If you are developing a mobile game in 2025, you probably already know that ads are not just a side revenue stream. They can make or break your game’s monetisation strategy. Consider this: two similar games with identical traffic and engagement levels can earn very different revenue depending on the ad networks they choose. Some developers have reported losing over 150 percent of potential eCPM revenue because they selected a network that did not align with their audience or game type.
Imagine you have a casual puzzle game targeting players in Europe. Choosing a generic ad network could mean low-quality ads that frustrate players, poor fill rates, and missed revenue opportunities. On the other hand, connecting to a gaming-focused network that specialises in rewarded videos or playable ads could increase both engagement and earnings.
This guide will provide a clear comparison of the top mobile gaming ad networks for 2026, explain how to choose the right network for your game, and share strategies to maximise revenue without compromising player experience. By the end of this post, you will understand how to select networks, implement ads correctly, and monitor performance metrics to improve impressions, clicks, and revenue.
What Are Mobile Gaming Ad Networks?
Mobile gaming ad networks act as bridges between developers and advertisers. They allow game creators to earn revenue while giving advertisers access to highly engaged audiences. The process may seem simple, but understanding how it works can help you make better decisions.
When a player reaches a point in the game where an ad can appear, such as finishing a level or opening a reward chest, the game sends an ad request to the network. The network then evaluates which advertisers are a good fit for that particular player and moment. Once a match is found, the ad is delivered to the player. Revenue is generated depending on the network’s pricing model, whether it is CPM (cost per thousand impressions), CPI (cost per install), or CPA (cost per action).
For example, in a casual idle game, a rewarded video ad might offer a player bonus coins for watching a short clip. If the ad is delivered at the right moment, players engage willingly, retention remains high, and the network pays a premium for that engagement. If the timing is poor, players may skip the ad, ignore it, or leave the game entirely, reducing revenue and retention.
Several metrics help developers understand performance and optimise ad revenue:
- eCPM (effective cost per thousand impressions): Shows how much revenue you earn for every 1,000 ad impressions. Higher eCPM indicates strong advertiser demand.
- Fill Rate: Measures how often an ad request returns an ad. A low fill rate means lost opportunities and lower total revenue.
- CTR (click-through rate): Tracks how often players interact with ads. A higher CTR shows better engagement and can influence advertiser demand.
- User Retention Impact: Ads that interrupt gameplay or frustrate users can reduce session length and daily active users. Monitoring retention ensures ads do not harm the player experience.
- ARPDAU (average revenue per daily active user): Combines ad revenue with in-app purchase revenue to measure overall earnings per active player.
Understanding these metrics allows developers to select the right network, choose ad formats wisely, and make adjustments to maximise revenue while keeping players engaged.
Top 10 Mobile Gaming Ad Networks
1. Unity Ads (Unity MAX / LevelPlay)
Intro
Unity Ads is a network built especially for games that use the Unity engine. It provides ad formats that fit naturally inside games, which helps ads feel like part of the experience rather than interruptions.
Key Features
- Rewarded video ads
- Playable ads (interactive previews or mini‑games before redirect)
- Interstitial ads and banner ads
- Support for Android and iOS through Unity’s SDK
- Auction-based bidding for ad slots
Benefits for Developers
Using Unity Ads allows you to add monetisation without heavy technical work if your game is built in Unity. Because rewarded and playable ads give value (rewards or interactive content) to players, they are more likely to engage. That tends to keep retention higher while generating income.
Pros
- Easy integration for Unity-based games
- Ad formats that match game flow, reducing disruption for players
- Rewarded and playable ads tend to deliver good eCPM when targeting is right
- Reliable baseline demand in many regions
Cons
- In lower-demand regions or niche genres, fill rate or eCPM may be low
- Relying only on Unity Ads often limits maximum revenue potential
- Auction-based demand can fluctuate depending on overall advertiser interest
2. Google AdMob
Intro
Google AdMob is a popular ad network backed by Google’s advertising ecosystem. It works well across many kinds of apps and supports multiple ad formats.
