7 Best Ad Networks for Mobile Games

Monetizing mobile games with ads is almost unavoidable today, especially for free-to-play (F2P) titles. But making good revenue isn’t about stuffing your game with ads everywhere. Success depends on a smart balance between revenue, user experience, and player retention. If ads are too intrusive, players churn. If they’re well-placed, they not only boost revenue but also improve engagement, especially when players get rewarded for watching them.

That’s why picking the right mobile game ad network (or a combination of networks through mediation) is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right partner can maximize eCPMs, improve fill rates, and keep your players happy while supporting long-term growth.

What to Look for in a Good Mobile Game Ad Network?

Choosing the right ad network can make the difference between steady revenue and frustrated players. Here are the factors that matter most:

• Supported Ad Formats: Different games work best with different ad types. Casual, idle, and puzzle games often shine with rewarded ads because they boost ARPU without hurting retention. Mid-core or action games can use interstitials at natural breaks, while playable ads are powerful for promoting other games.
• eCPM in Key Geos: Your earnings depend heavily on where your players are located. If most of your audience is in LATAM, India, SEA, or Africa, you need a network with strong demand in those regions. Otherwise, you’ll see weaker returns even if your ad placements are perfect.
• Fill Rate & Latency: Low fill rates or slow bidding can hurt your game experience. Blank screens or laggy ads frustrate players and reduce trust. A good network should guarantee high fill rates with minimal latency.
• Mediation & Waterfall Support: No single network performs best everywhere. Mediation platforms let you plug in multiple networks and automatically select the highest-paying ad. With waterfall and real-time bidding, you can ensure each impression delivers the best possible value.
• SDK Size & Performance Impact: A heavy SDK can slow down your game, cause crashes, or drain battery life. The lighter the SDK, the smoother your game performs — which directly impacts retention and player reviews.
• Reporting, Analytics & Optimization Tools: A heavy SDK can slow down your game, cause crashes, or drain battery life. The lighter the SDK, the smoother your game performs — which directly impacts retention and player reviews.
• Payment Terms, Transparency & Support: Look for clear policies, fair minimum thresholds, and reliable payouts. Transparency and responsive support are essential if you want predictable, sustainable revenue.

Top 7 Ad Networks for Mobile Games

Here are seven of the best ad networks currently strong for mobile game publishers. Each has its strengths, and depending on your game’s profile, some may be better fits than others.

1. Setupad

Setupad is a leading ad monetization platform that provides mobile game developers with top-tier solutions to maximize their ad revenue. Specializing in programmatic advertising, Setupad connects publishers with premium demand sources, making it one of the best ad networks for mobile games, including mobile games. With a focus on high CPM rates and advanced header bidding technology, Setupad helps mobile game publishers increase their fill rates and eCPMs across multiple ad formats. Whether you are looking for the best mobile ad networks for mobile or top ad networks for mobile game developers, Setupad stands out by offering comprehensive monetization tools and access to global ad demand.

Key Facts:

• Product Information: Setupad offers a robust programmatic advertising platform with solutions tailored for mobile game monetization, connecting game publishers with premium global advertisers.
• Ad Formats: Supports multiple ad formats, including video ads, banner ads, and interstitials, providing flexibility for mobile game publishers.
• CPM Rates: Average CPM rates for mobile games on Setupad can reach $5 to $15, depending on the location and ad format.
• Publisher Eligibility: Publishers with more than 100,000 monthly pageviews are eligible to join Setupad's network, making it accessible to both medium and large-scale game developers.
• Payment Info: Setupad offers monthly payments, with a minimum payout threshold of €100, and supports multiple payment options like PayPal and bank transfers.

Why Setupad for mobile Game Developers:

Setupad allows mobile game developers to maximize their revenue by connecting to a wide range of premium advertisers. Thanks to its advanced header bidding technology, Setupad ensures that every impression gets the best possible value. Additionally, the platform offers tools to optimize ad placements and formats, enabling game developers to provide a smooth and non-intrusive experience for players.

