news.com.au launches upgraded app with vertical video and new ad formats

news.com.au has rolled out a redesigned mobile app, aimed at delivering a more intuitive user experience and expanded advertising options in line with changing news habits.

The refresh follows extensive consumer research and internal collaboration across product, editorial and delivery teams. The result is an app experience that prioritises speed, personalisation and mobile engagement.

New features tailored to audience habits

The new app introduces an expanded homepage with fast access to key categories including politics, finance, sport, travel and entertainment. A mobile-optimised vertical video feed delivers breaking news and viral clips, allowing users to swipe through content seamlessly.

Also exclusive to the app is In The Know, news.com.au’s popular daily quiz, which invites users to test their knowledge in an interactive format.

Mick Carroll, Editor-in-Chief, Free News & Lifestyle, said: “The news cycle this year is moving rapidly – every day, things are happening that will personally impact every Australian, in ways they haven’t even realised yet. With this app we are getting Australia’s best journalism to our audience where, when and how they want it.”

Kerry Warren, Editor, news.com.au, added: “Whether you care about politics, finance and crime or sport, entertainment and lifestyle, you can find it all on the news.com.au app.”

Kerry Warren

Ad innovations for clients

The update includes a new ad suite with high-impact formats such as full-screen takeovers and social-style units. The 20+ creative options include video, interactive features, maps and galleries, designed to blend into the app environment without interrupting content flow.

Pippa Leary, Managing Director and Publisher, Free News and Lifestyle, said: “Our investment in this significant upgrade marks the beginning of a series of improvements aimed at boosting audience engagement and delivering better outcomes for our clients.”

Pippa Leary

'Don't Miss a Ding' campaign

To support the launch, news.com.au has introduced a high-impact, integrated campaign built around the concept of app notifications. Titled Don’t Miss a Ding, the campaign plays off the alert sound that signals breaking news, anchoring it in news.com.au’s vibrant brand identity.

The campaign spans digital, social, radio, audio, TV and out-of-home channels, targeting high engagement periods throughout the day.

According to Ipsos iris May 2025 figures, news.com.au reaches 11.8 million Australians monthly, with 270 million browser page views and 22 views per user, the highest engaged reach in the top 10 news brands.

Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service May 2025, Age 14+, PC/Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, News category (excl. Weather & Aggregators)

Top image: Mick Carroll

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the Mediaweek Morning Report – delivered for free every morning to your inbox.