Online media company Zango announced the availability of the "Slider" ad format today. Sliding ads onto the users' desktop from the lower, right-hand corner of the screen in a non-intrusive fashion,. Zango has been leveraging the new format to communicate Zango’s internal value proposition to consumers who have download the desktop application, but advertisers will want to take note from hereon.

I had the opportunity to speak with Zango's Senior VP of Sales Rip Warendorf this morning about the new Slider format and he seemed upbeat - for good reason. Zango, which has 20 million users worldwide (60% in the U.S.), must constantly find opportunities to serve the right ad at the right time. After positive internal testing, Zango believed the format would be a good fit for advertisers, and early reports indicate that brand advertisers like it already. Warendorf said that the average user will see 2 or 3 ads a day which will help optimize the lifetime value of their customers. 

“Most consumers are familiar with the notification that appears when they receive a new instant message,” said Rip Warendorf, Zango’s senior vice president of sales. “Zango’s Slider ad format enhances the visual appeal of that messaging format and gives advertisers a new, consumer-familiar marketing vehicle. We believe the Slider is a tremendous opportunity for the growing number of brand advertisers shifting dollars to the Internet.”

An online video demonstration of Sliders promoting Zango’s content catalog is available.