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2. AppLovin

AppLovin is one of the best ad networks for mobile games, offering a robust platform for developers to monetize their mobile apps effectively. As a leader in mobile advertising, AppLovin is known for its powerful ad mediation and user acquisition solutions, making it a top ad network for mobile game developers and publishers. With an extensive reach across millions of daily active users, AppLovin’s platform enables efficient mobile game monetization by delivering relevant ads to targeted audiences. According to recent data, AppLovin generated approximately $3.28 billion in revenue in 2023, with a significant year-over-year growth rate of 16.5%. By mid-2024, AppLovin's revenue surged to $3.96 billion, solidifying its position as a go-to network for mobile game publishers. Developers looking for the best ad networks for mobile games will find AppLovin’s sophisticated machine learning algorithms and diverse ad formats ideal for maximizing their game’s revenue potential​.

Key Facts:

• Product Information: AppLovin provides a full-stack mobile advertising platform, supporting ad mediation and monetization solutions tailored for mobile game developers.
• Ad Formats: The network offers a variety of ad formats, including interstitials, video ads, rewarded ads, and banners, designed to fit seamlessly into mobile games.
• CPM Rates: AppLovin's CPM rates for mobile games are competitive, ranging from $3 to $15 depending on the ad format and user geography, providing solid revenue for publishers.
• Publisher Eligibility: To join AppLovin’s network, mobile game developers must have a live game with a strong user base and meet AppLovin’s quality standards for app content.
• Payment Info: AppLovin pays developers on a net-30 basis, with a minimum payout threshold of $20, offering flexible payment methods including PayPal, wire transfer, and ACH.

Why AppLovin for mobile Games?

AppLovin is ideal for developers seeking a data-driven, machine-learning-based ad network that prioritizes user acquisition and monetization. It’s one of the top ad networks for mobile game developers who want to optimize ad revenue with cutting-edge technology.

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3. Unity Ads

Unity Ads is one of the best ad networks for mobile games, offering a powerful platform for mobile game developers and publishers looking to maximize revenue. Known for its seamless integration with mobile, Unity Ads serves a wide range of ad formats customized for mobile gaming, including rewarded video ads, interstitials, and banners. With its vast network of advertisers, it ensures higher CPMs and excellent fill rates, making it one of the top ad networks for mobile game developers. Unity Ads also boasts impressive user engagement rates, giving publishers reliable tools to boost mobile game monetization. It's a favorite among game developers looking for ad networks for iPhone games, providing superior options for mobile advertising.

Key Facts:

• Product Information: Unity Ads specializes in mobile game advertising, with a strong focus on rewarded video ads, making it a top choice for mobile game ad networks.
• Ad Formats: Unity Ads offers various ad formats, including rewarded videos, interstitial ads, banners, and playable ads, ensuring diverse monetization options for publishers.
• CPM Rates: Unity Ads provides competitive CPM rates, with average rates ranging from $6 to $12 for mobile games, depending on the region and ad format.
• Publisher Eligibility: Publishers must use Unity to build their games or integrate the Unity SDK to be eligible for Unity Ads, making it ideal for mobile game developers.
• Payment Info: Payments are made on a net 30 basis, with a minimum payout threshold of $100, supporting PayPal, wire transfer, and other methods.

Why Unity Ads for mobile Games?

Unity Ads is perfect for developers building their games with the Unity engine. Its focus on rewarded video ads ensures an optimal balance between monetization and user experience, making it one of the top ad networks for mobile game developers.

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4. Google AdMob

AdMob is one of the best ad networks for mobile games, offering a comprehensive solution for mobile game developers and publishers looking to maximize their revenue. With its integration with Google’s ad ecosystem, AdMob serves as a powerful tool for mobile game monetization networks, providing access to a massive inventory of ads. It supports ad networks for iPhone games with a variety of ad formats, including rewarded ads and interstitials, which are essential for engaging game players without disrupting their experience. Backed by cutting-edge mediation technology, AdMob optimizes ad delivery to ensure the best mobile ad networks for mobile can deliver the highest CPMs for developers. In fact, AdMob is trusted by over 1 million apps, making it a top choice for mobile game developers and publishers.