Key Features
- Banner ads, interstitial ads, rewarded video ads, native ads, app-open ads
- Mediation support to combine multiple ad networks
- Integration with analytics tools (for example Google Analytics, Firebase) for deep performance data
- Global advertiser demand and broad geographical coverage
Benefits for Developers
AdMob gives stable monetisation across many regions and player demographics. For games with global audiences or varied traffic sources, it ensures ad requests get filled more often. Analytics help you understand user behaviour and ad performance, which supports better optimisation over time.
Pros
- High fill rates and stable demand worldwide
- Wide selection of ad formats for different monetisation strategies
- Strong analytics and reporting tools
- Works well for fallback supply when premium networks underperform
Cons
- eCPM and revenue per ad unit often lower compared to specialised gaming networks
- Relying on AdMob alone may cap revenue potential especially if demand is weak
- For high quality or premium games, results may feel average unless combined with other networks
3. AppLovin (MAX)
Intro
AppLovin MAX is a mediation and ad demand platform that combines many ad sources. It gives developers access to a wide pool of advertisers and demand, while also offering tools for user acquisition and revenue optimisation.
Key Features
- Rewarded video, interstitial, banner, and native ads
- Mediation layer that aggregates demand from multiple networks
- Analytics and IAP optimisation tools built into the platform
- Global demand reach spanning many countries and demographics
Benefits for Developers
AppLovin MAX helps maximise yield by increasing competition for ad slots. That means higher chances of better-paying ads. For games with sizable or international traffic, this often results in significantly higher eCPMs. Its combined revenue and user acquisition tools can support growth as well as monetisation.
Pros
- High demand leads to frequent higher-paying ads
- Mediation protects against regional or demand dips by offering fallback sources
- Flexible monetisation strategies combining ads and in-app purchases or growth campaigns
- Effective for games that need both revenue and scale
Cons
- Requires more setup and ongoing management than single‑network integration
- Poorly managed ad frequency or creative rotation can lead to ad fatigue or retention drop
- For small games or low-traffic titles, results may vary until sufficient volume is reached
4. ironSource (LevelPlay)
Intro
ironSource LevelPlay is a mediation platform designed for mobile games that need reliable monetisation across multiple demand channels. It allows integration of many ad networks under one roof and provides tools to manage and optimise revenue.
Key Features
- Support for rewarded video, interstitials, offerwalls, banners
- Real-time analytics and reporting for each demand source
- A/B testing to compare different ad networks or placements
- Cross-promotion tools useful for developers managing more than one title
Benefits for Developers
With ironSource, developers can reduce risk: if one network underperforms in a region or time period, another demand source can fill instead. Real-time data and testing let developers identify which ad formats, networks or placements perform best. For games with global audiences, ironSource helps cover multiple regions effectively.
Pros
- High flexibility and coverage across regions and ad sources
- Better revenue stability through mediation and fallback demand
- Useful analytics and testing tools to fine‑tune monetisation strategy
- Offerwalls give monetisation options even if video supply is limited
Cons
- Integration and configuration require effort and care
- Managing multiple demand sources adds complexity to development and analysis
- Smaller games with low traffic may not benefit significantly until volume increases
5. Chartboost
Intro
Chartboost provides a programmatic marketplace for mobile game ads, with options for direct deals and real-time bidding. It allows developers to target by device type, operating system, region or player behavior.
Key Features
- Real-time bidding and programmatic demand
- Targeting by device/OS, region, in‑app behavior or user profile
- Support for rewarded video, interstitials, and playable ads
- Opportunity to negotiate direct advertiser deals outside generic auction pools
Benefits for Developers
If your game targets a niche audience or specific demographic, Chartboost’s targeting and direct-deal options can help deliver more relevant adverts. This relevance can lead to higher ad engagement, better eCPM, and improved retention since ads feel more aligned with user interests.
Pros
- Precise control over who sees ads and when
- Possibility of higher-paying direct deals if audience matches advertiser demand
- Suitable for games with specific user profiles or targeted regional traffic
- Flexibility in ad formats fitting various game styles
Cons
- Demand and fill rate may be unstable if user base is small or region demand is low
- Need for manual optimisation and possible negotiation for direct deals
- Not ideal alone for global titles with diverse audience or unpredictable traffic
6. Meta Audience Network
Intro
Meta Audience Network taps into the wide advertising demand from social platforms linked to Meta. It uses demographic and interest‑based data to deliver ads that match player profiles, potentially increasing ad relevance and engagement.
