Top 10 Advertising Networks for Android Apps (2024)
Monetizing Android apps effectively requires choosing the right ad network. Below are the best-performing networks based on fill rates, eCPM, payout thresholds, and global reach, ranked for publishers.
1. Google AdMob
Best for: Beginners, global reach, seamless integration with Firebase. Key Features: • High fill rates (90%+ in Tier 1 countries) • Multiple ad formats (banner, interstitial, rewarded, native) • Low $10 payout threshold (via AdSense) • Works with Google Play Billing for in-app purchases Avg. eCPM: $1–$10 (varies by region) Supported Mediation: Yes (with AdMob Mediation)
2. AppLovin (MAX)
Best for: High-revenue games, rewarded video ads. Key Features: • Industry-leading rewarded ad eCPMs ($15–$30) • Advanced mediation (MAX = AppLovin + third-party networks) • $50 payout threshold (PayPal, wire transfer) • Strong in US, EU, and APAC Avg. eCPM: $5–$25
3. Unity Ads
Best for: Hyper-casual and mid-core games. Key Features: • Optimized for Unity game engines • High-quality rewarded video ads • $100 payout threshold (lower for some regions) • Strong in gaming niches Avg. eCPM: $3–$20
4. ironSource (by Unity)
Best for: Scalable mediation, waterfall optimization. Key Features: • Automated mediation with 70+ ad networks • High fill rates (95%+ in Tier 1) • $100 payout threshold • Best for apps with 10K+ DAU Avg. eCPM: $4–$18
5. Facebook Audience Network (FAN)
Best for: Social apps, native ad integration. Key Features: • Native ads blend seamlessly with UI • Strong in US, LATAM, and India • $100 payout threshold • Requires Facebook SDK Avg. eCPM: $2–$12
6. MoPub (by Twitter/X)
Best for: Programmatic demand, header bidding. Key Features: • Real-time bidding (RTB) for higher yields • Supports native, video, and banner ads • $50 payout threshold • Best for apps with high-quality traffic Avg. eCPM: $3–$15
7. Vungle
Best for: Video ads, user engagement. Key Features: • High-quality video ads (15–30 sec) • Strong in gaming and entertainment apps • $50 payout threshold • Offers in-app bidding Avg. eCPM: $5–$20
8. AdColony
Best for: Instant-Play™ HD video ads. Key Features: • Buffer-free video ads • High engagement rates • $50 payout threshold • Strong in US and Europe Avg. eCPM: $6–$18
9. Chartboost
Best for: Mobile games, cross-promotion. Key Features: • Direct deals with game advertisers • High eCPMs for rewarded ads • $50 payout threshold • Strong in gaming verticals Avg. eCPM: $4–$16
10. Start.io (formerly StartApp)
Best for: Emerging markets, interstitial ads. Key Features: • High fill rates in India, Brazil, Indonesia • $50 payout threshold • Offers native ad templates • Good for apps with global traffic Avg. eCPM: $1–$8
How to Choose the Best Ad Network
Select based on:
- App Category: Gaming (AppLovin, Unity) vs. Utility (AdMob, FAN).
- Traffic Region: Tier 1 (AdMob, ironSource) vs. Emerging (Start.io).
- Ad Format: Rewarded (Vungle) vs. Native (FAN).
- Mediation: Use ironSource/AppLovin MAX to combine multiple networks.
- Payout Threshold: Lower thresholds (AdMob) for new publishers.
Pro Tips to Maximize Revenue
• Use mediation (e.g., AppLovin MAX or ironSource) to compete demand sources. • Optimize ad placements—interstitials between levels, rewarded after achievements. • A/B test ad formats (banners vs. natives). • Target high-CPM regions (US, UK, Australia). • Monitor fill rates—drop networks below 80%. • Avoid ad overload (max 1 ad per 60 sec to retain users).
Final Recommendations
• New Publishers: Start with AdMob + Facebook Audience Network. • Gaming Apps: Prioritize AppLovin, Unity Ads, Vungle. • Utility/Apps: Use AdMob + MoPub for programmatic demand. • Global Traffic: Add Start.io or ironSource for emerging markets.