Key Facts:

• Product Information: AdMob is an ad network by Google that enables mobile and Android game developers to monetize their apps through in-app ads, with access to over 1 million advertisers worldwide.
• Ad Formats: It offers multiple ad formats, including rewarded video ads, interstitials, native, and banner ads, helping mobile game publishers engage users without affecting gameplay.
• CPM Rates: The CPM rates on AdMob can vary significantly based on region and format, with rates averaging around $1 to $18 for mobile games, depending on factors like geography and user engagement.
• Publisher Eligibility: To join AdMob, publishers need to comply with Google's policies, maintain a Google account, and have a working app available on the App Store.
• Payment Info: AdMob offers monthly payments with a minimum threshold of $100, and payments can be received through bank transfers or checks.

Why AdMob for mobile Games?

AdMob is ideal for mobile game developers who want access to a comprehensive ad network with superior fill rates and excellent monetization capabilities. Its powerful analytics tools make it one of the best ad networks for mobile games, giving developers granular control over ad performance.

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5. ironSource

IronSource is a leading ad network specializing in mobile game monetization, offering advanced solutions for mobile game developers and publishers. Known for its high-performing ad formats like rewarded video and interactive ads, IronSource enables mobile game publishers to effectively monetize their apps. With its seamless integration across platforms, IronSource has gained traction as one of the best ad networks for mobile games. Developers benefit from competitive CPM rates and an extensive reach in the gaming sector. IronSource has been widely adopted by top mobile game developers due to its innovative approach, helping them maximize revenue through top mobile game ad networks. IronSource powers over 3 billion app downloads and has become a preferred choice in mobile advertising for mobile games.

Key Facts:

• Product Information: IronSource is widely recognized for its innovative monetization solutions, offering ad formats like rewarded video, interstitials, and offerwalls, specifically optimized for mobile game ad networks.
• Ad Formats: Developers can choose from various ad types such as video ads, playable ads, and banners, providing immersive experiences that align with best mobile ad networks for mobile.
• CPM Rates: IronSource offers competitive CPM rates, with mobile games reportedly seeing rates from $10 to $20 per 1,000 impressions for premium markets like the U.S. and Europe, making it one of the best ad networks for mobile games.
• Publisher Eligibility: IronSource supports both indie developers and large-scale game publishers, with a flexible platform that ensures ease of integration for mobile game monetization networks.
• Payment Info: Payments are typically made on a net 60 basis, and developers must meet a $500 threshold to withdraw, making IronSource suitable for ad networks for mobile game publishers looking to scale effectively.

Why ironSource for mobile Games?

For developers looking for flexibility and top ad networks for mobile games with powerful mediation capabilities, ironSource is a great option. It ensures optimal ad delivery while offering a wide variety of monetization formats.

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6. Liftoff

Liftoff is widely recognized as one of the best ad networks for mobile games, offering game developers and publishers a seamless way to monetize their apps. As a leading platform for in-app video ads, Liftoff specializes in driving user acquisition and engagement through its dynamic ad formats tailored for mobile games. With over 4 billion unique devices reached globally, Liftoff ensures that mobile game developers can maximize revenue while providing a smooth ad experience for users. Known for its superior ad performance, Liftoff is particularly favored among mobile game publishers looking for effective mobile advertising solutions.

Key Facts:

• Product Information: Liftoff offers video and playable ads, optimized for mobile games, enabling high engagement and user interaction.
• Ad Formats: The platform supports various ad formats, including rewarded video ads and interactive end cards, catering to mobile game monetization needs.
• CPM Rates: Liftoff provides competitive CPM rates, with mobile game publishers reportedly earning between $5 to $20 per 1,000 impressions, depending on region and game type.
• Publisher Eligibility: To join Liftoff, publishers need to have an mobile game or app with significant user engagement. The platform supports global publishers, ensuring wide access for mobile game developers.
• Payment Info: Liftoff follows a net-60 payment schedule, with publishers being paid once they reach a minimum threshold of $100. Payments can be made via PayPal or wire transfer, ensuring flexible options for mobile game publishers.

Why Liftoff for mobile Games?

