In a digital world where attention spans are shrinking and content saturation is at an all-time high, brands are being forced to get creative. Static ads no longer cut through the noise—and that’s where interactive advertising is taking center stage. Instead of passively presenting a message, interactive ads invite users to participate, engage, and even personalize their experience. This shift has redefined how brands communicate, and global agencies are leading the charge with cutting-edge, immersive campaigns.
Why Interactive Ads Are Booming
The shift toward interactive ads is fueled by a simple principle: engagement drives better results. Whether it’s tapping, swiping, answering a quiz, or exploring a 360° video, interactive formats tap into user curiosity and create a two-way relationship between brand and audience.
Major benefits include:
- Higher engagement and dwell time
- Stronger brand recall and emotional connection
- Better data collection through user interaction
- Higher conversion rates due to deeper involvement
From shoppable videos to AR filters and playable mobile ads, interactivity is no longer an optional add-on—it’s becoming a best practice. Here’s how some of the world’s top agencies are pushing the boundaries and what your brand can learn from them.
1. R/GA – Creating Connected Experiences
New York-based R/GA is known for building brand ecosystems that combine creativity with technology. Their interactive ad campaigns for brands like Nike, Samsung, and Verizon showcase how storytelling and functionality can coexist.
Best Practice: Design for utility and delight. R/GA’s interactive ads often serve a real purpose—such as helping users find their perfect shoe fit or navigate a product ecosystem. The interactivity isn’t just cool—it’s useful, and that utility builds trust.
2. AKQA – Immersive and Emotionally Intelligent
AKQA creates digital products and experiences that combine design, data, and storytelling. They’ve developed touch-based ads, voice-activated experiences, and gamified formats for brands like Nike, Audi, and Google.
Best Practice: Lean into emotion. AKQA focuses on building sensory-rich, emotionally engaging experiences. Whether it’s a gamified adventure or a personalized quiz, their campaigns demonstrate that the best interactivity evokes a feeling, not just a click.
3. Wieden+Kennedy – Storytelling That Moves
Known for bold storytelling, Wieden+Kennedy has extended its expertise into interactive campaigns for brands like Old Spice and Sprite. Their “Choose Your Own Adventure”-style videos let users control the narrative, making brand stories more immersive and personal.
Best Practice: Empower your audience. Letting users control how a story unfolds gives them a sense of agency. That power deepens engagement and creates memorable, shareable experiences.
4. MediaMonks – Tech-Powered Creativity
With its global footprint and high-tech capabilities, MediaMonks specializes in creating high-impact digital campaigns that span formats like AR, VR, and interactive video. Their interactive Google Zoo project and dynamic campaign work for Tommy Hilfiger show how interactivity scales across platforms.
Best Practice: Build platform-native experiences. MediaMonks adapts interactivity to the environment—whether it’s mobile-first, desktop, or VR headset. Brands should design interactions that feel native to the platform where they appear, maximizing immersion.
5. Ogilvy – Data-Driven Personalization
Ogilvy takes a strategic approach to interactive content by infusing it with data insights. Their work with Dove’s personalized beauty experiences and KFC’s mobile games demonstrate how interactivity and personalization can work hand in hand.
