As an affiliate, you’ve probably run into challenges when selecting traffic sources.
Some sources are expensive, some underperform and some just don’t give you the creative flexibility you need to deliver impactful results. Native ads are a great option, because they integrate seamlessly into content feeds, allowing you to reach users in an engaging and non-intrusive way.
Native ads are designed to match the look and feel of the platform they appear on, whether as sponsored content or promoted posts.
They outperform traditional display ads, with average CTRs of 0.20% compared to 0.05% for standard banners. That higher engagement makes native ads a strong choice for affiliates who want to scale campaigns and reach their audiences naturally.
We talked to a native ads expert, Revenue Tactics’ Tom Bell, who runs the Native Ads Masterclass about how affiliates can use AI tools in their advertising, and how he anticipates the landscape to evolve moving into 2026.
The Creative Challenge of Native Ads
While native ads perform well, they’re not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for affiliates is the creative production. High-quality images and visuals are essential for performance, but sourcing them can be time consuming and expensive.
Hiring designers and buying or sourcing stock images can eat into your time and budget, especially if you’re testing multiple angles or targeting different audiences.
This is why AI-generated content has become a popular tool for affiliates looking to save time, money and effort. With tools like MidJourney and ChatGPT, creating images is easier than ever, and oftentimes free. What once took hours or even days can now be produced in just seconds, at no or low cost.
According to Tom, “AI-generated images are a huge time and cost saver for affiliates. You can instantly create hyper-specific visuals that match your ad angle — without hunting through stock sites or paying designers. For testing, that speed is gold.”
Testing different angles is also important when executing native ads, and sometimes even minor tweaks in imagery can make a big difference in CTR. Tom says that AI can help affiliates test faster by generating multiple image variations and drafts that you can refine.
Does That Mean AI is a Replacement for Creative Work?
Despite its feasibility, AI generation isn’t a total replacement for human generated images and content. Tom says that while he uses it himself, human oversight is still needed for solid results. “I use it to brainstorm curiosity-driven hooks or create fresh imagery that aligns with the story of an offer, but I always add human editing to ensure the tone and psychology are on point.”
One of the main risks with relying solely on AI is authenticity. Native ads need realism and relatability, so if an image looks too polished or artificial, it can actually hurt trust and engagement.
Tom points out that AI images can increase CTR because they look unique, but when they become unrealistic looking, performance can suffer.
Best Practices for Using AI in Native Ads
So how can affiliates use AI in their native ads without sacrificing quality?
“The best performing AI images tend to look like genuine editorial photography” says Tom, which means blending imperfections and harmony with the story angle. focus on visuals that tell a story your audience can relate to.
For example, instead of a perfectly staged AI photo of a person smiling, use an image that shows genuine expressions or small imperfections that feel human. Instead of relying solely on AI to create an image for you, use it as a time saving tool – you can edit your existing photos or enhance certain elements, like removing backgrounds or adjusting lighting.
AI and Native Ads in 2026
AI generated content and images are continuing to transform native ads, and we’re going to see this trend continue into 2026. They’re allowing affiliates to scale faster and create targeted visuals, which is especially helpful in the early stages as an affiliate.
Tom thinks that we’ll see “AI become more integrated directly inside DSPs and ad platforms — automating creative testing and optimization at scale.”
For affiliates, the advantage no longer lies within the speed in which you can create creatives, but instead with your strength in giving AI the best strategic inputs.
However, if you want high quality traffic and conversions, human oversight is still necessary if you want conversions – at least for now.
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