Rewarded ads are full-screen video or interactive advertisements that users choose to watch in exchange for a benefit, such as access to a locked article, a digital item, or a "pro" feature. Unlike traditional ads, rewarded units are entirely opt-in, creating a value-exchange that typically results in significantly higher engagement rates and premium CPMs.
Rewarded ads function as a full-screen overlay, similar to a vignette, but with a required timer. Users can close the ad at any time, but the reward is only granted once the countdown is complete.
To remain compliant with Google and Ezoic policies, you must adhere to the following reward rules:
No Direct Monetary Rewards: You cannot offer cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
Indirect Value Only: Rewards must be non-transferable and redeemable only on your site (e.g., extra lives in a game, PDF downloads, or ad-free browsing for a set time).
Transparency: If rewards are randomized, you must disclose the odds before the user agrees to watch.
Clear Disclosure: Users must be informed exactly what they are receiving before the ad begins.
For publishers who prefer a low-code solution, Ezoic provides an AI-Assisted Setup Tool that generates the necessary integration code based on your specific needs.
Navigate to EzoicAds > Rewarded Ads.
Select the AI Setup Tools option.
Describe your reward (e.g., "Unlock a premium recipe" or "1 hour of ad-free reading").
The tool will generate a customized JavaScript snippet. The code will show up in your Script Library and can be activated across the entire site, or on defined pages.
If you require a custom technical implementation, please visit our Advanced Documentation for setup instructions.
Before going live, visit the Examples tab in your dashboard. You can see various UI layouts—such as modals, sidebar buttons, or floating banners—to find the best fit for your site's design.
To ensure your rewarded ads are providing maximum value, you must track their efficiency in Big Data Analytics (BDA).
Navigate to Analytics > Rewarded Ads.
Review the Rewarded Ads Report to see real-time data on your campaigns.
Optimize Based on Behavior: Rewarded ads perform best when they are iteratively adjusted. Focus on Initiated Rewards (how many users clicked the button) vs. Completion Rate (how many users finished the video). If initiation is low, try a more enticing call-to-action; if completion is low, consider a different reward type.
Because these are high-impact video units with guaranteed viewability, the CPMs are often 2-5x higher than traditional in-content display ads.
Ad availability depends on demand. Your implementation should always include a "fallback" (like a standard sign-up form) in case the Ezoic system doesn't have a rewarded ad ready to serve. Ezoic offers a "Reward on no fill" option which will give the user the reward if there is no ad to fill the request.
Ezoic provides the ad and the "Success" signal. Your site's code is responsible for actually revealing the hidden content or granting the reward once that signal is received.
If you need further assistance with Rewarded Ads, please log in via support.ezoic.com to make use of our dedicated resources for support. We're here to help!