Pop Traffic Definition

What is pop traffic? It's the stream of visitors brought about by users who land on your page after a popup or popunder ad is triggered (whether by clicking a specific element or CTA or by an automatic redirect).

If a user happens to visit and interact with one of those websites or apps, a popup (a new window opening on top of an active window) or a popunder (a new tab or window opening underneath an active browser window) is automatically triggered, hence loading your landing or application download page in the user's browser.

At that point, the user becomes your pop traffic but if they go further and download the app or sign up for your dating form, that becomes "conversion".

Pop Traffic Definition

Types of Pop Traffic

Pop Ads Based on Delivery

This refers to how the ad appears to the user (in front of or behind their active window):

Pop-Ups

A new window tab or browser window that appears on top of the user's active session immediately they interact with a website.

Pop-unders

This is an ad format that opens in form of a new window or tab behind the current or active one and usually goes unnoticed until the user minimizes or completely closes their current window/page.

Pop Ads Types

Pop Ads Based on Targeting

Refers to who is shown your ad based on factors such as device type, user browsing behaviour and location.

Geographical Targeting

Your ad gets delivered to the user based on their location (country, city, region).

Contextual Targeting

Ads are shown based on the content of the website the user is visiting.

Behavioural Targeting

Delivery of ads is done based on user behaviour such as past interactions.

OS and Device Targeting

Ads are tailored according to the user's device type or their operating system.

Targeting Types

Using Pop Traffic in Affiliate Marketing

Pop traffic offers targeted exposure and instant visibility for affiliate marketers' campaigns, playing a big role in the affiliate marketing industry.

The instant exposure makes it easier to quickly test multiple creatives, GEOs and targeting options to know what works and what doesn't.

Benefits of Pop Traffic
  • Affordability
  • Speed and scalability
  • Retargeting capabilities
Scaling Campaigns

You can rapidly scale your campaigns and reach a bigger audience at controlled costs. Pop traffic can also be used in retargeting whereby if a user visits an affiliate's review blog but doesn't convert, a popup can be set up to follow them on other websites/domains and show the affiliate's offer again hence increasing chances of a purchase or signup.

Difference Between Push and Pop Traffic

Pop Traffic

Pop traffic comes from redirects that happen when a user visits a website and a pop ad or popunder ad automatically opens.

Cost Per View or Visit is the cost structure used (paying per landing page load).

There's extremely high traffic volume because it pulls from a wide pool of websites.

Push Traffic

Push traffic originates from users subscribing to push notifications through mobile apps or browsers, meaning they opt in.

The predominant cost structure used is usually Cost Per Click (paying whenever a user clicks the push notification).

Traffic is more controlled and less intrusive (limited to the size of the subscription base).

Is Pop Traffic Effective?

Pop traffic is indeed effective but its effectiveness depends on the type of offer, ad targeting and how the affiliate marketer optimizes their campaigns.

Since it works through redirects, the traffic flows instantly to an offer or landing page making it ideal for gathering data and generating fast results. Pop traffic performs well with offers that require users to take quick actions without so much persuasion.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Pop Traffic

Advantages

  • Works well with simple offers such as app installs, discounts and signups
  • Offers the flexibility to buy cheap pop traffic with affordable CPMs
  • Provides access to a bigger global audience
  • Direct exposure that guarantees that every impression leads to your page

Disadvantages

  • The conversion rates may be lower than more intent-driven traffic sources
  • Popups may frustrate users as they are intrusive
  • Requires heavy optimization strategy
  • May experience restrictions since some modern browsers have built-in popup blockers

How to Use Pop Traffic to Drive Sales

Choose the Right Offer

Choose an offer that matches the vertical you are targeting and the user intent for better conversions.

Optimize Landing Pages

A clean and fast loading mobile-optimized page with a short, clear headline, strong CTA and engaging visuals.

Precise Targeting

Direct your pop traffic based on geo, demographic, device and user behavior targeting.

Run A/B Tests

Constant testing of different landers, call to action, offers and creatives.

Combine Traffic Sources

Combine pop traffic with push traffic, retargeting campaigns or display ads.

How to Start Getting Pop Traffic

Create Landing Pages

Direct linking to an offer may sometimes work but having a fast loading page with a clear value proposition and headline will almost always improve results.

Set Targeting Options

Use geo targeting to focus on specific countries where your offer is allowed and affordable or even segment by device.

Launch Campaigns

Use DSPs or ad networks to start getting the best pop traffic. These platforms will connect you to a wide range of publisher sites.

How to Use Pop Traffic Effectively

Ensure Precise Targeting

Includes location, OS, browser, location, user interests and time of day filters.

Design Attention-Grabbing Landing Pages

Since pop traffic users often arrive unexpectedly, you need something that can hook them.

Test in Small Batches

Identify which devices, creatives and GEOs generate real results without wasting budget.

Track and Analyze Performance

Utilize tools like Voluum to see which placements, locations and sources produce quality traffic.

Optimize Continuously

Pause the placements and sites that are performing poorly, refine targeting and adjust bids.

Optimization

Conclusion

Pop traffic is a simple, low-cost source: lots of impressions and low bids. At first it can be tricky—choosing a network, filtering bots, building a landing page, and staying on budget.

But once you get the hang of it, you'll see it's really profitable—one campaign can bring in thousands.

Buy pop traffic