Key Features
- Native ads, rewarded video, interstitials, banners supported
- Targeting based on demographic data, interests, and behaviour
- Strong global advertiser base connected to social and general demand
Benefits for Developers
For games with social or casual appeal, or for titles targeting younger or highly active social audiences, Meta Audience Network can deliver ads that match player interests. Well-integrated native ads feel less intrusive, which helps maintain user experience and retention while still generating revenue.
Pros
- High targeting precision when audience profile is well known
- Wide demand pool across many countries and demographics
- Variety of ad formats allowing flexibility based on game design
- Good potential for revenue when ads match game audience
Cons
- Performance varies depending on region and demographic alignment
- Poor creative or UI integration can hurt user satisfaction and retention
- Demand fluctuations based on advertiser campaigns and broader social ad trends
7. Liftoff
Intro
Liftoff focuses on user acquisition and performance-based marketing, offering CPI or CPA models rather than purely impression-based monetisation. It uses machine-learning targeting to find users likely to retain and engage.
Key Features
- Support for video, native, display, and playable ads
- Flexible payment models: cost per install or cost per action
- Machine-learning based targeting aiming for high-quality installs
Benefits for Developers
If your game is new or you want to grow user base with players who have higher potential value, Liftoff offers a path to quality acquisition. This can lead to better long-term retention and monetisation, especially for mid-core or social games requiring engaged audiences.
Pros
- Effective for user acquisition rather than simply monetisation
- Targeting and optimisation aim for players likely to stay and spend
- Flexibility in ad format and payment model supports growth campaigns
Cons
- Not ideal for games primarily focused on ad revenue right away
- Performance depends on install quality and subsequent retention or spending
- Requires ongoing optimisation and possibly higher upfront cost for acquisition
8. Pangle (TikTok‑linked ad demand)
Intro
Pangle offers ad inventory drawn from social-media–style demand, often linked to younger, mobile-first audiences. For games aiming at emerging markets or social‑styled audiences, it can provide access to ad demand outside traditional Western ad pools.
Key Features
- Rewarded video, interstitial, banner, and native ad formats
- Access to social and mobile-first ad demand pools
- Strong reach in markets where mobile social usage is high
Benefits for Developers
If your game appeals to younger players, or targets regions where social media and mobile usage are dominant, Pangle can help monetise audiences that may not respond well to traditional ad networks. In markets where ad saturation is lower, this can deliver decent yield and fill.
Pros
- Access to fresh demand pools outside saturated Western markets
- Good for social‑ or casual‑style games with younger audiences
- Flexible ad formats matching mobile usage patterns
Cons
- Demand and revenue may be inconsistent for Western-focused games
- Performance risks if user base does not match demand profile
- Fill rates may vary depending on region and audience demographics
9. Digital Turbine
Intro
Digital Turbine specialises in device-level ad placement and pre‑install campaigns, offering early access to users even before they install a game. This makes it useful for launch campaigns or reaching users outside typical in‑app ad supply.
Key Features
- Partnerships with OEMs and carriers for device-level or pre-install ad placements
- Targeting based on device data rather than in-game behavior
- Multi-region distribution potential via those partnerships
Benefits for Developers
Digital Turbine can help a new game get visibility before installation, which is valuable if organic discovery is tough or competition is high. It helps reach users at the device acquisition stage, offering a chance for install spikes beyond what in-app ads provide.
Pros
- Unique channel for pre‑install promotion beyond in‑app supply
- Potential to reach users outside traditional app‑store discovery mechanisms
- Good for launch campaigns or games targeting markets with less saturation
Cons
- Not suited for long-term in-app monetisation on its own
- Effectiveness depends heavily on partnerships and regional device/carrier penetration
- Requires sufficient budget or volume to justify pre‑install campaigns
10. Leadbolt / AdMaven (High‑volume networks)
Intro
Leadbolt and AdMaven are networks that focus on high traffic volume and broad global reach. They target a large number of users across many countries, rather than niche gaming demand, which can suit games with mass appeal or simple mechanics.
