Developing a captivating game is only half the battle; the other, more critical half is turning your creation into a profitable venture. Many developers struggle to effectively monetize their games, often resorting to ad strategies that yield low returns and, worse, alienate players. Intrusive, irrelevant ads can disrupt gameplay, leading to high churn rates and negative reviews, ultimately sinking a game that took months or years to build. The challenge lies in finding a monetization partner that understands the unique context of gaming and can deliver high earnings without compromising the user experience.
The stakes are higher than ever. The mobile gaming market is a colossal industry, with advertising revenue projected to surpass $130 billion by 2026. This immense financial opportunity underscores the importance of a well-executed ad strategy. Players are increasingly receptive to certain ad formats, particularly rewarded video ads, which offer in-game benefits in exchange for their attention.
Choosing the right gaming ad network is the pivotal decision that bridges the gap between a passion project and a sustainable business. A top-tier network provides access to premium advertisers, advanced targeting tools, and optimized ad formats like rewarded videos and playable ads, ensuring you maximize revenue while keeping your players engaged and happy.
List of Best 10 Gaming Ad Networks in 2025
| Ad Network | Key Features | Popular Ad Formats | Pricing Model |
| Unity Ads | Seamless integration with Unity engine, high-quality video ads, strong global fill rates. | Rewarded Video, Interstitial, Banner, Playable Ads. | Revenue Share (Based on eCPM). |
| Google AdMob | Extensive advertiser demand, powerful mediation platform, cross-platform support. | Rewarded Video, Interstitial, Native, Banner, App Open Ads. | Revenue Share. |
| AppLovin | Comprehensive growth platform (MAX), data-driven optimization, AppDiscovery tools. | Rewarded Video, Interstitial, Playable Ads, Banner. | Revenue Share, CPI. |
| Media.Net | Contextual advertising technology, access to Yahoo! Bing Network, programmatic platform. | Contextual, Native, Display, Video. | Revenue Share. |
| Chartboost | Focus on cross-promotion, direct deal marketplace, high eCPMs for gaming. | Interstitial, Rewarded Video, Playable Ads. | Revenue Share (CPC, CPI, CPM). |
| Vungle | High-quality video creatives, focus on performance, creative optimization tools. | Video, Interstitial, Rewarded Video. | Revenue Share (CPM, CPI, CPA). |
| InMobi | Advanced mobile-first solutions, in-app bidding, brand and performance advertising. | Video, Rich Media, Carousel, Native, Interstitial. | Revenue Share (CPM, CPC, CPI). |
| Start.io | Large first-party data set, diverse ad formats including interstitial and return ads. | Interstitial, Video, Banner, Native, Splash Ads. | Revenue Share. |
| AdAction | Performance-based marketing, dedicated account managers, focus on user acquisition. | Rewarded, Interstitial, Offerwall. | CPA, CPI, CPL. |
| Digital Turbine | On-device media platform, pre-installed app solutions, SingleTap installs. | Native, Notification, Wizard, Offerwall. | CPI, CPA, Revenue Share. |
1. Unity Ads
Unity Ads is a premier choice for game developers, especially those already building with the Unity engine. Its seamless integration simplifies the process of implementing ads, allowing developers to monetize their user base efficiently.
Launched as a natural extension of the world’s most popular game development engine, Unity Ads provides access to a massive network of advertisers looking to reach a global gaming audience. It is renowned for its high-quality video ad formats that integrate smoothly into the game loop, such as rewarded videos that offer players in-game items for watching an ad.
Features:
- Native integration with the Unity development platform.
- Specializes in video ad formats, particularly rewarded videos.
- Unified Auction feature helps maximize ad revenue through real-time bidding.
- Strong global fill rates across various geographic regions.
Pricing: Operates on a revenue share model, where earnings are determined by factors like eCPM (effective cost per mille).
2. Google AdMob
Google AdMob is a powerhouse in the mobile advertising industry, offering unparalleled access to Google’s vast advertiser demand. As a Google product, it benefits from robust technology, extensive reach, and powerful analytics.
AdMob is an excellent all-around choice for both new and established game developers working on any platform. Its mediation platform is a key feature, allowing developers to manage multiple ad networks from a single dashboard, automatically calling on the network that offers the highest CPM for any given ad request, thereby maximizing revenue potential.
Features:
- Massive global advertiser pool from Google Ads.
- Advanced ad mediation to optimize revenue from multiple sources.
