This tutorial walks through the main advertising formats available in Google AdMob and explains how to choose the right option for your app. The focus is on helping developers understand how ads appear inside an app, what types of ads each format supports, and how to balance monetization with a good user experience. By the end, the goal is to give a practical foundation so you can make informed decisions rather than guessing or blindly copying what others do.

AdMob currently offers four core ad formats: banner, interstitial, rewarded, and native ads. Each format controls how ads are displayed and when users see them. Banner ads are small rectangular units that sit at the top or bottom of the screen and can refresh automatically over time. They are simple to implement and work well when there is unused space in the layout. Newer adaptive banner ads improve on older fixed or smart banners by automatically adjusting their size to fit different screen resolutions, which helps avoid ads that look too small or awkward on modern devices.

Interstitial ads take over the full screen and are best shown at natural breaks in the app experience, such as after finishing a game level or while transitioning between screens. When used correctly, they can generate strong revenue without frustrating users. Rewarded ads work differently by offering users something valuable—like extra lives, coins, or bonuses—in exchange for watching a video or interacting with an ad. This format is especially effective in games or apps where rewards make sense and can increase engagement rather than interrupt it.

Native ads are designed to blend into the app’s interface so they feel like part of the content instead of traditional advertisements. Because they are highly customizable, they require more design effort, but they often deliver a smoother experience and better long-term performance when done well. Native ads are commonly used in content-heavy apps where visual consistency matters.

Beyond formats, AdMob also supports different ad types, such as text and image ads, rich media, interactive ads, and video ads. Not every format supports every ad type. For example, banners can show text, image, rich media, and video ads but not interactive ones, while rewarded ads focus on video and interactive experiences only. Understanding these limitations helps avoid mismatches between ad format and app design.

Choosing the right ad format depends on several factors. You should consider whether the ad fits naturally into your app layout, how it performs in real tests in terms of both revenue and user retention, and whether it complements the overall user experience. Technical complexity also matters—banners are often a good starting point for beginners, while rewarded or native ads may require more planning and design work.

Testing plays a crucial role in monetization. By experimenting with different formats and placements, you can see what works best for your specific audience. Above all, user experience should guide every decision. Ads that respect users and feel well integrated tend to generate more revenue over time, because satisfied users are more likely to keep using the app. Whether you choose banners, interstitials, rewarded ads, or native ads, the key is to place them thoughtfully and test continuously to find the right balance.