What is an Ad Network? How does it work? [+9 Networks to Explore]

It is time-consuming to search for, find, and buy digital advertising space. The Wall Street Journal compares it to ” pulling up weeds online”.

What if there were a middleman that could connect advertisers with websites looking for advertisers? Join the ad network.

Ad networks’ primary function is to match unsold inventory from online publishers with advertisers seeking ad spots. Both sides can interact seamlessly and ultimately reach a deal.

It all depends on where you are located. Although it can help publishers secure buyers for unsold ad space even though the revenue they earn is usually less than direct sales, the benefits of an ad network are different for each side. It helps advertisers find inventory that suits their budget and audience.

It is important to distinguish between ad networks from ad servers. Both serve different purposes, even though they are both advertising technology.

Both advertisers and ad networks use an ad server to manage, track and run advertising campaigns. Although an advertising technology, an ad network can also broker deals between advertisers and publishers. 

Different types of Ad Networks

It would be best if you did not have any trouble finding an ad network that suits your industry or audience. There are many ad networks available for various topics, audiences, formats, and niches.

These are the main types.

• Vertical networks Ad networks that focus on specific topics, such as fashion or automotive, business, and so forth.
• Premium networks –Ad networks offering inventory from top publishers
• Inventory-specific Networks: Ad networks that provide a particular type of inventory, such as mobile or video.
• Targeted Networks: Ad networks with specific targeting capabilities, which are built into the server.

How much does an ad network cost? Like most online advertising, it depends.

While some ad packages come with a fixed rate, others may charge a cost-per-click or cost-per-thousand impression (CPM). Sometimes, an ad network may bring inventory up for auction and use real-time bidding technology (RTB) to match impressions with the highest bidder.

What is the working of ad networks?

Publishers and advertisers both have powerful tools with ad networks. How do they work? This is a classic model for an ad network. However, this model is constantly evolving due to the use of technology.

1. Ad networks combine a wide range of publishers to provide inventory.
2. The advertiser then creates a campaign through the ad network’s panel. The advertiser must fill out the information about the budget and target audience when creating the campaign.
3. Publishers install the ad networks tags on their websites.
4. The publisher receives the details of the advertisement when there is a match between the advertiser’s campaign with the publisher’s supply. The ad network makes money by either taking a cut or marking up inventory before it is sold.
5. After the ad has been live, the advertiser can track and manage the performance of the campaign panel in the ad network.

Are you ready to give ad network a shot? This is a list listing the top 9 ad networks that both publishers and advertisers will love.

Best Ad Networks

Google Adsense has been around since the beginning of time and is still one of the most popular ad networks. It’s a well-respected network with sophisticated technology and a strong reputation.

Google Adsense allows you to publish ads in many formats and offers super-detail targeting options such as behavioural targeting. Google AdSense requires advertisers to adhere to high-quality standards.

1. Media.net

Media.net is a well-known ad network and is a popular alternative for Google Adsense. CNN, Forbes, Esquire, and Esquire are just a few of the most prominent publishers.

Yahoo and Bing power Media.net, which exposes publishers to large pools of national and local advertisers. Advertisers can also use the ad network for contextual ads across multiple inventories such as search, native and display.

1. PopAds

PopAds, one of the most prominent ad networks that specialize in pop-under advertisements, is the best. Pop-under ads are displayed under active windows for mobile and desktop users.

PopAds offers instant approval and low CPM rates. PopAds does not require minimum traffic, which is a major advantage over other ad networks.

1. PropellerAds

PropellerAds is another major player in the ad networks sphere. PropellerAds offers a range of ad formats, including native, display, pop-under, and push notifications.

Through its Self-Service platform, PropellerAds unites publishers and advertisers.

The platform allows you to create campaigns and view real-time reports for your ads. This makes it easy to track and maintain campaigns.

1. BidVertiser

Publishers will find BidVertiser a great option. Take a look at the monetization model. Publishers earn money every time an ad clicks. However, they also get a small bonus if the click leads to a sale.

BidVertiser has a bidding system that ensures publishers get the highest possible revenue for every ad impression. 

1. Adcash

Adcash provides a variety of tools and formats to help publishers better monetize their traffic. Their technology can bypass annoying adblocking software. It’s one of the most user-friendly ad networks on the market, with a simple interface and easy reporting tools.

1. AdThrive

AdThrive is an advertising network that focuses on publishers in the lifestyle sector, such as fashion, travel, food and food. This means that if you fit into one of the niches or not, you can still participate on AdThrive.

AdThrive is a creator-first company. Part of the deal guarantees publishers payouts. This means that even if an advertiser doesn’t pay AdThrive, they will still pay you. 

1. Amazon Affiliates

Amazon Affiliates is one of the most popular affiliate networks. You can create links to direct your readers to specific products as an affiliate. This is how it works: A visitor clicks on a native ad and purchases a product, you receive a commission.

Important to remember that Amazon Associates is more strict than other ad networks.

1. Propel Media

Propel Media is a specialist in push and display ads. Propel Media is also known for its ability to reach high-intent audiences. It uses intent-based technology to analyze customer intent and match it up with highly relevant content in real-time.

Advertisers can reach their target audience with the right network and increase conversions. It’s also a great way for publishers to get buyers and fill their ad inventory. There are many ad networks out there, so make sure to weigh all your options.