What year was the first display ad launched?

The first display ad was launched in 1994, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of online advertising. This ad, which appeared on the HotWired website, is often recognized as the beginning of digital display advertising. It featured a simple banner format and linked to a website, showcasing the potential of the internet as a platform for advertising. The innovation paved the way for more sophisticated online marketing strategies, transforming how brands reached their audiences and leading to the growth of the digital advertising industry as we know it today. Understanding this historical context is crucial for anyone engaged in digital media sales, as it highlights the origins of the technology and strategies that are foundational to contemporary advertising practices.