Google Tests Rich Media Ads

Spotted via JenSense is news that Google is working with some select AdSense advertisers to begin testing rich media ads. The new ad formats include expanding ads, floating ads and interstitial ads and are likely going to be site targeted rather than contextual.

While details on the beta test are being kept quiet, the idea of Google expanding into rich media ad placement is fairly exciting, though not unexpected. Google has made it quite clear in the past year that they are interested in expanding their advertising options to allow advertisers to cover more bases through one system. The ability of ad agencies or even companies themselves to directly manage their rich media ads alongside their existing contextual campaigns will obviously have appeal. It's the next logical step for a company that's clearly looking to continue maximizing their number one profit center: advertising sales.