While this article covers the top mobile ad networks, if you need help building a mobile app without coding, get started with AppMySite now.
Mobile advertising has become one of the most dependable ways for developers and businesses to generate revenue from apps. With global app downloads surpassing hundreds of billions each year, mobile ad networks now serve as a vital bridge between app publishers and advertisers.
Choosing the right ad network can significantly impact your appโs monetization performance, determining how much revenue you earn and how seamless your user experience remains. This guide outlines the leading mobile ad networks, the business models behind them, and key factors to consider when integrating ads into your mobile app strategy.
Understanding mobile advertising business models
Monetizing your app with ads isnโt a one-size-fits-all process. Ad networks use different payment models that define how publishers earn revenue. The right model depends on your appโs traffic volume, engagement patterns, and user behavior.
Cost per click (CPC)
CPC campaigns reward publishers each time a user clicks on an ad. This model works best for apps with highly engaged audiences where users are likely to interact with relevant offers. Relevance is crucial; poorly targeted ads result in low click rates and limited returns.
Cost per mille (CPM)
CPM, or cost per thousand impressions, pays publishers a fixed rate every time 1,000 users view an ad. This model is ideal for apps with large user bases and consistent traffic, as it rewards visibility rather than interaction. High-traffic entertainment, news, or utility apps often rely on CPM networks.
Cost per install (CPI)
CPI networks pay for each app installation generated through ad placements. Gaming and productivity apps commonly use this model, as they promote downloads for similar apps. Success depends on audience relevance and accurate targeting.
Cost per action (CPA)
In a CPA campaign, advertisers pay when users complete a specific action, such as signing up, making a purchase, or submitting a form. These campaigns offer higher payouts but depend on deeper user engagement.
Cost per view (CPV)
CPV is primarily used for video advertising. Publishers earn each time a user views a video ad. Since advertisers pay for exposure rather than clicks, CPV models are most effective for apps with strong engagement and long session times.
What to look for in a mobile ad network
Before selecting an ad network, evaluate both its monetization potential and how it fits your appโs experience.
- Monetization performance: Review eCPM (effective cost per thousand impressions), fill rates, and supported ad formats.
- Traffic requirements: Some networks require minimum traffic levels for approval.
- Integration complexity: Examine SDK documentation and developer support.
- Reporting and analytics: Detailed dashboards showing impressions, clicks, and revenue help optimize ad placement.
- User experience: Choose networks that balance monetization with smooth, non-intrusive ad delivery.
Leading mobile ad networks
Google AdSense (AdMob)
Google AdSense remains the most widely used mobile ad network worldwide. It supports native, banner, and video ad formats and integrates effortlessly with both Android and iOS. Its compatibility with Google Analytics makes performance tracking simple and effective.
New developers often start with AdSense because of its lenient approval process and easy SDK integration. However, as apps scale, returns can plateau, leading many publishers to diversify with other networks for higher eCPM.
Read: Best Google AdMob alternatives for monetizing your mobile app
Media.net
Media.net is a powerful alternative to AdSense, backed by Yahoo and Bing. It provides contextual ads that align with user intent, ensuring high relevance and engagement. Many publishers use Media.net alongside AdSense to diversify income streams.
Its unique D2S (Display-to-Search) technology optimizes ad placement based on content and user context, helping publishers achieve stable performance even in competitive niches.
App Samurai
App Samurai caters to performance-driven advertisers and publishers. It provides a data-rich analytics suite that allows both sides to optimize campaign placement and engagement. Brands such as Nike and eBay have used App Samurai for user acquisition campaigns.
Its detailed campaign insights and broad ad format supportโincluding banner, interstitial, and playable adsโmake it one of the more sophisticated options for app monetization. For publishers focused on scaling high-value installs or engagement, App Samurai is a solid choice.
StartApp
StartApp emphasizes maximizing publisher revenue through data-driven targeting and dynamic ad optimization. Its SDK supports rich media and interstitial ads across global audiences, serving over one billion active users.