- Supports a wide variety of ad formats, including app open and adaptive banner ads.
- Integrates with Google Analytics for Firebase for deep user insights.
Pricing: AdMob works on a revenue share basis.
3. AppLovin
AppLovin has evolved from a simple ad network into a comprehensive mobile growth platform. It offers a suite of tools designed to help developers not only monetize but also acquire and analyze users. Its mediation solution, MAX, is a market leader known for its in-app bidding capabilities, which create a fair auction environment and drive higher CPMs.
It’s focus on data-driven ad serving and user acquisition makes it a strategic partner for developers serious about scaling their games into successful businesses. Its technology helps serve the right ad to the right user at the optimal time.
Features:
- MAX in-app bidding and mediation platform.
- AppDiscovery tools for user acquisition campaigns.
- Advanced analytics and A/B testing capabilities.
- Strong focus on rewarded and playable ad formats.
Pricing: Primarily a revenue share model. User acquisition campaigns are typically run on a Cost Per Install (CPI) basis.
4. Media.net
Media.net is a global advertising company with a strong focus on contextual advertising. It provides exclusive access to the Yahoo! Bing Network, opening up a unique pool of advertisers that might not be available on other platforms. While not exclusively a gaming ad network, its powerful programmatic platform and contextual ad technology can be highly effective for certain types of games, especially those with content that aligns with specific advertiser verticals.
It’s technology analyzes game content to serve relevant ads, which can lead to higher engagement and click-through rates.
Features:
- Exclusive access to the Yahoo! Bing Search Network.
- Advanced contextual ad targeting technology.
- A full-service programmatic platform for publishers.
- High-quality display and native ad units.
Pricing: Operates on a revenue share model.
5. Chartboost
Chartboost has long been a favorite within the mobile gaming community. It started with a strong focus on cross-promotion, allowing developers to advertise their other games within their own network, and has since grown into a robust monetization and advertising platform.
It excels at interstitial and video ads and provides developers with a high degree of control through its direct deal marketplace. This allows publishers to forge direct relationships with advertisers, negotiate terms, and secure premium campaigns, making it a powerful tool for experienced developers.
Features:
- Powerful cross-promotion capabilities.
- Direct Deal Marketplace for customized ad campaigns.
- Strong eCPMs, particularly in the gaming vertical.
- SDK is lightweight and easy to integrate.
Pricing: Offers flexible pricing models including revenue share based on Cost Per Click (CPC), Cost Per Install (CPI), and CPM.
6. Vungle ( Now Liftoff)
Now part of Liftoff, Vungle specializes in in-app video advertising and is known for its high-quality, creative-first approach. The network focuses on performance, using engaging and interactive video ad formats that are designed to capture user attention and drive conversions.
It’s creative optimization technology helps advertisers build compelling video ads, which translates into a better experience for users and higher eCPMs for developers. Its commitment to full-screen, HD video ads makes it a premium choice for games with high production value.
Features:
- Specializes in high-impact HD video ads.
- Advanced creative optimization and A/B testing tools.
- Strong global presence and high fill rates.
- Focus on performance marketing and user acquisition.
Pricing: Follows a revenue share model based on performance metrics like CPM, CPI, or Cost Per Action (CPA).
7. InMobi
InMobi is a mobile-first advertising platform that offers sophisticated solutions for both brand and performance advertisers. For game developers, this means access to a diverse range of ad campaigns, from brand awareness videos to direct-response user acquisition ads.
It is known for its innovation in mobile ad formats, including rich media and interactive video, providing engaging experiences for players. Its in-app bidding solution, UnifID, helps publishers maximize yield by creating a unified auction environment for demand partners.
Features:
- Supports a wide range of engaging ad formats, including carousels and rich media.
- In-app bidding technology to increase ad revenue.
- Strong data and audience targeting capabilities.
- Serves both brand advertising and performance marketing campaigns.
Pricing: Operates on a revenue share model with payouts based on CPM, CPC, or CPI.
8. Start.io (formerly StartApp)
Start.io, previously known as StartApp, is a mobile marketing and audience platform that leverages a large pool of first-party data to serve relevant ads. It offers a unique range of interstitial and out-of-app ad formats, such as splash ads that appear upon app launch. This variety provides developers with more monetization touchpoints beyond traditional banners and videos.
Its direct integration with over 500,000 apps gives it access to a massive global audience, making it a solid choice for reaching diverse user segments.
