How does "native advertising" differ from traditional ads?

Native advertising is characterized by its seamless integration with the content of the platform where it appears. This type of advertising is designed to match the form and function of the surrounding content, making it less intrusive and more engaging for viewers. As a result, native ads provide a more user-friendly experience, as they often deliver relevant information in a way that feels consistent with the user's browsing experience.

This distinction is particularly important because traditional ads typically stand out in a way that interrupts the user's attention, often being banner ads, pop-ups, or other formats that don't align with the content. By blending in, native ads can enhance user engagement, as they are perceived as less of an interruption and more as an informative or entertaining part of the content the user is already consuming.

The other options do not accurately capture the defining feature of native advertising. While frequency of appearance, production time, and demographic targeting can vary greatly and are not exclusive to native ads, the defining characteristic remains the seamless blending with the existing content, which is why this aspect is critical to the effectiveness of native advertising.