Pop-under Ad CPM Rates for Publishers in 2026

Pop-under ads aren’t the newest format on the block, but in 2026 they remain one of the most quietly dependable revenue drivers publishers can lean on. As display CPMs flatten and competition grows for banner inventory, many publishers have rediscovered pop-unders as a way to stabilize earnings without overloading users with intrusive experiences. Recent ad-tech reports show that pop-under CPMs can be 3 to 5 times higher than standard display in key verticals like gaming, entertainment, downloads, VPN, tools, and utilities — especially when traffic quality and frequency are balanced.

Advertisers today are paying for attention and action, not just visibility. Pop-unders still place a landing page in front of a user at a moment when they are ready to engage. While video and social ad spend continues to grow — with video projected to account for over 60% of global digital ad budgets by 2026 — pop-unders maintain a unique place where conversion-focused campaigns compete effectively for attention.

So in this guide, we’re not just listing networks. We’re focusing on pop-under CPM rates in 2026, what shapes them, and how publishers — from small blogs to large content hubs — can use this channel effectively across geographies, niches, and traffic types.

What Affects Pop-Under CPMs in 2026

Before we get into the networks, here’s what shapes CPMs for pop-under ads:

• Fresh users usually earn more. New visitors or recent opt-ins respond better, which pushes CPMs higher.
• Geo mix matters a lot. Tier-1 regions lead the pack, followed by Tier-2. Tier-3 traffic still monetizes, but at lower rates.
• Vertical demand changes the game. Gaming, entertainment, VPN, utilities, and downloads consistently generate higher bids.
• Ad frequency can make or break results. Too many pop-unders irritate users; too few reduce revenue potential.
• Traffic quality plays a key role. Clean, engaged visitors perform better than accidental or bot-driven traffic.
  
  

Across the market, most publishers see something like this:

• Tier-1: $3–$12 CPM
• Tier-2: $1.5–$5 CPM
• Tier-3: $0.5–$2 CPM

Fresh audiences and high-demand niches usually push these numbers higher.

The 7 Best Pop-under Ad Networks in 2026

What follows isn’t a list of “best tools” but a look at how publishers are realizing pop-under CPMs in 2026, using these networks as practical reference points.

1. PopCash

PopCash provides a publisher-friendly pop-under setup with a clean dashboard and flexible control over triggers and frequency. It is known for reliable demand across Tier-1 and Tier-2 traffic and offers quick payout options that suit small and medium publishers alike. Its reporting tools allow publishers to optimize campaigns without heavy manual work, making it a solid first step for anyone testing pop-under monetization.

How CPM usually plays out

• Ad Quality & Compliance: Anti-fraud measures and quality control
  
• Earning Potential: Approx. $3–4 CPM for premium-tier traffic
  
• Traffic Requirements: Open to all publisher sizes
  
• Payout Timing: Daily withdrawal options, low minimum
  
• Extras: Real-time analytics, bid control, easy setup

Best for: Publishers seeking stable, high-yield pop-under revenue without major entry thresholds.

SignUp Now

2. PropellerAds

PropellerAds combines direct and programmatic demand to deliver steady CPMs for desktop and mobile traffic. Its optimization engine ensures fill even in mixed GEOs, making it a favorite for entertainment portals and high-traffic content sites. With multiple ad formats and anti-adblock support, PropellerAds offers a flexible, scalable solution for publishers who want reliable monetization at volume.

How CPM usually plays out

• Advertiser Mix: Direct buys and programmatic campaigns
• Earning Potential: Solid CPMs in Tier-1 and mixed GEOs
• Traffic Requirements: Works for small to large publishers
• Payout Timing: Weekly payments via multiple methods
• Extras: Easy integration, anti-adblock, flexible formats

Best for: High-volume sites and global traffic publishers looking for dependable CPM

SignUp Now

3. Adsterra

Adsterra offers performance-driven pop-under demand across mobile and desktop traffic. Its focus on compliance and ad quality ensures clean ad experiences. With dedicated support and optimization tools, publishers can maximize fill and earnings without disrupting UX. Adsterra is particularly effective for niches like performance tools, gaming, and utilities, and works well with mixed GEOs.

