend big. The goal is to compare networks side-by-side using the same creative, budget, and success metrics so you get a fair view of performance. Once you identify a winner, you can scale up your spend with confidence.
- Start small: run a 7–14 day test in two networks at low budgets to compare performance.
- Use the same creative and KPIs across tests (CTR, play-rate, interaction rate, conversion rate).
- Track cost per conversion and eCPM, then scale the winner.
- For programmatic buys, use a private marketplace (PMP) or first-look deals for quality inventory.
eCPM and Sample Rates
Exact eCPMs vary by region, ad quality, and device. The public data you may see is indicative, not guaranteed. For example, mobile ad networks sometimes publish estimated eCPMs per region, but these change fast. Use network sales or reports to get the latest numbers for your region and ad type.
FAQs
Q: What is a rich media ad?
A: A rich media ad is an online ad that uses multimedia elements (video, audio, animation, interactive features) so users can interact. It’s different from a static banner because it invites the user to act (click, play, swipe).
Q: Are rich media ads worth the cost?
A: Usually yes for engagement and brand goals — they attract attention and provide better tracking, which often leads to higher ROI. But cost-effectiveness depends on campaign goals, creative quality, and placement.
Q: Which network is best for mobile app installs?
A: Mobile-specialist networks like InMobi and AdColony (and Vungle/Liftoff) are built for app installs and playable ads. They focus on fast-loading video and interactive formats.
Q: Which network is best for interactive CTV ads?
A: Innovid is a leader in interactive CTV/video and measurement for TV-like environments.
Q: How do I measure ROI for rich media ads?
A: Use KPIs that match your goal: conversions (sales), app installs, video completion rates, interaction rates, and eCPM or cost-per-action. Rich media networks provide these analytics in different ways.
Q: Do I need a DSP to buy from these networks?
A: Some networks are bought directly (Google Ads, Taboola/Outbrain), while programmatic inventory (PubMatic, OpenX, TripleLift) is often accessed via a DSP or private marketplace. Check each network’s buying options.
Q: How can I avoid low-quality placements?
A: Use private marketplace deals, exclude low-tier publishers, turn on brand-safety controls, and use third-party verification services (viewability and fraud detection).
Conclusion:
Rich media ad networks give advertisers the tools to create ads that people actually interact with. For maximum ROI, choose a network that fits your campaign goal (mobile installs, video storytelling, content discovery, or e-commerce retargeting), test with clear KPIs, and use data to scale winners. The ten networks in this guide are proven leaders across different ad environments — pick the one that matches your audience and device targets, and optimize from there.
