Skip to content
The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryAdtech & ProgrammaticAbove the Fold (ATF)

Adtech & Programmatic

Above the Fold (ATF)

Ad placements visible on screen without scrolling, usually more viewable and priced higher than below-the-fold slots.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Above the fold (ATF) refers to ad placements visible on screen when a page first loads, without the user scrolling. Because these positions are seen by nearly every visitor, they tend to achieve higher viewability and command higher prices than below-the-fold slots, though screen sizes and devices make the exact fold line vary.