Top mobile ad networks for app monetization in 2025

Let's face it — we're all glued to our phones these days. That's why mobile advertising has become so attractive for app developers. The in-app advertising market is expected to reach $174 billion in 2025 and more than $365 billion by 2029. 

To earn revenue from their apps, app publishers use mobile ad networks. Mobile ad networks are services that connect app owners and advertisers who want to promote their products and services to app users.

Whether you’re a developer, an app creator, or a business owner with an app, mobile ad networks can help turn your app’s traffic into a steady revenue stream. This guide will walk you through the essentials of mobile advertising and introduce you to the top mobile ad networks in 2025.

What is a mobile ad network?

For app developers (the ad industry calls them publishers), a mobile ad network is the key to creating cash flow. It's a platform that connects your app with advertisers eager to reach your users. You offer ad spaces in your app, and the network fills it with targeted ads that match your audience.

Modern ad networks offer formats to fit every app: banners, full-screen interstitials, and rewarded videos (where users gain perks for watching). Some networks even let users tip creators by watching an ad. But let’s start with 101.

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How do mobile ad networks work?

Every time someone opens your app, the network springs into action, looking at your available ad space and finding the perfect advertiser to fill it. This process relies on what it knows about your users — where they are, what they like, and how they use your app — to show ads they might actually care about. For instance, someone using a fitness app might see ads for protein shakes or workout gear, while someone browsing recipes might get cookware ads.

Behind the scenes, the network is constantly working — tracking how ads perform, processing payments, and giving you insights about what's working and what isn't. This creates a system where everyone wins: you earn revenue, advertisers reach the right audience, and users see relevant ads.

Mobile ad network integration methods

Most networks now use SDKs (software development kits) to integrate ads into your app. An SDK is a pre-built package that handles all the technicalities of serving ads. Drop it into your app, follow the setup guides, and you're ready to show ads. 
SDK Integration provides advanced features like rich media ads and sophisticated targeting. Most major networks use SDKs because they enable complex ad formats such as rewarded videos and playable ads. They're ideal for content-rich apps and games.

Mediation platforms

To manage and optimize the ads shown in their apps, developers often use mediation platforms. These platforms allow them to connect multiple ad networks in one place, ensuring their ad inventory is always filled.

Mediation platforms also help developers decide how ads are delivered, whether through traditional waterfall methods or newer in-app bidding approaches. Both methods aim to maximize ad revenue and streamline the monetization process

Traditional waterfall

The waterfall system is where ad requests flow through networks in priority order. They offer fixed pricing: you know exactly what you'll earn per view or click. To fill an ad space through waterfall mediation, publishers need to set up payment floors for each network they monetize with, and continuously monitor the process.  

While revenue tends to be moderate and predictable, which is perfect for steady traffic apps, you'll have limited control over which ads appear in your app. Also, the setup can get complex and labor-intensive

In-app bidding

With bidding, networks run real-time auctions where advertisers compete for your ad space. The setup requires less technical knowledge than waterfall since the auction runs automatically. All you need to do is configure an ad space in your app, connect to an ad network that supports bidding, and hit “Start”. 

The key advantage of using in-app bidding is you’ll likely get more revenue from the ads you run. For instance, Yango Ad Network partners that switched to in-app bidding saw 30% higher revenue. With in-app bidding, app publishers get extensive control over what ads show up and what the bidding rules are through detailed dashboards. Smart algorithms ensure ads stay relevant — nobody wants to see winter coat ads in the summer.

Mobile ad business models

When it comes to payment, advertisers choose how they want to pay apps for their users’ interactions with ads. Ad networks track each interaction, view, click, and install in real time. When someone opens your app, the network's SDK records what happens. Let's break down the different metrics and when each one is used:

CPM (Cost Per Mille): You earn money every 1,000 ad views. Great for apps with steady traffic — think news or utility apps where users regularly see ads.

CPC (Cost Per Click): Payment happens when users click ads. This works well for apps where users actively engage, like shopping or lifestyle apps.

CPI (Cost Per Install): You get paid when users install advertised apps. Perfect for games, but expect lower conversion rates.

CPA (Cost Per Action): Earnings come from users completing specific actions, like signups or purchases. High payouts but fewer conversions — best for niche apps.

CPV (Cost Per View): Revenue from users watching video ads. Works well in apps with natural breaks, like games or streaming services.

Pick your model based on how people use your app and what keeps them coming back. The right choice depends on your traffic patterns and how your users typically interact with ads.

Top mobile ad networks in 2025

Picking the right ad network can make a huge difference to your app's revenue. Each network has its own strengths. Some are great at video ads, while others excel at native placements that blend into your app. Many developers actually use multiple networks through mediation platforms to maximize their earnings. Let's look at the most popular ones:

Google AdMob

AdMob is huge thanks to Google's massive reach. You don't need many users to get started, which makes it great for new apps. The basic setup is straightforward, but there's a catch: the network’s support is mostly automated chatbots, and you can't use it in every country.

+ Works with all types of ads
+ Connects you to lots of advertisers
+ Shows you how your ads perform
+ Easy to get started
+ Checks ads for quality
− Not available everywhere
− Support is mostly automated
− Hard to fine-tune settings
− Basic tools can feel limiting

AppLovin

AppLovin reaches over a billion users every month. Their system lets advertisers bid for space in your app in real time, which often means more money for you. But getting everything set up just right takes time and know-how.

+ Offers every type of ad
+ Live bidding gets you better prices
+ Reliable worldwide
+ Shows detailed results
+ Keeps ads brand-safe
− Takes time to set up properly
− Lots of settings to learn
− Needs quite a bit of traffic to start
− Best features cost extra

Yango Ad Network

Yango Ad Network really shines in growing markets where other networks struggle. They combine two powerful approaches — traditional waterfall and real-time bidding — into one hybrid system. This helps fill your ad space, maximizing revenue from in-app ads and ensuring a smooth user experience. The SDK is lightweight and easy to integrate. Plus, you get personalized support in case you need help with the setup.

+ Best for app monetization in new and emerging markets
+ Analyzes 10K+ factors to bring relevant ads to your app users
+ Supports both waterfall and bidding through the top mediation platforms
+ Processes payments to app publishers worldwide
+ Offers personalized setup support 
− Doesn’t support Google Play Families Policies for children's apps
− Not widely available to monetize users in developed markets

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Unity Ads

Unity knows games inside and out. Their ads fit naturally into gameplay, especially video ads that give players rewards. But if you're not making a game, you might find their options limited.

+ Made specifically for games
+ Works well on iPhone and Android
+ Keeps players engaged
+ High-quality videos
+ Doesn't disrupt gameplay
− Limited if you're not making games
− Focuses mostly on video ads
− Works better in some countries than others
− Not many traditional ad options

InMobi

InMobi works well internationally and specializes in ads that blend into your app naturally. Their smart system gets better at matching ads to users over time, but it might take a while to see the best results.

+ Works with advertisers worldwide
+ Great at native ads
+ Smart targeting
+ Keeps users engaged
+ Works with many ad buyers
 − Takes time to reach peak performance
 − Complex reporting tools
 − Mixed results in different regions
 − Setup needs technical skills

Before you go

Picking the right ad network can make a big difference for your app revenue. Each network has its strengths — Google brings a massive advertiser pool, Unity knows gaming inside and out, and AppLovin offers competitive bidding that can boost your revenue. Yango Ad Network stands out with its deep understanding of emerging markets, personalized support, and hybrid monetization that combines the best of waterfall and real-time bidding systems.

Start with one network that fits your app and how your users interact with it. Once you've got the hang of things, you might want to try using multiple networks through mediation platforms.