Theater Owners
Advertise your drive-in
People come to DriveInGuide when they're deciding where to watch a movie this weekend. A sponsored spot puts your theater in front of them first, on your state page or next to the theaters they're already looking at.
Ask about a sponsorshipTwo places your theater can show up
Both run for the dates you choose and start the day your artwork is approved.
Top of your state page
Your banner or listing sits above every other theater on your state's page, the page people land on when they search for drive-ins in your state. One sponsor per state at a time.
First in “Nearby”
Every theater page has a Nearby Drive-In Theaters section. Your theater appears first in it on the pages of other drive-ins within 100 miles, so you're in front of people comparing options in your area.
Banner specs
Banners are wide and short: a 3:1 shape. Send 1800 × 600 pixels if you can (it stays sharp on high-resolution screens), or 1200 × 400 at minimum. Other shapes get cropped from the center.
- JPG, PNG or WebP, 2 MB or smaller
- Still images only (no animation, GIFs or video)
- Keep text and logos at least 60 pixels from every edge
- Make text at least 60 pixels tall on a 1200 × 400 banner
Design for a phone. On the Nearby list your banner can show at about 350 pixels wide, a third of its original size, so a short headline and one strong photo work better than a paragraph. Our pages are dark navy, so a bright background or a clear border helps it stand out.
You don't need to add your theater name, address or the word “ad.” We show your name and city under the banner and label the spot Sponsored.
What we accept
Family-friendly artwork with accurate prices and dates. You need the rights to every image you send. Studio posters and movie stills usually need permission from the distributor, so photos of your own screen, lot or snack bar are the safest choice (and they look great). No fake buttons or play icons. We may ask for changes or decline artwork that doesn't fit.
How it works
- Email us with your theater, the placement you want and your dates.
- We confirm availability and send you the rate.
- Send your banner and link at least 3 business days before your start date. No banner? Your listing card runs instead.
- Your sponsorship goes live on the start date.
Pricing
Rates depend on the placement and your state. We're offering founding-sponsor rates to the first theaters that sign on. Email us and we'll send current pricing and open dates.
Email hello@driveinguide.comQuestions
Do I need a banner?
No. Without one, your regular listing card runs in the sponsored spot with the Sponsored label above it. A banner gets more attention, but the card works fine.
Does sponsoring change my reviews or my free listing?
No. Your free listing stays exactly as it is, and sponsors can't edit, hide or remove reviews. Sponsorship buys placement and nothing else.
Will visitors know it's paid?
Yes. Every sponsored placement is labeled Sponsored, and banner links are marked as paid links for search engines. Being upfront about it is what keeps the directory trustworthy for the people using it.
Can I link the banner to my own website?
Yes. Send us the address (it has to start with https://). If you'd rather, the banner can link to your DriveInGuide page instead, which has your hours, prices, directions and reviews.
My theater isn't listed yet. Can I still sponsor?
Get listed first, it's free. Submit your theater through the Add Your Theater form and we'll verify and publish it, usually within a few days.
Not listed yet? Add your theater for free.