Ad monetization strategy – how to choose the proper mobile ad format

Mobile ad formats

Below you will find descriptions of the most popular mobile ad formats:

• Interstitial ads are full-screen ads that are recommended to appear during natural transition points in the flow of an app. The user may decide to close the ad or to interact with it;
• Rewarded ads bring benefit to both publishers and users. Publishers can earn money, and users can get rewards, like in-app items, but only if they opt in voluntarily;
• Playable ads are interactive ads that act as a sort of free demo, which let users check the core functionality of an app or a game. A subtype of this ad type is Rewarded Playable ad;
• Native ads are crafted to look and feel like the surrounding content. They seldom disrupt the User Experience, but they need to be clearly labeled as ads;
• Banners are a popular ad format that’s rectangular in shape and usually displayed at the bottom or the top of mobile screens. They can be static or dynamic.

Best mobile ad formats for different app types

Not all ad formats work equally well across all mobile app types and game genres. It’s essential to choose them wisely if you want a smooth user journey, gameplay, and solid monetization effects:

• Mobile game monetization:
  • Casual games are known for their short but frequent sessions. They are easy to learn and fun to play. Developers usually go for a mix of Rewarded Video and Interstitial ads during natural breaks between levels,
  • Hypercasual games are typically designed to spread quickly, so developers usually focus on bringing in as many new players as possible, rather than worrying about long-term retention. Best formats to monetize this type of game include Playable (however, more for attracting new users), Rewarded Video, and Interstitial. The choice results from developers needing ad formats that bring substantial revenue fast, without slowing down the fun,
  • Hybrid-casual games most often make money through in-app purchases, Rewarded Video, and sometimes Interstitials. The in-app purchases and Rewarded Video drive steady revenue, while an occasional Interstitial adds an extra layer of revenue,
  • Mid-core games require more focus and planning and reward strategy and skill. Compared to hypercasual or casual games, mid-core games require greater player investment. Typically, a monetization strategy balances between in-app purchases and Rewarded ads,
  • Hardcore games are one step further from mid-core games and demand a lot of engagement from players. For hardcore players, motivation comes from mastering skills, defeating opponents, and collecting in-game accomplishments. Ads play a limited role in the monetization of such games (usually only occasional Rewarded ads), and developers most often opt for in-app purchases,
  • Social casino games usually include a similar monetization setup to hardcore ones. These games attract millions of players worldwide, and users are willing to spend a lot of money on them;
• Social apps aim to keep users connected. They focus on content sharing and community interactions, with developers aiming to encourage frequent check-ins. Monetization typically includes Native ads, which blend seamlessly with the app’s content;
• Productivity apps are for users who are highly goal-oriented, so the interruptions must be reduced to a minimum. Interstitial ads are used selectively to maintain focus, while still generating revenue;
• Shopping apps are built to guide users towards discovering and purchasing products. Native ads are effective here because they integrate promotional content without being too disruptive;
• Daily life, wellness apps are, for example, apps that track one’s health, help with meditation, or assist with planning. Monetization of such digital products often relies on Rewarded Video ads, offering users some rewards.

Session Revenue Optimization

Timing matters – one of the keys to successful mobile app ad monetization is placing ads where they naturally fit into the user journey. It should result in boosting results, without damaging the User Experience. Such an approach is called Session Revenue Optimization (SRO), and its primary focus is on maximizing revenue potential across different stages of user engagement:

• The discovery and onboarding phase is a crucial one that allows users to quickly assess whether they want to continue using the app. It’s a time to show them the key features. This is a delicate phase, so ads shouldn’t be too disruptive. You may think of incorporating Native ads;
• The active use phase is when users are engaged with the app’s content and features. At this point, they’re more open to interaction with ads, especially if they bring some value, like Rewarded Video;
• Natural breaks in the user flow are an ideal moment to show users Interstitials and Playable ads. They don’t interfere with ongoing activity, since such moments occur naturally. The type of monetization is both effective and user-friendly;
• The commitment/return phase occurs when the user decides to return to the app repeatedly. It’s a good time for diversification in ad formats. In general, Rewarded Video, Native ads, and Video ads can all be integrated strategically.

Grow your mobile app with optAd360

It’s important to note that no single ad format guarantees maximum profitability. Some formats may perform well, but they might not be right for your mobile app. The best way to find what works is to constantly monitor the results. This method helps you see which ad formats work and allows you to improve your strategy over time. However, monetizing an app or monetizing a mobile game on your own requires a lot of time, effort, and specialized knowledge. Fortunately, you can turn to experts like optAd360, which offers outstanding Bidlogic technology to help you earn more and save time!