In recent years, interactive video ads have become a popular way for brands to engage their audiences. Unlike traditional video ads that you just sit back and watch, interactive video ads encourage viewers to get involved, whether it’s tapping to answer a poll, playing a quick game, or wiping to reveal additional messaging. In this post, we’ll take a look at how these experiences have evolved over time and how marketers are using them to grab attention, build brand awareness, and drive real results across the funnel.
Before interactive video ads hit the scene, video advertising was a one-way conversation. Viewers just sat back and watched with little to no engagement. But that started to change with the introduction of clickable hotspots and end cards, giving audiences their first taste of control and interaction. While these early formats were basic, they paved the way for a whole new era of video advertising, one where brands could turn passive viewers into active participants and create more memorable, results-driven campaigns.
As technology continued to evolve, interactive video ads were introduced as a new way for brands to engage with their audience. Over the years, these ads have undergone an evolution from simple hotspots to more complex, engaging experiences. The ability for viewers to actively participate in the ad has made them more enticing and memorable than traditional video ads.
Interactive video has come a long way, and it’s now showing up everywhere, from mobile to desktop to Connected TVs. Whether it’s an outstream ad embedded in a feed or an instream placement before a TV show, these formats are built to work across devices and fit naturally into how people watch content today. Viewers might tap through a product gallery on their phone, answer a quick quiz on their laptop, or use their mobile device to scan a QR code on TV to explore more about a brand. No matter the screen, interactive video ads give brands more ways to connect with people in engaging ways that actually drive results.
As the popularity of interactive video ads grew, so did the trend toward incorporating gamified elements into the advertising experience. These ads began to offer more interactive and engaging experiences that promoted better recall and engagement.
In recent years, the use of interactive video ads by brands has evolved dramatically. Compared to years past, brands are now utilizing new features such as shoppable videos and tap-to-map experiences to engage their audience. They are also increasingly incorporating elements like live polls (shown below) into their interactive ads to create a more immersive and entertaining experience for viewers. Brands are finding that interactive video ads not only grab the attention of viewers, but also drive more meaningful engagement and higher conversion rates.
Interactive video ads are no longer just a trend, they’re a powerful tool for brands looking to create deeper connections with today’s audiences. As consumer expectations evolve, so does the need for more dynamic, memorable advertising experiences.
PadSquad helps brands meet this demand by transforming traditional video assets into interactive, high-performing campaigns that drive real impact. Whether you want to boost engagement, increase conversions, or simply stand out in a crowded market, our interactive video solutions deliver real results.
Reach out to learn how we can help turn your next video campaign into something truly remarkable.
Editor’s Note: This blog was originally published on May 19, 2023. It was updated on April 30, 2025.