Liftoff is a solid choice for mobile game developers who want to integrate high-quality video ads into their games without compromising on user experience. Its focus on rewarded video ads makes it one of the best ad networks for Mobile games.

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7. Chartboost

Chartboost is a leading in-app advertising and monetization platform designed specifically for mobile games. Founded in 2011 and now part of LoopMe, it provides developers with the tools to monetize, acquire users, and optimize ad performance. Chartboost’s single SDK supports multiple platforms and gives publishers control over placements and formats, ensuring ads fit naturally within gameplay. Its mediation system connects to premium demand sources through unified auctions, while detailed analytics offer transparency into performance and earnings. 

Key Features:

• Product Information: Chartboost offers a complete monetization and mediation solution, including unified auctions, waterfall fallback, real-time bidding, and an easy-to-integrate SDK for iOS, Android, and Unity. Developers can also access granular analytics and reporting through APIs.
• Ad Formats: The platform supports interstitial, rewarded, and banner ads, with flexibility to use video, playable, or static creatives depending on the game experience.
• CPM Rates: Chartboost allows publishers to set flat CPMs for interstitial and rewarded placements and CPM floors for banners, ensuring better control over ad revenue.
• Payment Information: Developers must reach a $75 minimum threshold for payouts ($300 for wire transfers). Payments follow a monthly cycle, with earnings paid out after the close of each calendar month.
• Publisher Eligibility: Any developer can sign up, integrate the Chartboost SDK, and submit their app for review to start monetizing.

Why Chartboost for Mobile Games?

Chartboost stands out for its transparency, flexible ad formats, and strong mediation system. It helps developers maximize revenue while keeping the ad experience aligned with gameplay.

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How to Mediate Ad Networks?

Since no single ad network delivers the highest returns everywhere, mediation is the smart play.

• Set up a waterfall or real-time bidding setup so that the best-paying ad fills first.
• Test different formats (rewarded, interstitial, playable) to see what drives the highest ARP without hurting retention.
• Monitor user metrics like churn, session length, and uninstalls. Ads that harm retention cost more in the long run than they earn in the short term.
• Add backup networks for regions with low fill. If a global network struggles in certain geos, you can use a regional partner as a fallback.

This way, you maximize revenue while keeping the ad experience consistent and non-disruptive.

Picking the Right Ad Network Based on Your Game Profile

Not all ad networks work equally well for all game genres. The right mix depends on session length, retention strategy, and player demographics. Here are some recommendations tailored to different game profiles:

• Casual / Hyper-Casual Games: These games thrive on short sessions and quick churn, so rewarded videos and interstitials are the go-to. Networks like Unity Ads, AppLovin, and Liftoff work well here. A mediation layer helps ensure interstitials appear at the right moments, not mid-game.
• Mid-Core / Retention-Oriented Games: For strategy, RPG, or simulation games where retention is critical, ads should be less intrusive. Rewarded videos and native ads are safer formats. ironSource, Chartboost, and Unity Ads are solid options here, especially when paired with strong user acquisition campaigns.
• Games with a Strong User Base: Regional demand is key if your audience is concentrated outside of the U.S. or Europe. AppLovin is a strong option if it aligns with your coverage, and combining it with global networks like AdMob ensures good fill and competitive eCPMs.
• Small Indie Games / Low Budget: Indie developers need easy integration and low barriers to entry. AdMob, Unity Ads, and Liftoff are ideal starting points. As revenue grows, you can expand into additional networks and add mediation to scale earnings further.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, selecting the best ad network for mobile games is critical to maximizing both revenue and user engagement. Top networks like AdMob, Unity Ads, and ironSource offer robust solutions customized to mobile games, with diverse ad formats such as rewarded videos and interstitials that keep players engaged without disrupting their experience. For example, Unity Ads powers over 70% of top mobile games, and AdMob is trusted by over 1 million apps globally. These networks leverage advanced technologies like real-time bidding and machine learning to optimize ad performance. By choosing the right platform, mobile game developers can effectively increase monetization while ensuring a seamless, enjoyable gaming experience for players.