The rise of Coronavirus disrupted 95% of the business worldwide, whereas for the remaining 5% it turned out to be a lucky strike. One such example of the aforementioned 5% is Mobile Gaming industry, which is on the roll right from the beginning of 2020. Moreover, as the crisis deepened and the world went through lockdown, downloads and usage of Mobile games also increased. Though this time around the list of Most Downloaded Games is bit different.

Mobile Games’ Q1 of 2020 smashed all previous download records with getting 13 Billion installs within this time frame both for Google Play and App Store. March was ideally the time where mobile games witnessed the spike worldwide except China where things were heading for ease in lockdown from April onward. A closer insight tells that mobile games worldwide received 5.1 billion downloads in March, which accounts for 24% month-over-month increase.

One of the first games bursting into headlines as coronavirus turned pandemic was Killer Plague. This mobile game wasn’t a new release, but resurfacing of 8-year old App, which already had 120 Million downloads. But this time around January, this game by the UK-based developer had its time of life as it became the Best-Selling App in China. Though this situation couldn’t long as this game was banned at the Chinese App Store for having ‘illegal content’. Killer Plague got into hot-water as it had gameplay relevant to the ongoing crisis as the player has to curb plague for the survival.

The Mobile games particularly had a great run as the world geared for lockdown. Many of the already popular games lead to doubling or tripling the installs, whereas some mobile games made it big out of blue as well.

Most Downloaded Games During Coronavirus

                                                                        Google Play – (09 March – 12 April)

Ludo King

This Mobile Game, Ludo King by Gametion was launched back in 2016 falls in Game Board category. Ludo King topped the charts with getting most of its downloads from the country of its origin, India.

Garena Free Fire: Wonderland

Online Wonderland event kicking off on April 8 offered gifts for the users and that pushed it towards second most downloaded mobile game within this period.

Scale

This game puzzle by Good Job Games has one addictive gameplay which is simple in the first place but requires a hell of brainstorming.

Perfect Cream

Time to settle your food craving uniquely! This mobile game by Playgendary got heaps of downloads amid this pandemic.

Subway Surfers

This evergreen game once again became a reason of rejoicing for the mobile gamers out there amid this pandemic

Key Takeaways from Mobile Gaming Industry 

Now things are getting back to normalcy with still having fear of Covid-19 second wave; the mobile games are a source of relaxation and quality time spend for many limited to their homes. As tragic it sounds, the mobile games were a consolation and way of getting their mind to divert from the pressure Covid-19 built all across the globe and that’s what uplifted this industry even in such testing times.

You’d have been hearing the technical jargon ‘SDK’ ever since you jumped on this world of App Development and Monetization. The more you try to grasp this term, the trickier it gets. Though this writeup aims to give you clarity from basic such as ‘What is SDK’ to the ‘Role of SDK Integeration in for App Publishers App Monetization Technique’.

SDK, Software Development Kit is aka DevKit, which is merely a set of tools and lines of codes performing various functions in for an App. On average, an Android App uses around 18 third-party SDKs to get all the functionalities done. Moreover, it should be noted here that SDKs work on for specific programming languages which support certain functions required on different platforms.

For instance, an Android SDK is only compatible with relevant platforms, and that goes the same for iOS SDK as well.

Given the popularity of SDKs, third-party SDKs are also making rounds for all the right reasons. These SDKs offer multiple functionalities including the one for App Monetization.  As simple as it can get, a Mobile App Monetization SDK integrates with Ad Network to show up available Ad slots and get the Ads to make revenue.

But here’s a catch as one single App Monetization SDK is applicable for only one Ad Network. So, in order to get more Ad networks on board, you’d have to integrate more SDKs, each one for a different Ad network. As chaotic it sounds, integrating more than one SDK leads to nuisance and overloading of work for the developers.

In for publishers’ rescue is Mobile Ad Mediation that initiates one dedicated SDK for integrating it with multiple Ad Networks at once. Now as Ad Mediation has won it for the publishers, various platforms are offering third-party SDKs claiming to comply with all monetization techniques and needs.

