The digital advertising industry has entered a new era marked by shifting consumer expectations and evolving technology. Traditional display ads—those once-ubiquitous banners and static placements—are experiencing diminished returns as audiences grow weary of passive, interruptive marketing. In contrast, rewarded ads are rapidly gaining traction, especially in environments where user experience and value exchange are paramount. Leading digital platforms and companies, such as Discord, Roblox, and ViewFi, are at the forefront of this transformation, demonstrating how video reward formats can deliver superior engagement and brand loyalty.
The Waning Influence of Display Ads
Display ads are no longer the digital powerhouse they once were, for a variety of reasons:
- User Apathy and Banner Blindness: Years of repetitive exposure have conditioned users to overlook display ads, making them increasingly ineffective.
- Widespread Use of Ad Blockers: Millions of internet users now employ ad-blocking software to eliminate unwanted ads from their browsing experience, further reducing the visibility of display placements.
- Disruptive User Experience: Many display ads interrupt or detract from the content users actually want to see, leading to frustration and brand aversion.
- Concerns Over Fraud and Transparency: The digital ecosystem is plagued by issues like click fraud and low viewability, undermining advertiser confidence and return on investment.
The Rise of Rewarded Ads
Rewarded ads present a compelling alternative by aligning advertising with user choice and tangible value:
- Value Exchange and Opt-In Participation: Users actively choose to engage with rewarded ads because they receive something of real value in return, such as in-game currency, exclusive content, or digital goods.
- Seamless Integration: Rewarded ads are thoughtfully woven into app and game experiences, enhancing rather than interrupting user engagement.
- Superior Engagement and Brand Recall: Because rewarded ads require user attention and consent, they boast significantly higher completion rates and more memorable brand impressions.
- Advanced Targeting and Measurement: These formats enable brands to collect richer engagement data and target audiences more precisely, resulting in more effective campaigns.
Brands Pioneering Video Reward Ads: Discord, Roblox, and ViewFi
A growing number of forward-thinking companies are embracing video rewards, leading the charge toward a more engaging and mutually beneficial advertising ecosystem.
Discord: Discord's quests are part of their advertising solution where users watch videos, such as game trailers or show promotions, directly on the platform. By completing these quests, users can earn rewards like in-game items or Discord avatar decorations. This feature is currently available on desktop and web, with mobile support in beta, and some quests may be region-specific. 
Roblox: Roblox's rewarded video ads allow users to opt-in and watch up to 30-second full-screen video ads within games, earning in-game benefits like Robux, power-ups, or exclusive items from creators. These ads are part of immersive advertising, available for purchase via Google's solutions, and adhere to Roblox's advertising standards.
ViewFi: ViewFi is a pioneer in the video rewards space, bringing the model to a wide range of digital publishers, apps, and websites. ViewFi enables users to watch branded videos in exchange for instant rewards, such as gift cards, digital goods, or competion entries. By integrating seamlessly with both mobile and desktop environments, ViewFi helps brands connect with highly engaged audiences and empowers publishers to signifcantly improve ROI. The technology also emphasizes transparency and data-driven performance, helping brands measure the true impact of their campaigns.
Why Brands Prefer Rewarded Video Ads
The success of platforms like Discord, Roblox, and ViewFi highlights key advantages for brands:
- Deeper Emotional Connection: Rewarded ads foster goodwill by giving users something they value, creating positive associations with the brand.
- Measurable, High-Quality Engagement: Opt-in participation and high completion rates provide brands with robust, actionable data and deliver more meaningful results.
- Creative Flexibility: Rewarded video formats can be tailored to fit diverse platforms, audiences, and campaign goals, from interactive quests to charitable rewards.
- Synergy with User Experience: Because these ads are built around user choice and value, they enhance rather than detract from the digital experience.
Conclusion
The decline of traditional display ads signals a new era in digital marketing, one grounded in respect for user attention and the principle of value exchange. Pioneers like Discord, Roblox, and ViewFi are leading the way by demonstrating the power of rewarded video ads to create authentic, lasting connections between brands and audiences. As more companies embrace this approach, rewarded ads are set to become a defining force in the future of digital advertising, delivering mutual benefits and setting new standards for engagement, trust, and effectiveness.