Business

Eye tracking findings emphasise the importance of measuring attention in digital advertising

Published by Wanda Rich

Posted on September 21, 2021

3 min read

· Last updated: February 4, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Eye tracking study results showcasing attention metrics in digital advertising - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image illustrates key findings from the eye tracking study by Userneeds and OMD Denmark, emphasizing the importance of high impact ad formats in capturing audience attention. The results highlight the significant difference in attention metrics between standard display ads and Adnami's innovative formats, underlining their effectiveness in digital marketing.
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

Eye Tracking Study Highlights Attention in Digital Advertising

Data from Userneeds and OMD Denmark shines a light on the importance of high impact formats when it comes to grabbing audience attention 

Tech company Adnami has hailed new findings by research company Userneeds and OMD Denmark that lays bare the attention-grabbing power of high impact formats, some of which proved to deliver 45 times more attention than standard display ads.

The data, collected over a 6 month period across a selected range of advertisers, pointed to the difference between viewability and attention generated by various formats – from standard display ads of various sizes to Adnami’s high-impact top scroll and interscroll formats. 

The study revealed that Adnami’s formats generated an average ten-fold uplift in attention, and in some (extreme) cases up to 45 times more attention per 1000 impressions when compared to standard display, according to Userneeds’ eye-tracking panel. What’s more, a standard display format (160×600) with the highest viewability was in fact the format with the lowest ability to drive user attention. ​​ 

The Data also links attention to effectiveness, measured on brand preference and ad recall. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the longer the ad is viewed for, the more likely it is to make an impact on brand perception, with the findings supporting the inclusion of high impact formats in campaigns by default.

“Viewability is not the same as attention and this study shows that existing metrics don’t go far enough when it comes to understanding what ‘good’ looks like in digital media,” says Adnami’s CEO, Simon Kvist Gaulshøj. “The winners will be those who understand if their audiences connect with their creative and media, and if this connection delivers an outcome. This study highlights the importance of considering metrics in a deeper and more qualitative way. Viewability is meaningless if an audience is paying little attention.”

OMD Denmark’s Director, Peter Loell, comments: “With the industry still grappling with the most appropriate metrics to assess the efficiency of campaigns, this data shows that well-designed, high impact ads aren’t just viewable, but they capture attention, too. It’s important to remember that no metric in isolation will give us the whole picture. Advertisers must seek a balance between reach, attention and action in the media mix and not focus solely on price, nor on viewability.”

Adnami specialises in programmatic, high-impact advertising solutions, and works with a growing portfolio of publishers, agencies and advertisers. Launched in 2017, and with offices in Copenhagen and Stockholm, it is set to expand its programmatic tech solutions for high impact advertising throughout Europe in 2021. The company works with a diverse range of clients, such as Heineken, BMW, American Express, Disney, Samsung and Red Bull.

For more information: simon@adnami.io

Website: https://www.adnami.io 

About Adnami:

Adnami’s high impact advertising platform delivers astonishing ad experiences for consumers and accelerated returns for publishers and brands. Adnami’s templated and platform-agnostic approach to high impact advertising, provides a scalable and automated solution to run attention-grabbing and impactful advertising campaigns.

This is a Sponsored Feature

Key Takeaways

  • High impact formats deliver significantly more attention than standard ads.
  • Attention is linked to ad effectiveness and brand perception.
  • Viewability does not equate to user attention.
  • Advertisers should balance reach, attention, and action.
  • Adnami's formats show substantial uplift in attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main topic?
The article discusses the importance of measuring attention in digital advertising using eye tracking data.
How do high impact formats compare to standard ads?
High impact formats can deliver up to 45 times more attention than standard display ads.
Why is attention important in advertising?
Attention is linked to ad effectiveness, brand preference, and recall, making it crucial for impactful advertising.

Related Articles

More from Business

Explore more articles in the Business category