Features:
- Direct access to extensive first-party mobile data for better targeting.
- Diverse and unique ad formats, including splash and return ads.
- Large global reach and high fill rates.
- Detailed portal for publishers to track earnings and performance.
Pricing: Follows a standard revenue share model.
9. AdAction
AdAction is a performance-based ad network that focuses on driving quality user acquisition and monetization for app developers. The network is known for its hands-on approach, providing clients with dedicated account managers who help optimize campaigns for maximum return on investment.
While its primary focus is often on user acquisition (CPA, CPI models), it offers effective monetization solutions for publishers through rewarded video and offerwall formats. AdAction is an excellent partner for developers looking for high-quality installs and a more managed service.
Features:
- Focus on performance-based CPA and CPI campaigns.
- Dedicated account management and support.
- Strong performance with rewarded video and offerwall ad units.
- Emphasis on acquiring high-quality, engaged users.
Pricing: Pricing is based on performance models like Cost Per Action (CPA), Cost Per Install (CPI), or Cost Per Lead (CPL).
10. Digital Turbine
Digital Turbine offers a unique on-device media platform that fundamentally changes how apps are discovered and advertised. Through partnerships with mobile carriers and OEMs, Digital Turbine can pre-install or recommend games directly on devices, creating a powerful distribution channel.
Its SingleTap functionality allows users to install an app with a single touch after an ad interaction, drastically reducing friction and increasing conversion rates. This makes it a highly effective platform for developers focused on user acquisition, though it also offers monetization solutions within its ecosystem.
Features:
- On-device distribution through partnerships with carriers and OEMs.
- SingleTap install technology for higher conversion rates.
- Unique ad formats like setup wizards and notifications.
- Direct access to users at the device level.
Pricing: Primarily operates on a CPI or CPA basis for user acquisition, with revenue share models for its monetization products.
FAQs
What are gaming ad networks?
Gaming ad networks are platforms that connect game developers (publishers) with companies (advertisers) who want to promote their products or services within mobile games. They provide the technology to serve ads, track performance, and process payments.
How do I choose the best ad network for my game?
Consider your game’s genre, target audience, and primary platform (iOS/Android). Look at the ad formats offered (e.g., rewarded video, interstitial), the network’s eCPM rates in your key regions, and its integration requirements.
What are the most common ad formats in mobile games?
The most common formats include Rewarded Video Ads (users watch a video for a reward), Interstitial Ads (full-screen ads shown at natural game breaks), Playable Ads (interactive mini-games), and Banner Ads.
What does eCPM mean in gaming ads?
eCPM stands for “effective cost per mille” or effective cost per thousand impressions. It’s a key metric used to measure ad revenue, calculated by dividing total earnings by the total number of impressions and multiplying by 1,000.
How much revenue can a mobile game make from ads?
Revenue varies greatly based on the number of daily active users (DAU), user location (Tier-1 countries yield higher eCPMs), ad formats used, and session length. A successful game can earn anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars per day.
Are rewarded video ads effective?
Yes, rewarded video ads are considered one of the most effective ad formats. They are user-initiated, non-intrusive, and provide clear value to the player, which leads to high engagement rates and better user retention.
Can I use multiple ad networks in one game?
Absolutely. Using multiple ad networks through a process called “mediation” is a common strategy to increase revenue. A mediation platform calls upon various networks and serves the ad from whichever one bids the highest for that impression.
Which ad network is best for indie developers?
For indie developers, platforms like Unity Ads (if using the Unity engine) and Google AdMob are excellent starting points due to their ease of integration, extensive documentation, and reliable performance.
Conclusion
Selecting the right gaming ad network is a crucial step in transforming your game into a financial success. The ideal partner does more than just fill ad slots; it enhances your revenue potential while respecting the player experience. Networks like Unity Ads and Google AdMob offer robust, accessible platforms perfect for developers of all sizes. For those seeking to scale aggressively, AppLovin provides a comprehensive growth engine, while specialists like Chartboost and Vungle offer deep expertise in the gaming vertical.
Ultimately, the best approach often involves a strategic mix. Leveraging an ad mediation platform to manage several networks simultaneously ensures you always receive the highest possible price for your ad inventory. By carefully evaluating the ad formats, pricing models, and unique strengths of each network discussed, you can build a monetization strategy that supports sustainable growth and allows you to continue creating the games your players love.