While interstitials can be intrusive if overused, StartAppโs smart targeting helps maintain user engagement while driving strong CPM rates. Apps in gaming, lifestyle, and utility categories often benefit the most from this network.
AdColony
AdColony, known for its high-quality video ads, partners with major brands like NBC, EA, and Glu. It supports both rewarded and in-stream video formats and allows publishers to customize ad presentationโadjusting fonts, colors, and layouts to fit native app design.
AdColonyโs focus on video advertising makes it ideal for apps with visual storytelling or gamified elements. Publishers with strong engagement metrics often find its CPMs highly competitive.
InMobi
InMobi is one of the largest independent mobile ad platforms, offering contextual and personalized advertising across display, video, and native formats. Based in India, it serves a truly global audience and emphasizes relevance through AI-driven targeting.
The platformโs contextual ad matching ensures users see relevant promotions, reducing ad fatigue. Its partnerships with publishers like Wattpad and major brands highlight its credibility in mobile advertising.
Clickadu
Clickadu has quickly gained recognition for its wide variety of ad formats, including push notifications, in-page pushes, pop-unders, and instant messages. It handles billions of impressions daily and delivers some of the highest CPMs among mid-tier ad networks.
The platformโs detailed analytics and competitive payout structure make it a strong option for publishers seeking monetization diversity. For content-heavy or entertainment apps, Clickaduโs formats can generate consistent returns.
Outbrain
Outbrain is a global content discovery and advertising platform best known for native ads. While often used by publishers on web and news sites, it also provides strong mobile integration. Outbrainโs scale and targeting capabilities make it effective for apps with high engagement and content-driven experiences.
It excels in CPC monetization and is often preferred by publishers seeking premium advertisers and a polished user experience.
Flurry
Flurry, now part of Yahoo, operates both as an analytics and advertising platform. It offers publishers real-time insights into user behavior, engagement, and revenue, helping them adjust strategies dynamically.
Its ad exchange connects publishers directly with advertisers, ensuring transparent pricing and optimized ad placements. Because of its strong analytics foundation, Flurry is particularly useful for developers who prioritize data-driven decisions.
Building a sustainable ad monetization strategy
Ad networks offer immediate revenue opportunities, but over-reliance on ads can harm long-term user retention. Effective monetization blends advertising with value-driven alternatives such as in-app purchases, subscriptions, or freemium models.
A sustainable strategy includes:
- Using non-intrusive formats like native and rewarded ads.
- Limiting frequency to maintain engagement.
- A/B testing placements for balance between visibility and experience.
- Complementing ad revenue with alternate income channels.
As users become increasingly selective, app monetization success depends on thoughtful integration rather than aggressive advertising.
The role of AppMySite in app monetization
For developers and agencies building new apps, incorporating monetization from day one is key. AppMySiteโs no-code platform simplifies both app creation and monetization setup. You can enable ad placements, integrate SDKs, and configure app settings through an intuitive interface without writing code.
Whether youโre launching a new product or managing multiple client apps, AppMySite allows you to design, test, and publish monetized apps quickly while maintaining full creative and operational control.
Frequently asked questions
What is a mobile ad network?
It is a platform that connects app publishers with advertisers, allowing them to display ads and earn revenue through clicks, impressions, or actions.
Which ad networks pay the most?
Returns vary depending on category and audience. Networks like AdColony, InMobi, and Clickadu often deliver strong CPMs, while Google AdSense and Media.net provide broader reach.
Can I use multiple ad networks?
Yes, but use them strategically. Too many overlapping ads can degrade user experience. Prioritize networks that complement each other and monitor results through analytics.
What ad formats work best for mobile apps?
Native, rewarded video, and interstitial ads tend to perform well. The best format depends on your appโs engagement flow and audience type.
How do I get paid for ads in my app?
Most ad networks pay monthly via bank transfer or PayPal, once you meet the minimum payout threshold. Earnings depend on impressions, clicks, and user geography.
Do I need coding knowledge to add ads?
Not necessarily. Platforms like AppMySite provide built-in options to integrate and manage ads without coding.