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

GlossaryAdtech & ProgrammaticBanner Ad (Display Ad)

Adtech & Programmatic

Banner Ad (Display Ad)

A static or animated image ad shown in a defined space on a website or app, the most common digital ad format.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A banner ad, or display ad, is a static or animated image ad shown in a defined space on a website or app. It is one of the most common digital ad formats, available in standard sizes like 300x250 and 728x90. Banner ads are bought directly or programmatically and support awareness and retargeting.