How CPM usually plays out

• Advertiser Marketplace: Moderated campaigns with anti-fraud measures
• Earning Potential: Up to $5–9 CPM for high-value traffic
• Traffic Requirements: No strict barriers; works for small to large publishers
• Payout Timing: Bi-weekly, multiple payment options
• Extras: Dedicated support, dashboard insights

Best for: Publishers balancing performance, safety, and competitive CPMs

SignUp Now

4. HilltopAds

HilltopAds is focused on global traffic with strong filtering and fraud detection standards. Its network delivers variable CPMs depending on GEO, but consistently offers clean, compliant pop-under placements. Publishers value HilltopAds for its ease of setup and wide reach across Tier-1 and Tier-2 markets.

How CPM usually plays out

• Campaign Quality: Strong ad-safety protocols
• Earning Potential: Moderate to high depending on GEO
• Traffic Requirements: Suitable for small and mid-size publishers
• Payout Timing: Weekly with low thresholds
• Extras: Reporting tools, global GEO support

Best for: Publishers prioritizing ad quality and compliance across global traffic

SignUp Now

5. AdMaven

AdMaven provides flexible pop-under inventory with a mix of direct and programmatic campaigns. It is favored in verticals such as streaming, downloads, utilities, and entertainment, where performance advertisers actively bid. Its format versatility allows both high-volume and niche publishers to generate competitive CPMs consistently.

How CPM usually plays out

• Advertiser Demand: Direct and performance-driven campaigns
• Revenue Potential: Competitive CPMs in high-demand verticals
• Traffic Requirements: Small to medium sites
• Payout Timing: Monthly via PayPal or bank transfer
• Extras: Desktop and mobile support, multiple ad formats

Best for: Publishers seeking versatile monetization for performance-heavy niches

SignUp Now

6. ClickAdu

Clickadu is suitable for publishers seeking consistent pop-under performance with both mobile and desktop traffic. The network mixes direct and programmatic demand to maintain steady fill and CPM, even when traffic quality varies. Its flexible approach allows small to large publishers to diversify revenue without strict thresholds.

How CPM usually plays out

• Demand Mix: Direct plus programmatic
• Revenue Potential: Consistent CPMs across traffic types
• Traffic Requirements: Minimal — suitable for all scales
• Payout Timing: Weekly or monthly
• Extras: Multi-GEO support, solid fill rates

Best for: Publishers wanting reliable pop-under revenue without high entry barriers

SignUp Now

7. Monetag

Monetag offers a simple, automated approach ideal for smaller publishers or mixed GEO traffic. While CPMs are more modest, it provides predictable revenue and integrates well as part of a diversified ad stack. Its automation and flexible payouts make it a practical choice for publishers experimenting with pop-under monetization.

How CPM usually plays out

• Advertiser Demand: Mixed direct and programmatic campaigns
• Revenue Potential: Moderate, steady CPMs
• Traffic Requirements: Low to moderate; beginner-friendly
• Payout Timing: Weekly, multiple withdrawal methods
• Extras: Automation tools, easy deployment

Best for: Smaller or mid-size publishers seeking a gentle entry into pop-under monetization

SignUp Now

Key Factors Driving Pop-under CPMs in 2026

Here’s what shapes the CPMs you can expect:

• Traffic quality and intent: Clean, engaged audiences always earn higher CPMs
• Geo mix: Tier-1 regions command the highest CPMs, Tier-2 still performs reasonably
• Vertical demand: Gaming, entertainment, VPNs, downloads, and tools see the strongest advertiser interest
• Ad frequency: Balanced triggers optimize revenue without hurting UX
• Device mix: Desktop traffic often commands slightly higher CPMs, though mobile has strong scale potential
  
  

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Even with strong revenue potential, pop-unders require careful management:

• Can disrupt user experience if overused
• Higher bounce rates when triggers are too frequent
• Regulatory or compliance restrictions in certain countries
• Requires smart frequency capping to avoid user frustration
• Risk of lower trust if ads are not properly filtered
  
  

Conclusion

Pop-under ads remain a reliable, high-yield revenue channel for publishers who understand how to manage them responsibly. They aren’t flashy, but when paired with clean networks, optimized triggers, and thoughtful frequency, they consistently outperform standard banners in CPM terms.

Networks like PopAds, PropellerAds, Adsterra, HilltopAds, Ad-Maven, ClickAdu, and Monetag offer distinct advantages depending on your traffic profile. Tier-1, Tier-2, and global traffic all find value with these networks, and when you combine proper placement, frequency, and testing, CPMs can remain strong year-round.

Pop-unders are not a silver bullet, but for publishers with performance-driven, global, or niche traffic, they are a dependable, high-margin, and long-lasting monetization tool that still deserves a key spot in 2026’s digital revenue mix.