Why Native Ads Deserve a Spot in Your Media Mix

Native advertising is often overshadowed by the big and popular traffic channels: Social and Search. But according to the panel, D2C and Lead Gen brand owners are missing out on billions in revenue by ignoring Native Ads.

The key reasons?

1. Massive Reach – Native Ads tap into a huge audience across platforms like Taboola, Outbrain, MediaGo, MGID, Revcontent, making it a scalable alternative to Facebook or Google. Check out the last panel Xevio hosted together with these traffic sources to learn more.

2. Transparency & Compliance – Unlike Social, where your business manager could be banned overnight, native ads offer clear-cut compliance rules and real account managers you can talk to when things go sideways. Just don’t break the rules or try to get around them —because, as Val Shal bluntly put it, “You’re gonna get banned. Fast.”

3. Diversification – If TikTok’s looming U.S. ban has taught us anything, it’s that putting all your eggs in one basket is bad business. Native is an effective hedge against Social and Search volatility.

4. Creative Flexibility – The panel emphasized how easy it is to repurpose Social and Search creatives for native, making it a seamless addition to any marketing strategy.

According to Margo Saar, native ads offer a non-intrusive, user-friendly experience that blends seamlessly with content consumption. It’s ideal for top-of-funnel acquisition and a great way to engage audiences without the disruptive feel of traditional ads.

Scaling Native: The Formula for Success

If you thought scaling Facebook ads was tough, try scaling a $50K to $100K per day budget on native. Spoiler alert: It’s not that hard—if you know how to play the game. Nadim, the CEO of Xeviomanaged $100M in ad spend in 2024, shares.

The panellists agreed: Content is king, but strategic execution is queen. So what’s the scaling playbook?

● Data-Driven Optimization & Automation – Native platforms allow real-time campaign monitoring, ensuring that performance doesn’t tank as budgets scale.

● Authentic Storytelling & Emotional Hooks – Headlines and visuals should connect with audiences, but without misleading clickbait.

● Psychological Triggers & Value Exchange – Users need a compelling reason to click and share their data. The panelists warned against exaggerated claims, saying “Stay compelling, but don’t promise the impossible.” This echoes the latest ruling passed by the FTC in the US, essentially limiting all the fake and artificial intelligence-generated consumer reviews, consumer testimonials, and celebrity testimonials

● A/B Testing & Iteration – Experimentation is crucial. Margo stressed that refining the creative process and watching Lifetime Value (LTV) and Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) ensures long-term profitability.

Bottom line? Scaling isn’t just about throwing money at the platform—it’s about acting smart and reaping the benefits of strategically invested ad-spend.

Regulations, Tariffs & the Future of Native Ads

If there’s one thing affiliates and brand owners need to keep an eye on in 2025, it’s content regulations and evolving laws. Native ad platforms live and die by publisher rules, which means they’re constantly adapting to legal changes.

Here’s what’s shaking up the market:

● Tariffs and Supply Chain Shifts – New U.S. tariffs are forcing D2C brands to rethink their manufacturing strategies, impacting which products are viable for D2C scale on native and other channels.

● The TikTok Ban Ripple Effect – If the ban actually goes through, expect CPMs to skyrocket across all ad networks as displaced advertisers flood into alternative platforms.

● Crypto’s Resurgence – With favorable regulations on the horizon, crypto-friendly offers could see a boom on native. Why should you care if you are not running crypto? It’s simple: you’ll have to deal with a lot more competition per impression, pushing your costs up not just on native but everywhere else as well.

The panellists highlighted top-performing verticals running on Perform CB’s CPA ad network:

● Lead Gen: Auto insurance, mortgage refinancing, personal loans, debt consolidation, home improvement.

● D2C & Gadgets: From wearables to skincare, but with an eye on potential tariff risks.

● Subscription Services: Password managers, background checks, and privacy-focused tools are gaining traction.

The key takeaway? If your offer solves a problem for a large and preferably senior audience, it’ll work on native.

AI & Video: The Future of Native Ads

One of the hottest topics on the panel was AI’s role in optimizing native campaigns. The industry is shifting from manual adjustments to machine learning-driven automation.

How are marketers using AI today?

● Ad Copy & Headline Generation – AI-powered tools are crafting headlines that balance engagement with compliance.

● Dynamic Creative Optimization – Platforms can now auto-optimize visuals based on audience interaction.

● Audience Segmentation – AI helps fine-tune targeting, ensuring ads reach the right users at the right time.

And what about video? Val & Nadim noted that video is finally starting to gain serious traction on native—a trend we’ve been waiting on for years. Expect to see more motion ads, GIF-style creatives, and even long-form native video content dominating the space.

How to Get Started with Native Ads Today

Ready to jump in? The panellists dropped some gems on where to start:

1. Join a Native-Specific Community – Platforms like Native Hub (run by Xevio) offer trainings, live Q&A sessions, and access to expert media buyers in real time.

2. Follow the Right People – Keep up with industry pros for the latest insights (Nadim Kuttab’s LinkedIn is a great place to start).

3. Leverage Available Tools – Platforms like Taboola Trends and Outbrain Brainpower Insights help marketers identify trending topics and optimize their campaigns.

Final Thoughts

Native advertising isn’t just an alternative to Social and Search—it’s a powerhouse in its own right. With scalability, compliance flexibility, and creative freedom, it’s an indispensable tool for affiliate marketers and brand owners looking to grow their profitable spend footprint.

If 2025 is the year you diversify, native ads should be at the top of your list. And if you’re still not convinced? Well, just wait until your Facebook ad account gets banned…again.

See you in the Native Hub

xo