ConsoliAds SDK Integration for App Monetization

ConsoliAds working as one full-fledged App mediation platform understands the grass-root issues of developers working tirelessly to make an App. So, below are the standout features of ConsoliAds easy-to-integrate SDK for publishers’ App monetization.

Easy-to-Integrate and Reduction in SDK Bloating

You don’t always need to be a techie to integrate ConsoliAds SDK as this lightweight bit is quite easy to install. In short, this SDK integration cuts down the entire hassle of developers usually experience, making it a matter of few clicks. Being one lightweight yet fully loaded SDK, it is not susceptible to crashes. Not only this, it significantly reduces the bloating that damages the App functionality and speed to a great extent.

SDK increases Revenue and Provides Hands-On Useful Insights

ConsoliAds’ lightweight SDK understands the need of publishers to get multiple Ad networks on board as part of their monetization technique. It also stands out as one legit solution to the lower Ad fill rates when publishers are only up with one Ad Network. In short, integrating with more Ad Networks mean the higher Ad fill rates, which most likely lead to higher revenues. ConsoliAds SDK is capable to show up Ads of 15 different Ad Networks in a single App at once.

Furthermore, it fetches the useful data insights for the publishers to update their App accordingly and optimize their Ad placements and formats for better revenues.

SDK Auto Integration and Mediation by ConsoliAds

Ad Network Registration and ID Creation are essentials of App Monetization, but as you’re already into tons of work, you don’t want to make an extra effort over this one. No problem at all as ConsoliAds one flag bearer of programmatic advertising offers Auto Integration of SDK in the first place.

Just to make it even better, the Auto Ad Mediation is also there, which aligns more DSPs/Advertisers and send unbiased requests to them in a certain sequence. This quick Ad Request and Action ensures maximum revenue for the publishers.

According to Statista, Mobiles Apps will be generating $935 Billion in 2023 by in-App Advertising and paid downloads. Taking nothing away from the paid downloads model, in-App Advertising is the most opted one by far.

Using in-App Advertising publishers generate revenues by placing Ads in their Apps and App users are shown these Ads while they are using App. In short, no money is involved in this entire process. What’s crucial for the App publishers is Ad formats and Ad Placements in the first place. Most of the Ad Networks are still limited to offering those outdated Ad Formats, and that’s when this monotonous display turns out to be least attractive to the App users.

ConsoliAds, an Ad Network eyeing to revolutionize the In-App Industry is the trendsetter coming up with innovative solutions like Appographics and Programmatic Advertising.

At the same time, being one and only Ad Network integrating the Icon Ads, ConsoliAds yet again aims to empower the publishers around.

What is Icon Ad format of ConsoliAds?

Inspired from the term icon, which is the small graphical representation of the file or program in computer technology, Icon Ads remain true to their core. Indeed, they are as diminutive as pictogram and serve the purpose without taking this much space.

ConsoliAds Icon Ad format makes a non-intrusive display with command right there in the user’s hand. With the freedom of placing it anywhere around the main App screen, it hardly goes unnoticed. Unlike many other formats, this one never puts the App functionality on halt or act as a ransom to the user to must watch the visual Ads in order to proceed next.

How can Icon Ads boost Publisher’s Revenue?

A teaser is most likely to leave the user in awe; wanting for more. Consequently, leading them to watch the trailer or even a complete movie. Similarly, this small graphical representation entices the audience to click on that out of curiosity. The high CTR is one thing and staying non-intrusive is another. The combo of both of them, Icon Ads emerge as one potential Ad format now.

The right color combination of this graphical representation can make it more visible and happening on the App screen. Once it connects the user, it has got all the reasons to get clicked.

Icon Ad in Comparison with Leading Ad Formats

The Icon Ads make a great deal by making the entire process hassle-free and less annoying for the users. The best part is with even being small in size, they get their due visibility and even stay light on the pocket of the advertisers. Moreover, with less competition, Icon Ad formats can turn out to be the most fascinating avenue for publishers, advertisers or maybe the users as well.

