The Importance of High-Quality Images in Healthcare Native Advertising

By Tapnative

Tap-Native-healthcare-images

In the competitive landscape of native advertising and especially in healthcare & medical marketing, first impressions matter immensely. The quality of the images used in ads can significantly influence user perception and, ultimately, conversions. In addition, publishers are blocking advertisers’ entire account because of 1 negative image which means 1 bad apple can ban the whole barrel. In 2025 Tap Native is increasing its scrutiny around images. High-quality, non-pixelated photos featuring people, particularly faces, foster a sense of connection and trust—critical in healthcare, where decisions often impact well-being. In addition, images which feature people and surroundings perceived to be trustworthy are far superior. Tap Native reached people researching health topics who are typically older, richer and smarter. So, images which might work on other ad platforms do not work here. Studies show that our users perceive ads with sharp, realistic photos as more credible than those with low-resolution or generic graphics. Faces convey emotions and humanity, bridging the gap between offers and target audiences.

Trust is the foundation of conversions. A blurry or generic image can cast doubt, while a high-quality, people-focused photo conveys reliability and care. For healthcare advertisers, investing in premium imagery isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about building the trust that drives results. Please review these examples of images that are likely to be rejected and the alternative you should consider.

Images that will get rejected

The avocado skull creates a negative, impression, not a positive one.

The alternative to consider

Click-bait-example-2

A healthy meal, presented well which appears on a clean plate, on a good-looking table is what most people want.

Does anyone with intelligence think this image engenders trust? Editors at health and medical sites look at this and cringe, we all do. Nonsensical images such as this one will be rejected.

There are many ways to convey a sense of health and healing. Images of nutrition, exercise and physicians speaking with patients should echo the idea your headline conveys.

The characteristics of this image are bland with dull colors, its pixilated and a long shot. Notice that 90% of the image is useless background which doesn’t tell a story.

Consider a high quality and colorful mid or close up which evokes a sense of adventure, wonder and emotion.

Dark or black backgrounds are perceived as negative and reduce the value of the offer.

Choose images without black or white backgrounds but instead display bright environements typical of the subject.

Long shots and many mid shots without specific subjects don’t evoke much response.

Adding human subjects in the near foreground evokes a sense of storytelling. People make all the difference.

Tap Native does not allow logos or branded images in native ads. Native ads are unbranded except for the source line which is not part of the image.

Images should feature the product or service being enjoyed by customers. They are free of text or logos or branding.

Graphics or cartoons are not accepted. Real photos with a small amount of graphic enhacements are accepted.

Real lifestyle images preform far better and conform to the environment where the ad is being displayed.

Images which focus on negative attributes or body shaming are percieved negatively.

Featuring the desired result of the product or service outpreforms negative images.

Before and after images or images with mutiple depictions are not accepted.

Focus on the result and make it uplifting!

Gross images, shocking images, silly images, low brow images or images with red circles or arrows are not acceptable.

What is acceptable and will work best is always high quality images which evoke positive emotions and tell stories.

Our focus on high quality people-centered imagery reflects the values of the healthcare sector, reinforcing user confidence in the advertised product or service. Remember that Tap Native ads appear on hundreds of health, medical and wellness sites and those site’s editors’ frown on nonsensical images like onions in socks, worms in coffee or peanut butter on toenails. Tap Native offers stock and AI generated images for free to our clients. Those images are pre-set to adhere to these guidelines. It’s time to UP your image game! If you’d like us to provide images, just ask. We look forward to helping you crack the code!

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