Email-Like Ads Go Live In Gmail Android App 4.6

The latest version of the Android Gmail app, 4.6, has an entire library dedicated to code for ad execution as Artem Russakovskii of Android Police pointed out last week. Now the first signs of ads in the app have popped up.

As with the desktop, Sponsored Promotion ads appear above, but in line with regular emails in the Promotions tab. Here’s a first look at the ads in the Android app from Dutch blog Android World:

It’s not clear how wide spread the testing is or what regions the ads are appearing. A Google spokesperson wouldn’t comment other than to say, “We’re always experimenting with new features, but have nothing new to share at this time”.

If you’ve noticed fewer or no instances of the native-style ads in the Promotions tab on desktops recently, you’re not alone. However, I’m told nothing has changed on that front.

The Gmail Sponsored Promotion ads are in limited beta. Advertisers can request access through their Google reps.

About The Author

Ginny Marvin

Ginny Marvin is Third Door Media’s Editor-in-Chief, running the day to day editorial operations across all publications and overseeing paid media coverage. Ginny Marvin writes about paid digital advertising and analytics news and trends for Search Engine Land, Marketing Land and MarTech Today. With more than 15 years of marketing experience, Ginny has held both in-house and agency management positions. She can be found on Twitter as @ginnymarvin.