What Is Digital-Out-of-Home Advertising?

What Is Digital-Out-of-Home Advertising?

Digital-out-of-home advertising, often called DOOH, refers to digital screens that display advertising messages in public and retail environments. DOOH combines the impact of traditional out-of-home with the flexibility of digital media. It allows advertisers to update creative quickly, target specific times of day, and reach consumers during daily routines.

This article explains what DOOH means, how it works, and where advertisers use it.

DOOH Advertising Defined

DOOH advertising uses screens to deliver digital content. These screens appear in locations where people gather, commute, shop, or wait. Common placements include malls, transit stations, grocery stores, office towers, and airports.

DOOH functions like a digital extension of classic OOH formats. The key difference is that advertisers can update content faster and use more dynamic visuals.

Where DOOH Screens Appear

DOOH screens appear in many environments:

  • Grocery stores
  • Shopping malls
  • Transit shelters
  • Highways and major intersections
  • Office buildings
  • Elevators
  • Gyms
  • Airports

Each environment offers unique audience patterns and dwell times. For example, grocery DOOH reaches shoppers at key decision moments.

How DOOH Enhances Advertising

DOOH helps brands:

  • Display dynamic creative
  • Update campaigns in real time
  • Target dayparts
  • Match messaging to weather, events, or promotions
  • Increase campaign flexibility

According to the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA), DOOH is one of the fastest-growing segments of the OOH market.*

Types of DOOH Formats

Common DOOH formats include:

Large-Format Digital Billboards

Bright, screen-based placements on highways and busy roads.

Indoor Digital Screens

Screens placed in malls, grocery stores, gyms, and office towers.

Transit DOOH

Screens in buses, trains, platforms, and transit shelters.

Grocery DOOH

In-store screens positioned near checkout or high-traffic areas. These screens often complement RMG Advertising’s AdBar, AdCap, and AdTray formats.

Why Brands Use DOOH

DOOH is popular because it offers:

  • Broad reach
  • Strong visual impact
  • Flexible scheduling
  • High recall
  • Compatibility with digital campaigns

It supports upper and mid-funnel goals and works well with mobile and programmatic tactics.

Internal Links

What Is CTV Advertising?

CTV advertising is digital advertising delivered on Connected TV devices such as smart TVs and streaming players through internet-based content.