• Find out the most popular ad sizes for the Google Display Network
• Learn what size your mobile ads need to be and how they are different sizes to desktop ads
• Find out what you need for Google responsive ad specs

If you are new to the world of display ads it can seem quite daunting. The Google Display Network (GDN) has so many options for you to explore. In this article we have compiled a quick reference guide on all the specs and requirements for your Google display ads. In advertising there is so much to do and very little time! In this article we take one task off your plate.

We will be focusing on the most widely used options in Google display ads and what your asset requirements are: 

What are the Popular Display Ads on the Google Display Network?

It is worth noting that all banner display ads on the GDN are required to be no larger than 150 KB.  The accepted file formats are GIF, JPG and PNG. Now that we have discussed file size and type, let's get into the dimensions of your file sizes (all specs are measured in pixels): 

Square and rectangle         

• 200 × 200        Small square
• 240 × 400        Vertical rectangle
• 250 × 250        Square
• 250 × 360        Triple widescreen
• 300 × 250        Inline rectangle
• 336 × 280        Large rectangle
• 580 × 400        Netboard

Skyscraper         

• 120 × 600        Skyscraper
• 160 × 600        Wide skyscraper
• 300 × 600        Half-page ad
• 300 × 1050      Portrait

Leaderboard         

• 468 × 60        Banner
• 728 × 90        Leaderboard
• 930 × 180      Top banner
• 970 × 90        Large leaderboard
• 970 × 250      Billboard
• 980 × 120      Panorama

(Attribution: Google ads)

What are the mobile device specs for the Google Display Network?

Don't forget that for mobile device display ads the spec requirements are different:

Mobile:

• 300 × 50     Mobile Banner
• 320 × 50     Mobile Banner
• 320 × 100   Large Mobile Banner

(attribution: Google ads)

Can I create an animated ad on the Google Display Network?

If you are feeling adventurous and are wanting to create an animated ad the specs are:

GIF format

• Animation length must be 30 seconds or shorter
• Animations can be looped, but the animations must stop after 30 seconds
• Animated GIF ads must be slower than 5 FPS

(attribution: Google ads)

What are the specs for a HTML5 ad on the Google Display Network?

The file size is again 150 kb and the sizes are: 

Square and rectangle

• 200 × 200 Small square
• 240 × 400 Vertical rectangle
• 250 × 250 Square
• 250 × 360 Triple widescreen
• 300 × 250 Inline rectangle
• 336 × 280 Large rectangle
• 580 × 400 Netboard

Skyscraper  

• 120 × 600 Skyscraper
• 160 × 600 Wide skyscraper
• 300 × 600 Half-page ad
• 300 × 1050 Portrait

Leaderboard  

• 468 × 60 Banner
• 728 × 90 Leaderboard
• 930 × 180 Top banner
• 970 × 90 Large leaderboard
• 970 × 250 Billboard
• 980 × 120 Panorama

Mobile

• 300 × 50 Mobile banner
• 320 × 50 Mobile banner
• 320 × 100 Large mobile banner

(attribution: Google ads)

What are the file specs for a Google Display Responsive ad?

Google has very handily provided not just size specifications but an example of what your responsive ad will look like in each size:

Mobile Device example (high end):

(attribution: Google ads)

Computer example:

(attribution: Google ads)

This example format is very important for would-be advertisers as it gives you scope to plan your assets accordingly. A benefit of responsive ads Google only requires you to upload assets of 5 to 10 images in two ratios. Square 1:1 and landscape 1.91.1. Google does resizing for you based on the responsive ad requirements at the time. 

What are the top performing display ad sizes?

Here are some of the top performing ads for Google Display ads. If you want to view the ad sizes in further context, you can do so here.

Medium Rectangle: 300x 250

(attribution: Google ads)

Can be used for Text ads, Display ads and Mobile ads. 

Larger Rectangle: 336 x 280

(attribution: Google ads)

Can be used for text ads and display ads. 

Leaderboard: 728x90

(attribution: Google ads)

Can be used for text and display ads

Half page ad 

(attribution: Google ads)

Can be used for text and display ads. Be aware of the clarity and scope of your images in this format. 

Large mobile banner: 320 x100

(attribution: Google ads)

This is the best size for mobile display ads and offers twice the height of a standard mobile banner. 

However, if you are in the following countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Denmark, Finland, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan your ad sizes may be restricted. To view your options do so here.

Does ad copy matter with display ads?

You’d be forgiven for thinking your CTA and copy require less attention now due to the visual nature of display ads. This is not the case. Your call to action still needs to be clear, concise and your copy to be informative about your product or offer. Your logos should still be clear and present in your display ad also. To find out what works for your company make sure you A/B test your campaigns. 

Can I remarket with display ads? 

Yes! There is a feature of the Google display ad network called dynamic display advertising and it is perfect for remarketing with display ads. It’s best that you familiarise yourself with a display ad campaign before undertaking this. 

There are many service providers that are happy to advise you further on image quality and your ad copy in your display ad campaign. If you would like the assets created by a provider and you upload the campaign itself that's very achievable. Make sure you are both on the same page in terms of layout and image specs. If you want a company to handle every aspect to handle your entire display ad campaign, that's available as well. Get ready for new leads and sales as a result of your display ad campaign!