In 2015, the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) introduced LEAN Ad Principles as a set of best practices and standards for advertisers to foster more pleasant user experiences on the Web. In doing so, they hoped to combat the use of ad blockers, which have proliferated significantly in recent years.
So what are LEAN Ad Principles, and how do they affect advertisers?
LEAN is an acronym that stands for:
- Light
- Encrypted
- AdChoices Supported
- Non-Invasive/Non-Disruptive
Each of these elements help reduce latency in page loads, increase the security of ad delivery and create better user experiences. “These are principles that will help guide the next phases of advertising technical standards for the global digital advertising supply chain,” states the IAB.
Some of these elements have already taken effect, such as encryption (SSL compliance) and AdChoices. On the horizon for advertisers is the implementation of new, flexible ad formats, which were announced in July 2017. These new ad formats will address the issues of light (in relation to file weights and initial loads) and the non-invasive/non-distruptive principles.
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New ad formats? You’ve got to be kidding me!
Don’t worry. The new ad formats will be implemented over time, allowing advertisers to make the transition as seamlessly as possible. With that said, advertisers should begin working internally now to be ready to implement these changes as they occur. The new flexible ad formats were designed in response to the LEAN Ad Principles and through research conducted by the IAB on user experiences and behavior. They are also in response to our multi-device world with the expansion of Internet-enabled devices like tablets, mobile devices and desktops, as well as technologies like AR and VR. Rather than a fixed banner format (300×250), the new formats will be based on aspect ratio and size range and respond to the format of the device of the user.
Next Steps for 2018
Advertisers need to ensure their creative development includes HTML5 capability, since this will be the standard for flexible ad formats. Creative developers should begin to familiarize themselves with requirements for file limits and load and subload guidance. Publishers will begin transitioning their ad units from fixed sizes to flexible sizes.
Creative developers and publishers need to be aware of the content in their ads and ad formats to ensure that they are non-invasive and non-disruptive. These align with the Coalition for Better Ads’ new standards, advising against practices such as auto-play audio or ads that cover content.
Publishers and advertisers alike can expect to experience some evolutionary pains through the LEAN transition, but, when fully transitioned, advertisers should hope to see a positive influence in user reach and advertising engagement.