Different Type of Push Ad Formats: Detail Explanation 2025

Still using the same push ads every time? 🤔

You might be losing clicks without knowing it. ❌

Push ads now come in many forms — some show right inside websites, others look like app alerts 📱 or even calendar reminders 🗓️.

Each type works differently, and using the right one can boost your results 📈.

Let’s quickly explore the main push ad formats 🔔 and which one’s best for your goal 🎯.

What Do You Mean By Pushad Format?

A push ad format refers to the way a push notification advertisement is displayed to users.

These ads are usually small messages that pop up on a user’s phone or desktop, even when they are not actively browsing a website.

Depending on the format, the ad can appear as a simple notification, a message inside a website, or even as a calendar alert. Each format is designed to catch the user’s attention in a slightly different way.

For example, some formats are better for mobile users, while others work well on desktop or for iOS devices.

Choosing the right push ad format helps advertisers reach the right audience more effectively and increase their chances of getting clicks.

Different Type of Push Ad Format

Here’s a more detailed and beginner-friendly explanation of the different types of push ad formats, explained in a way that’s easy to understand:

1. Classic Push Notifications

These are the traditional push ads most people are familiar with. They pop up on your phone or computer even when you’re not using a browser. These ads usually have:

A small icon (like a brand logo)
A short title (the main message)
A brief message (details of the offer)
A link (that takes you to a website or landing page)

👉 Example: “🔥 50% Off Today Only – Click to Shop Now!”

Where it works: Only for users who have allowed push notifications on their device. Great for flash sales, urgent updates, or news.

2. In-Page Push Ads (IPP)

In-page push ads look almost the same as classic push ads—but they don’t need any subscription. These are shown directly inside a webpage, like a floating message or notification box.

👉 Why it’s useful:

It works on iOS, which usually blocks classic push.
You can show it to any visitor, not just subscribers.

Best for: Broad audience reach, especially on mobile websites.

3. Rich Push Notifications

These are like the fancy version of classic push ads. They allow you to use:

Big images
Emojis to make the text more engaging
Call-to-action buttons like “Buy Now” or “Watch Video”

👉 Why it works: Visually attractive and more interactive. Great for e-commerce ads or app promotions.

Example: A push ad for a fashion brand with a picture of a dress and two buttons: “Shop Now” and “See More Colors.”

4. Calendar Push Ads

These ads work by adding an event or reminder to a user’s calendar app. Once added, the calendar sends out notifications at the set time.

👉 Example: You add a “Free Webinar” event to the user’s calendar. On the day of the webinar, their phone reminds them about it.

Best for: Reminders, event promotions, countdown offers, webinars.

Pros:

Less competition for attention
Feels like a helpful reminder, not a sales pitch

5. Floating Push Widgets

This is a newer format where push messages appear like chat bubbles, slide-ins, or floating boxes on the screen while someone is browsing a website.

👉 Example: You visit a site and a small message pops up on the bottom corner saying, “💬 Grab 20% off – Limited Time!”

Why it’s great:

Doesn’t block the main content
Feels part of the website design
Works well for special offers or support chat prompts

6. App Push Notifications

These are ads or messages sent directly through a mobile app you’ve installed. You don’t need to be using the app at that moment.

👉 Example: You have a food delivery app. At 1 PM, you get a push notification: “🍔 Hungry? Order Now & Get 20% Off!”

Best for: Keeping users engaged, promoting time-sensitive offers, reminding about cart items, or sending personalized deals.

Bonus: These can be highly targeted based on user behavior inside the app.

7. Standard Push Notifications

These are short, clickable ads that pop up on your phone or desktop even when you’re not on the website. They are sent through the browser after a user allows notification permission.

👉 Example: You visit a shopping site and allow notifications. Later, while browsing another site, a message pops up on your screen: “🎉 Mega Sale Today – Flat 50% Off on All Products!”

Best for: Sending quick alerts about discounts, flash sales, new blog posts, or reminders—even when the user is not active on your site.

Bonus: These are very cost-effective and deliver instantly, but they only work if the user has clicked “Allow Notifications” earlier.

Why It’s Crucial to Understand and Choose the Right Push Ad Format

Here’s a more detailed and beginner-friendly explanation of why it’s important to have knowledge about different push ad formats, with 9 clear points

1. Choose the Right Format for Your Audience

Not all users are on the same device or browser. Some use Android, some use iOS, some are on desktops. Knowing which push ad format works best for each platform helps you deliver your message properly without missing any part of your audience.

2. Avoid Wasting Ad Budget

Using the wrong push format can result in poor performance. For example, sending classic push ads to iOS users won’t work, as iOS blocks them. If you don’t understand these differences, you might end up paying for ads that no one sees or clicks.

3. Improve Click-Through Rates (CTR)

When your message appears in the right format, at the right place, your chances of getting clicks are much higher. Formats like rich push or in-page push often perform better because they are more visible and engaging.

4. Reach Users on All Devices

Classic push ads don’t always work on all browsers or operating systems. But alternatives like in-page push and floating widgets can fill that gap. Understanding these options ensures your ad reaches users no matter what device they’re using.

5. Increase User Engagement

Some formats are more interactive—like rich push ads with buttons or images, or floating widgets that feel like chat bubbles. If you know when to use them, you can get more engagement and keep users interested in your offers.

6. Match the Format to Your Campaign Goal

Every campaign has a purpose—some are for promotions, others for event reminders or app installs. Knowing the formats helps you pick one that matches your goal. For example, calendar push ads are great for reminding users about webinars or limited-time deals.

7. Deliver Timely Messages

Push ads are real-time, but only if you use the right format. Having this knowledge lets you schedule or trigger messages at just the right moment—like when a user abandons their cart or when a sale goes live.

8. Avoid Technical Issues

Some push formats have browser or permission limitations. For example, classic push needs user consent, but in-page push doesn’t. If you don’t know this, you might end up with delivery issues or low visibility.

9. Stay Ahead of Competitors

Most advertisers stick to basic formats because they don’t know better. If you understand all the push ad formats available, you can experiment with smarter strategies that give you an edge—like targeting iOS users or using floating push on landing pages.