One of the greatest concerns for new Android developers is how exactly they are going to monetize their app as well as what mobile ad networks are the best to use. Many developers choose to put a price tag on their apps although this is not always the way to make the most income from an app. Mobile ad networks tend to pay rather well for advertising space that moves with the users.
Most free Android apps on Google Play have some sort of advertising within them in one or several forms. In almost every case the ads you see within your apps show a very targeted ad causing a much higher click through rate than traditional advertising. Although with all of the mobile ad networks out there these days which ones are the best?
1. AdMob – Owned by Google (Google Adsense for Mobile Apps)
- AdMob was not initially owned by Google and was released in 2006 becoming very popular with mobile developers until Google bought it up in 2009. While this is still the best network to use you will need to keep several things in mind. AdMob is owned by Google meaning that the chance of being banned without obvious reasons is greater than with other networks. Also Interstitial ads aren’t available as paid ads unless you are invited to use them. This being said you will never see an ad that is not targeted and the reporting and documentation is very easy to follow.
2. Airpush – Push notification Ads
- Airpush from our experience is the higher paying of mobile ad networks although their ads are a bit intrusive to some people. Airpush uses several different types of ads such as push notification ads that show in your notification bar, signup ads on app load, and icon ads that place an icon on your device to be opened later. While these sorts of ads aren’t as disruptive as say a banner they are borderline malware in some users opinions. Airpush does however pay a minimum CPM of around $10 so its worth it for most developers. Airpush also pays its publishers weekly instead of monthly which is a huge bonus.
3. LeadBolt – Placement based ad network
- LeadBolt is a great mobile ad network for those that are looking to just get into app development since they show in detail how the ads work and how you get paid for each. LeadBolt has several ways you can display ads like entry point that shows when the app first opens, engagement ads like banners and interstitial ads, and exit point ads that show when you are not using the app like push notifications.
4. Mobclix – Ad Network of Ad Networks
- Mobclix allows you to connect various other ad networks in one location allowing you to use them all in the same app. On top of this you will see the other ad network stats from the one location without having to go to each to get the reports and earnings. You also get one check as opposed to each network writing checks or making payments to you separately.
5. MobFox – Highest paying mobile ad network (their words)
- MobFox compares themselves to other ad networks like Admob and Mobclix and claims to pay 300% better than either. They have real time stat reporting and an easy implementation process. MobFox also offers an open API unlike many other mobile ad networks.
6. Tapjoy – Market and Monetize your Mobile Apps
- Tapjoy is not only a revenue generating network but is also an app marketplace so you earn and market your app at the same time. With over 500 million devices having Tapjoy on them getting your app noticed is much easier than other methods. The adds they offer developers are the standard banners and paid per download models.
The Ad network that you choose is sometimes just preference but also based on the type of app you offer as well. Many people refuse to use apps that have many ads on them or ads that work outside of the app itself. Be sure to test a few different ones before you settle on one as you will notice what works for one app may not work so well for another.