Key Features
- Broad global ad supply across many countries and traffic sources
- Multiple ad formats including banner, display, video
- Simpler integration and wide coverage for high-traffic apps
Benefits for Developers
For games that attract a large, diverse user base, especially casual or globally distributed ones, these networks can provide consistent baseline revenue. Even if eCPM per impression is modest, high volume can generate meaningful overall revenue streams.
Pros
- Large reach and global supply make them reliable for volume-based monetisation
- Useful fallback network when premium supply is weak or traffic is widely distributed
- Low technical barrier for integration and scaling
Cons
- eCPM and ad quality often lower compared to specialised gaming networks
- Lack of targeting precision, which may affect ad relevance and user experience
- Not ideal for premium games or projects focused on high-yield monetisation
How to Choose the Right Network
Selecting the right network requires careful consideration of your game’s genre, audience, technical setup, and monetisation goals.
- Analyse your game’s audience: Casual games respond well to rewarded videos, while hardcore games may prefer carefully timed interstitials. Matching the network to audience preferences can increase eCPM by over 100 percent.
- Technical evaluation: Check SDK size, platform compatibility, and performance impact. Unity Ads is ideal for Unity developers due to easy integration and minimal disruption.
- Pricing and revenue potential: Compare CPM, CPI, CPA, and revenue share models. Understand payment terms to ensure cash flow stability.
- Test ad formats: Rewarded videos provide high engagement, playable ads encourage interaction, interstitials drive quick revenue, and banners provide consistent baseline revenue.
- Use mediation platforms: Connect multiple networks to increase fill rates, optimise eCPMs, and reduce reliance on a single source.
- Monitor key metrics: Track eCPM, fill rate, CTR, ARPDAU, and retention. Use dashboards for continuous optimisation.
- Consider regional targeting: Select networks strong in target regions and compliant with privacy regulations.
Advanced Strategies
Combine ad monetisation with in-app purchases to balance revenue streams. Rotate ad creatives to prevent fatigue and showcase gameplay mechanics. Implement header bidding to increase competition for ad inventory. Ensure mobile-first technical implementation, including responsive ad units and lazy loading, to maintain performance.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing general ad networks instead of gaming-focused networks
- Placing ads poorly, which can disrupt gameplay and reduce retention
- Not implementing mediation platforms to optimise revenue across multiple networks
- Failing to monitor and optimise eCPMs regularly
- Ignoring regional differences in ad performance and demand
- Neglecting key performance indicators like fill rates, CTR, and user retention
- Relying on a single ad network instead of diversifying demand sources
Common Mistakes
- Choosing general ad networks instead of gaming-focused networks
- Placing ads poorly, which can disrupt gameplay and reduce retention
- Not implementing mediation platforms to optimise revenue across multiple networks
- Failing to monitor and optimise eCPMs regularly
- Ignoring regional differences in ad performance and demand
- Neglecting key performance indicators like fill rates, CTR, and user retention
- Relying on a single ad network instead of diversifying demand sources
Conclusion
Choosing the right ad network can change a game’s revenue by up to 200 percent. Developers should align network selection with game genre, audience, and monetisation goals. Test multiple networks, implement mediation, optimise ad formats, monitor performance, and adjust strategies continuously. Monetisation is an ongoing process, and a thoughtful, data-driven approach ensures sustainable revenue without compromising player experience.
Each network has its unique strengths, whether it's Unity Ads for seamless integration, Chartboost for advanced targeting, or ironSource for high ROI. By understanding your specific needs and goals, you can select the network that best aligns with your strategy to maximise user acquisition and revenue.
Whether you're focusing on in-game ads with Bidstack, leveraging machine learning insights with AppLovin, or expanding your reach with Pangle, the key to success lies in optimising your ad strategy to engage your audience effectively. With the right network, you can enhance user experience, drive revenue, and grow your gaming business sustainably in 2026.