Mobile App Monetization outranks all those web Ads easily with exponentially growing to become $201 Billion industry in 2021. In-App advertising, being one standout technique of in-App Monetization charges not even a single penny to the users, still attracts big moolah. At the same time, one can’t negate the fact sponsorships and Affiliate programs are gaining the popularity by leaps and bounds.

Mobile Apps are ultimate entertainment and then the need of the hour as well. It can be further elaborated as US mobile users install 20 Apps on average at once. The publishers, in this case, eyeing to monetize Apps prefer in-App advertising as only less than 10% of people are willing to pay for an App. With so much opportunity and competition, publishers need to be spot-on with the clarity and technique of their App and the monetization strategy as well. Just to get you to grasp over this in-App Monetization, we have shared details about do’s and don’ts of this field.  The pre-requisite dos can uplift the entire strategy, whereas the don’ts alarm you regarding the roads not to be taken.

Do’s of In-App Monetization

Stay Crystal Clear about Monetization Strategy

The handful of monetization options leave publishers into two minds and that’s when they lost their clarity somewhere in between.  Opting the pricing strategy is one thing, finalizing Ad placements and managing Ad fatigue is something equally important. Up next, when things start working your way, good acquisition and retention strategy is something compulsory for your success as well.

The bottom line is all it kicks off from getting a suitable monetization strategy for your App. Just to let you know there are various pricing strategies to opt-in for App monetization. The choice is yours whether you want to keep it free, paid, freemium or paidmium.

Only Launch App after QA Clearance

Once your App is ready to go, you need to revert and check-in if there are some loopholes or bugs in it. Getting the beta version tested to the stakeholders will be one handy move but rushing to make your App live will get you in the lurches. Moreover, if you have got your bug fixed and received the pat from the quality assurance as well, still hold your horses and wait for one optimal launch date for your App.

Always support it with ASO

A few years back the web advertising was in the mainstream but no one had many ideas about Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Things changed by far as SEO is now selling like a hotcake and the only reason is it’s one skill to rank your website up on the search engine. In the same way as SEO, App Store Optimization (ASO) works to make your App visible to masses and simplify the acquisition process.

Don’ts of In-App Monetization

Don’t go for Monetization Straightaway

The idea of not heading your App for monetization may look weird but it’s true as once you need to analyze the working of your App prior to placing Ads and user’s response to that. Once it gets the acceptance and enough analytics in your hand, monetization is something for you to do with all your vigor. Similarly, you need to get your facts right regarding the KPIs, the handy pricing models and Ad formats to get things to work your way. The average time a user spends and retention rate can also help you redefine on your monetization strategy.

Don’t overuse Push Notifications

The ultimate usage of push notification is to increase the engagement of users as its one positive signal for the growth of your App. The expert marketers believe push notification tends to increase around 88% of engagement of an App. But the irony is around 60% of App users opt-out from these push notifications. It is because they are intrusive and lacking any functionality on the user’s part. What you all need to do is create the right balance of the push notifications and not bombard them with ruining the overall experience of the consumers as well.

Don’t rely on the Similar Ad Formats and Placements

You’d have heard the famous quote, “Our Diversity is Our Strength”; it goes very much the same for Ad formats and placements. Settling for the Ad formats you tried in the initial phase won’t be the wisest of your moves. You need to act smart and find for the right combo for Ad formats that can connote to the overall idea of the App as well. The point is as you got onto have more users, the Ad format and Ad placement may also need a change accordingly. The category or niche of the App also impacts the ad format and placement.

Choosing the Ad Network that suits you as a Publisher is a first-and-foremost task when you’re looking out to monetize your App. Every publisher wants to get the best Ad Network on board to generate maximum revenues. At the same time, the publishers have their very own interpretation of what makes one perfect Ad Network for them.

Simplifying things for the publishers, we have created a sort of pre-requisite or factors that define an Ad Network in a better way.

Things to Lookout for before Choosing Best Ad Network

1. Maximum Fill Rates

Fill Rate is one of the most important determinants of an Ad Network’s performance as it can fluctuate your earnings big time. Actually its a measure of how well your Ad Inventory is utilized. In other words, it is the ratio of the number of Ad impressions served by an Ad Network to the number of Ad requests sent from an App to that Ad Network to fill the required placement.

