---
title: How to build a native article slider
description: Learn how to create a native article slider
---

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December 18, 2025

# How to build a native article slider

## Learn how to create a native article slider

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/h3ow1mww/1564941938/2ea859efcc4a61696c0462bcca86/Example+-+Article+Slider+Ad.png?expires=1766188800&signature=258462a51074bd2f6f7ab8923de4ca3aedcb874e9923356dff473d8f88d8a8f2&req=dSUhEsB6nIhcUfMW3nq%2BgWnK%2FOM%2BEIA2GKKgCcAxPjWtLtw0XTks6ylL0U3q%0AR0F2rA%2FHAGsdmjJ8K7t%2FY8hYjY4%3D%0A)

 

### **Requirements**

To get started, ensure you have the following:

- Access to the Indie Ads Manager platf orm
- A standard, dynamic ad zone (not fixed size)

    - This template looks great at the end of posts, near the bottom of a homepage, or on a category archive page.
- All partner content including recognition logos, images, destination URLs, etc.

 

### **Step-by-Step Guide**

1. Log into Indie Ads Manager and navigate to the relevant ***Advertiser*** record (or create a new Advertiser)
2. Click ***Add Campaign*** and select Standard Campaign
3. Enter a name for your Campaign and adjust the targeting & scheduling levels
4. Click ***Create Campaign***
5. In your newly created campaign, click ***Add Ad Item***
6. From the Add Ad item window, select ***Native (Custom Rendering/API)***
7. Give the ad a name (required)
8. Set the ad item's size to ***Dynamic*** then complete the remaining fields as needed
9. Select the ***Display: Article Slider*** template from the drop-down
10. To build your ad, you will need to populate the variables as outlined below. The template is divided into two parts: overall appearance settings and the content for each of the five individual slides
11. Repeat step 10 for each article
12. Click ***Save Ad Item***

 

### **Template Variables**

#### **Part 1: Overall Ad Appearance & Branding**

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/h3ow1mww/1563077822/df967a4b115dcabbcd206e2d6251/Article+Slider+Branding.png?expires=1766188800&signature=49ef510942a60f50462ccb2361572879b0c16a6351f8a878bd84b059efd3c600&req=dSUhFcl5moldW%2FMW3nq%2BgYHvNnzlkvltcaKGfje9UFUZywwt4i6g9xiPvlJh%0AzRsCuynhM69wCRyHf6cQO9qfKZM%3D%0A)

 

These settings control the main branding and color scheme for the entire ad unit.

- **Main Ad Title:** The main title for the ad block. Appears in the header
- **Brand Logo:** The image for a brand logo or icon. Appears in the header
- **Header Background:** Set the background color for the top header bar. Use a standard color name (e.g. 'white') or a HEX code (e.g. #F5F5F5)
- **Main Title Font Color:** Choose the text color for the Main Ad Title. Ensure it has good contrast with the Header Background color for readability. Use a standard color name or a HEX code
- **Article Headline Color:** Select the single color for all slide headlines in the ad. Use a standard color name or a HEX code
- **Flare Color:** Pick the background color for the small "flare" tag that can appear on each item. The color will be used for all flares

#### **Part 2: Content Items (1 - 5)**

Fill out the details for each of the five slides in the ad unit.  
​

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/h3ow1mww/1563081454/bc3b3fa7dde97102ac11788a602b/Article+Slider+Articles.png?expires=1766188800&signature=c78f9f93b07af23ee152a5fbc70951f49a95bd1e2402336a05edbf58d12bcd09&req=dSUhFcl2nIVaXfMW3nq%2BgW5cqcq%2BbwQKRqmqgwoak9yO3df6vCjgeJPAnowo%0ASpl%2B7I%2BnESlWWW%2FDO6Mh6eUonEk%3D%0A)

- **Headline:** Write the main, clickable headline for this specific slide. Keep it engaging and concise to attract clicks
- **Subtitle:** Add a short line of text below the headline. This could be used for a publication date, author name, or an excerpt
- **Image:** Upload the main image for the slide. For best results, use a high-quality image with a 16:9 aspect ratio
- **Flare Text:** Include a short, bold tag like "Exclusive" or "Trending" to make this item stand out
- **Click-Through URL:** Enter the full destination URL where users will be taken when they click on a specific slide.

![](https://downloads.intercomcdn.com/i/o/h3ow1mww/1563077327/9507690c94c5a85f9640bf6599e4/Ad+Anatomy_Article+Slider_05_2026.png?expires=1766188800&signature=e2bdb552eb80bfdcb5fd6017776d7d19f16385a15c4de74b594fbad00f81d038&req=dSUhFcl5moJdXvMW3nq%2BgRxNVBKA1Ew4%2F3rsmINbNSgJ%2BlEFwP3vPXjMxWL4%0Acwiwg3Gt1Bt%2BmLpK7hoY4UzPczk%3D%0A)

 

### **FAQ & Troubleshooting**

1. **Do I have to use all five slides?** Yes. This slide requires you to use all five slides.
2. **What are the best image dimensions?** This template is optimized for images with a 16:9 aspect ratio (e.g. 1,200px by 675px) Using images with this ratio will ensure they fit perfectly without unexpected cropping or distortion.
3. **Can I change the fonts?** No, the fonts are in the native ad template's CSS. They are set to Arial, sans-serif.
4. **How long should my headlines and subtitles be?** For the best appearance across all devices, aim for headlines under 70 characters long. Subtitles can be a bit longer. Clear and concise copy is most effective.
5. **My ad is not displaying:** Remember that all slides need to be completed. If values are missed, it can result in the ad not rendering correctly.

### **Conclusion**

You are now ready to build your native Article Slider. By replacing the variables in the template, you can create a dynamic and visually appealing ad unit to feature your content.

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