Exploring Different Types of Out of Home Advertising

Out-of-home (OOH) advertising refers to any form of advertising that reaches consumers outside their homes. In today’s fast-paced, mobile world, OOH is one of the few remaining ways to consistently capture attention in the real world. Whether you’re targeting commuters, shoppers, or travelers, OOH offers scale, visibility, and versatility that digital screens alone can’t match.

With numerous formats available, understanding the different types of OOH advertising can help your brand create targeted, impactful campaigns.

1. Traditional Billboards

Static billboards are one of the most recognized forms of OOH media. Located along highways, major roads, and high-traffic areas, they’re ideal for broad brand awareness and reaching drivers and daily commuters.

• Best for: Mass reach, long-term exposure
• Use case: Brand launches, event promotion, product awareness
• Ideal placement: Highways, city centers, major intersections

2. Digital Billboards

Digital out-of-home (DOOH) formats allow for dynamic content, real-time updates, and multiple advertisers rotating on a single screen.

• Best for: Time-sensitive promotions, flexible messaging
• Bonus: Can be programmed to change based on weather, time, or audience demographics
• Use case: Countdown campaigns, live data integrations, dayparted messaging

Explore more about how brands are using DOOH in our post: How DOOH Is Shaping the Future of Advertising

3. Street Furniture

This includes ads placed on benches, bus shelters, kiosks, and other public fixtures.

• Best for: Hyper-local targeting in pedestrian-heavy areas
• Ideal for: Urban environments, retail zones, campuses
• Use case: Restaurant openings, store directions, promotions with QR codes

4. Transit Advertising

Transit media covers ads placed on and inside buses, taxis, subways, trams, trains, and even ride-share vehicles.

• Use case: Local service promotion, entertainment events, brand reinforcement
• Best for: Repeated daily impressions from commuters
• Advantage: Moves through multiple neighborhoods, increasing reach

5. Airport and Travel Hub Advertising

OOH media in airports, train stations, and bus terminals reaches high-value, often affluent travelers who spend time waiting and are more likely to engage.

• Use case: Hotel chains, tech products, financial services
• Best for: Global brands, luxury goods, travel-related services

6. Wall Murals & Building Wraps

Large-scale formats such as painted murals, building wraps, or full vinyl installations transform urban environments into brand experiences.

• Best for: High-impact, social-media-worthy exposure
• Use case: Fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment campaigns looking to go viral

Check out our post on Mural Advertising to see how brands use this creatively.

7. Point-of-Purchase (POP) and Retail Displays

Point of sale (POS) displays are placed in retail environments, near the checkout or in high-traffic shopping areas. These ads influence purchase decisions.
Advantages:

• Proximity to Purchase: Directly influences buying behavior.
• High Impact: Captures consumers’ attention when they are ready to buy.

Example: Coca-Cola’s POS displays featuring promotions for their beverages.

8. Mobile Billboards

These are ads placed on moving trucks or trailers, either static or digital, that can travel through specific routes or park in strategic locations.

• Use case: Product launches, campaign tours, urgent brand activations
• Best for: Events, local awareness campaigns, or political advertising
• Benefit: Flexible targeting, customizable routes

9. Place-Based OOH

This category includes advertising in gyms, malls, restaurants, colleges, or stadiums. These placements are designed to align with the viewer’s mindset and environment.

• Use case: Sports drinks in gyms, food delivery apps near universities, luxury items in upscale malls
• Best for: Contextual targeting

Choosing the Right OOH Format for Your Campaign

When selecting an OOH format, consider:

• Target Audience: Are they commuters, pedestrians, travelers, or shoppers?
• Location Strategy: Urban centers vs. suburban communities
• Message Duration: Long-term awareness or short-term promotion?
• Budget & Creative Needs: Some formats allow dynamic content, others favor simplicity and repetition

How International Advertising Solutions Can Help

At International Advertising Solutions, we specialize in creating impactful OOH advertising campaigns that captivate audiences and drive results. Our expertise in out of home advertising ensures that your brand message is delivered effectively, maximizing visibility and engagement.

Why OOH Still Delivers in 2025

With increased digital fatigue, OOH is reclaiming its value as a non-skippable, high-visibility channel. Modern OOH blends creativity with data-driven targeting—especially with the rise of programmatic DOOH and geo-fencing technologies.

Learn more in our post on The Best Formats for OOH Advertising

How International Advertising Solutions Can Help

At International Advertising Solutions, we help brands unlock the power of OOH through:

• Market-specific media planning
• Inventory selection across traditional and digital formats
• Compliance with local advertising laws
• Performance tracking and post-campaign analysis

We don’t produce creative—but we ensure your message is seen, remembered, and drives results.

Conclusion

Out-of-home advertising offers unmatched reach and versatility. Whether you’re going bold with a building wrap or targeting neighborhoods with transit ads, the right OOH strategy puts your brand in front of the right people at the right time.

Ready to build your OOH campaign? Contact International Advertising Solutions today to explore the best mix of formats for your goals.