Those Ad Networks with more and proactive Advertisers onboard usually have good fill rates. Here what we mean by good fill rate is each and every opportunity of displaying an ad in your app is rightly utilized to ensure the maximum revenue for the publishers at the end of the day.

2.  Powerful Analytics Support

Even if you’re making big with your Ad Network but not getting enough of reporting and analytics in your hand, it’s all going in vain. How ruthless of saying that?

It may be, but that’s what it is as having ZERO knowledge about what Ad Placements work for you is not fair on your behalf. Apart from that, analytics and reporting can also let you identify what types of Ad formats work your way.

3.  Ad relevancy through Ad Filters

Settling for bigger revenues regardless of the Ad being shown on your App/Game won’t be the wisest of your choices. No matter how much of a fairy-tale it sounds, make sure you gauge the quality, relevancy and diversity of Ads. Let’s make it simple, you own a Vegan food recipe app and the Ad being shown there are related to kids ages 5 and under. This all still be justified to some, but most of the users will find the ad irrelevant and disruptive, damaging the user’s experience. So, the point is always cross-checking the relevancy of Ads being shown on your platform as they’ll pay off in the longer run.

4.  Align with Latest Technology

The jargons not only make it difficult for the newbie publishers but also lead to perplexing the experienced ones. The chop and change in technology isn’t something new and that turns out to boon in disguise for masses.  So, carrying on with the reputation of this technology counting on advanced-level Ad Network will be a safe bet for sure. It can be further exemplified as those Ad Networks offering Programmatic Advertising are indeed a better option at times.

5.  Count on Word-of-Mouth

This may sound vague but it can be one handy technique if you can differentiate it between those engineered shout outs and the real ones. The reviews of the previous and the existing users of one Ad Network can better narrate what they are up to. Checking out on third-parties (neutral sources) for reviews will help out for sure. Moreover, you’d get enough of reviews on forums and bigwig platforms like Reddit.

Advertising has become an integral part of almost every digital experience and is emerging as the major source of income for most mobile game publishers. Mobile advertising is now a billion-dollar industry and the credit of its effective reach to millions of people around the globe goes to the top Battle Royale games including the likes of PUBG and Fortnite.

So, if you own a mobile game and want to monetize through ads or earn more revenue through in-app advertising, you should adopt the right ads monetization strategy. There’re multiple factors that impact your in-app advertising revenue, as we have discussed in a previous blog post. As of now, we’ll try to analyze which ad formats are best for mobile games keeping in view the retention and engagement of users.

Before recommending the top games-focused mobile ads formats, I would like you to know that there are some important factors game publishers should know while choosing a suitable ads format for their games. These include achieving the higher eCPM and Fill Rate and analyzing the best placement opportunities. Meanwhile, ads must not interrupt the player experience at any level in your mobile game.

Keeping in view the aforementioned factors, we have compiled a list of best mobile ad formats that can help you elevate your monetization without interrupting the user experience.

Best Mobile Ad Formats

Interstitial Ads:

Interstitial Ads are displayed as larger, full-screen ads that are made visually appealing with rich media content and animations. Interstitial Ads could be in the form of both video and static images. Notably, these ads formats perform exceptionally well with mobile games that are divided into different levels and gives users a short break before getting to the next level.

According to experts, due to the deployment of Interstitial Ads between natural gameplay pauses, they tend to offer higher impressions and higher click-through-rate (CTR). But, if you don’t select the right placement for this ad format, it could be intrusive for players.

Native Ads:

Native Ads are quite similar to banner ads but they are designed to merge into the look and feel of your mobile game. When applied to the right placements, Native Ads seem like a part of the overall flow of the game.

In addition, these ads are usually placed in a discreet manner in the corners of the game screen where the gameplay remains undisrupted. According to research, due to their non-intrusive nature, Native ads have higher CTR and higher conversion rate but a lower CPC as compared to other ads formats.

