Ad creative analysis in Traffic Arbitrage: What works and what can be improved?
A high-quality ad creative isn’t just a gameplay video with reactions — it’s a tool that directly impacts conversions and final profit. In the iGaming niche, a successful creative must not only grab attention but also build trust, engage the user in the gaming experience, and most importantly, clearly communicate the offer.
In this article, we analyze real creatives used in 1win Partners advertising campaigns, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses. The analysis was supported by Egor, Team Lead of the CPA affiliate team at 1win Partners, who commented on each creative and suggested improvements.
1. Creative featuring the popular slot Book of Dead
Creative images
Analysis
One of the most successful creatives in the selection. It features the popular slot Book of Dead, which immediately grabs the target audience’s attention. The combination of dynamic gameplay and background music creates an immersive effect.Another strong point is the display of the player’s emotions, which reinforces the desire to try one’s luck. This approach tends to work better than simply showing the game without any reaction.An additional trust trigger is the demonstration of a cashout — this reinforces the credibility of the winnings and boosts user confidence.
What could be improved:
- Give more visual emphasis to the winnings, making the numbers stand out.
- Highlight the cashout moment with larger text or more impactful visual effects.
Conclusion
Excellent creative. Balances gameplay and emotion very well.
2. Creative with the game Plinko
Creative images
Analysis
Another strong creative based on the popular Plinko game. The focus is on the player’s emotions and the gameplay dynamics. The sound effects used make the video feel more realistic.One of the strongest aspects is the consistency between the prize shown on screen and what appears in the game interface. This builds trust, as audiences tend to notice inconsistencies and may suspect manipulation.
What could be improved:
- Over-the-top emotions may seem unnatural and lead to distrust. More authentic reactions are recommended.
Conclusion
An attention-grabbing creative with a solid conversion rate. The key is to strike a balance between emotion and realism.
3. Improvement in presentation structure
Creative images
Analysis
This creative could potentially perform better with minor adjustments. The main weakness lies in the content presentation structure.The video starts strong, but the effect could be amplified by changing the sequence of frames:
- First, show an impactful gameplay moment that hooks the viewer.
- Then, present the player’s emotional reaction as a logical and satisfying ending.Additionally, the creative lacks clear on-screen text highlighting the bonus. This is important because many users watch without sound.
What could be improved:
- Make the beginning more dynamic and add emotions at the end.
- Include clear, attention-grabbing text about the bonus.
Conclusion
Strong foundation, but structural tweaks are needed to boost engagement
4.Balance between game and emotions
Creative images
Analysis
Similar to the previous creative in concept, but with a different balance. Here, the player's emotions take the lead while the game takes a back seat.This can work, but there’s a risk that users won’t understand the gameplay. For organic traffic, it’s essential to first explain what’s happening on screen.
What could be improved:
- Give more screen time to the gameplay.
- Add a textual explanation of the game mechanics.
Conclusion
Maintaining balance is key: emotions + gameplay demonstration.
5. Dynamics instead of emotions
Creative images
Analysis
This creative stands out from the others because it lacks player emotional reactions. The focus is on gameplay, win multipliers, and video dynamics.This approach can work, but to make up for the lack of emotional hooks, it’s important to build strong visual flow:
- Add acceleration and deceleration effects (e.g., slow down the multiplier drop just before a win).
- Use close-ups during winning moments to draw attention.
What could be improved:
- Enhance visual effects so the creative doesn’t feel “flat.”
Conclusion
A viable strategy — but it’s crucial to highlight key elements effectively.
6. Emotions and the importance of the distribution channel
Creative images
Analysis
This creative clearly demonstrates how important the distribution context is. Intense emotions work very well on TikTok, Shorts, and Reels, but can seem forced on other platforms.The best approach is to create emotional contrast: first, tension; then, a sudden burst of joy.
What could be improved:
- Balance the emotions, avoiding excessive shouting.
- Add clear emotional shifts to build interest.
Conclusion
Strong emotions work — but they must be adapted to the platform.
7. Localization and personalization
Creative images
Analysis
Localization is key to boosting trust and conversion rates. In this creative, national flag colors were used, making it more attractive to local audiences.This effect can be enhanced with personalized elements such as:
- Viral memes
- Trending dances or challenges
- Local jokes or expressions
What could be improved:
- Add more localized elements to make the creative feel native to the audience.
Conclusion
Localization improves conversions, especially when it respects the cultural context of the audience.
Key Takeaways
Based on the analysis, several strategies can help improve conversion rates in paid traffic campaigns:
- Emotions + gameplay = high conversion. It’s essential to show game mechanics, not just player reactions.
- Accuracy in winnings builds trust. Inconsistencies in displayed amounts reduce conversion.
- Localization creates audience connection. Colors, symbols, memes, and expressions tailored to the audience boost engagement.
- Video dynamics matter. Speed changes, angle shifts, and transitions make creatives more compelling.
- Platform adaptation is critical. A creative may perform well on TikTok and not as well on Facebook.
Ultimately, successful ad creatives in paid traffic are the result of continuous testing, optimization, and analysis. The key is to strike the right balance between engagement, emotion, and audience trust.
1603
You can also read
Streamers and iGaming: how 1win turns integrations into events
Streaming has evolved into a powerful media market where trust defines success. Discover how 1win redefines iGaming integrations — turning them into cultural events that drive engagement, brand loyalty, and measurable results. Insights from Maxim, Head of Streamer Marketing at 1win
Creative analysis by ExGaming
Discover ExGaming’s approach to ad creatives and what makes them work. From static images to emotional videos and trending animations, we analyze each format with expert commentary from ExGaming and 1win Partners. Learn what to fix, what to repeat, and how to boost your VTR and ROI with better ads.
Using artificial intelligence in traffic arbitrage – what ChatGPT has to say
AI is reshaping traffic arbitrage. Explore expert insights from Famesters, Infinity & Chatterfy, plus exclusive takes from ChatGPT on automation, lead scoring, and sales funnels.