2016 marked a transformative year for publisher monetization. Facebook’s algorithm shift was a lesson in ‘expecting the unexpected’, and The New York Times’ acquisition of The Wirecutter a lesson in ‘doing as the giants do’. The decline of traditional display ads continued steadily, and the rise of native advertising content accelerated above and beyond predictions.
We’re proud to be at the forefront of this evolutionary time, and excited to see what 2017 will have in store. To celebrate the end of a year marked by spectacular native content, we’re sharing 5 incredible stories from our publisher partners.
Engadget: The essential VPN buyers guide
This deep dive into VPN usage delivers an informative look at the increasing importance of these protective services. From how a VPN actually works to how to choose the right VPN for your online habits, this article successfully delivered an important message to their readers at a highly relevant moment in digital security.
The Daily Dot: Semi Automatic Rubber Band Guns
Content, of course, is not limited to words and punctuation, and the Daily Dot proved the unbridled potential for Facebook video as a medium for publisher monetization in 2016. This “snackable” video showcasing the use of a retro-style rubber band gun has drawn over 2 million views, proving one should never underestimate the appeal of an old fashion office rubber band fight.
AOL.com: 5 reasons you shouldn’t drive without a dashcam
With an influx of dashcam footage surfacing in the mainstream media, AOL tapped into this growing trend with a piece centered around practical use cases of a dashcam. From recording fender benders in the parking lot to fighting insurance fraud, this article speaks to even the least tech-savvy of drivers.
Digg: 8 Stocking Stuffer Gifts That Do Not Suck
Digg successfully mastered the art of the listicle with its unique holiday ode to the stocking stuffer. A much needed breath of fresh air from the typical gift guide, this holiday roundup offered up Magnetic Space Putty and a Toilet Bowl Light as clever alternatives to the typical socks and dental floss.
The Huffington Post: This Wine Club Is Starting a Revolution
In 2016, President Obama raised a glass of Pezo do Rei Ribeira Sacra, instantly popularizing this Spanish wine and its region of origin. This piece from the Huffington Post touches on the importance of a wine’s story (in addition to its taste) and introduces a wine club that’s out to do just that with every delivery.
