Apple announced to iOS developers today that it has enabled new ad formats that could help them generate more revenue. Developers can now add pre-roll video and full-screen advertisements to their apps, via iAd.
The news makes good on a report from back in March, which said the ads would be capable of interrupting a user in-app. It’s more likely, however, that the ads will play at moments of transition, such as at the end of a level.
Due to their prominent placement, interstitial adverts typically cost more than the usual banner-type iAds seen in App Store apps. Pre-roll video spots also garner higher ad rates, and come in 15, 30 or 60-second blocks.
In addition to the aforementioned changes, Apple announced this afternoon that it has expanded iAd availability to Russia and Switzerland. This brings the coverage of the company’s iAd network to a total of 16 regions.
Apple has been struggling to gain traction for its iAd platform since it launched in 2010, due to initial high pricing and other issues. A recent AdAge scoop blamed its failure on Apple’s “low, cocky and downright stingy” approach.
[Apple via AppleInsider]