Rewarded Video Ads:

Another way to make in-game ads less intrusive or even desirable is to offer mobile game players a reward for viewing a short video ad. This reward could be in the form of loot, another life, coins, points, or any other in-game currency that applies to your game.

As revealed in a recent survey, 75% of game developers believe that rewarded video ads are one of the most effective formats because they offer valuable items for your game players, thus increasing retention and engagement. However, due to a relatively complex integration process involved in implementing rewarded video ads in the gameplay, few game publishers try to avoid them.

Apart from these formats, there are few other mobile ad formats like Banner, Icon, and Video ads that could also perform well for your mobile game. Mobile Ad networks like ConsoliAds offers visually appealing multiple ad formats that can help mobile game developers to increase users’ engagement and earn more revenue. Game publishers can sign up with ConsoliAds to easily integrate best performing ad formats in their games and avail highest eCPM’s through Auto-Ad mediation.

Before we go to the topic I have some questions for you regarding mobile ads monetization.

Are you interested in discovering the strategies top game publishers like Tencent and EA Mobile are implementing to ensure their success?

Did you know that out of all monetization models, in-app advertising is used by 56% of app publishers?

In some cases, top publishers have compelling reasons to go ad-free with their apps, however, relying on “freemium model” or “in-app purchases” isn’t always the best option for beginners. Mostly, in-app advertising is the best way to boost your app monetization and generate revenue quickly.

It is noteworthy that many advertisers incorporate in-app advertising as part of their digital marketing plans. According to a market research firm Newzoo.

Mobile apps revenue for App Store only is projected to increase by 34% to reach $123.7 billion by the year 2020. So, how you are planning to optimize your apps to get the most out of ads monetization.

We have compiled a few useful tips that can help you generate more revenue from your apps.

1. Always update to the latest SDK

If you have integrated your apps with an ad network, always ensure that your apps have the latest versions of the SDKs provided by the network.

Doing so will not only provide the best ad rendering experience for your users but will also enable you to boost your ad monetization.

2.   Choosing the right Ad Format for a particular app

It’s also important for publishers to choose the right ad format according to your app’s requisite. For instance, Rewarded Video Ads perform exceptionally well for game publishers.

According to a recent survey of app publishers by Statistica, 75% of game developers believe that rewarded video ads were most effective among all ad formats.

Rewarded video ads increase retention and engagement, prolonging the lifespan of your users. On the contrary, for Ecommerce or News apps, Native ads could perform better as compared to video ads.

But, if you don’t choose ad formats by taking into consideration the behavior and engagement of users, you may lose on potential revenue opportunities.

3.   Get higher Fill Rate with Auto Ad Mediation:

Fill Rate is also quite important for your app’s advertising revenue. Fill Rate is calculated by dividing the number of ad impressions and app serves, by the number of times an app requested an ad from a network.

Mobile ad networks like ConsoliAds can help you connect with the top advertisers through its advanced and unbiased auto ad mediation. Through auto ad mediation an ad network can connect your app with multiple ad networks.

So in case, if one ad network fails to send an ad request, other ad networks will take over.

4.    Add a Loading Screen before the App’s Launch:

A loading screen of about 5 seconds can be added with minimal efforts. To your mobile app/game which will help in better initialization of ad networks.

Adding a Loading Screen while initiating your app can help you increase fill rates by up to 99%. And the higher fill rate means more revenue.

5.   Always consider Testing

Regardless of your ads monetization strategies, continued analysis and optimization are always helpful in beta testing. If you don’t get your users’ approval, your strategies would be useless.

Testing out new ad formats and placements take time and effort but will help increase revenues. Find some suitable channels to ask user’s feedback, analyze their response and then moderate your strategy.

With constant testing, you will be able to gauge the impact on user experience when different formats and placements are used.

Mobile app monetization has the potential to be very lucrative but only if done right. With the right in-app advertising strategy, it is possible to maximize both user happiness and advertising revenue.

And as the mobile app landscape continues to evolve, publishers should always try out new mobile app monetization strategies and regularly measure, adjust, and repeat.