Liftoff(Vungle)Just Arrived! Liftoff’s Non-Gaming Ad Monetization Trends Report
Sensor Tower data indicates non-gaming apps will exceed mobile game revenue share by 2026, fueled by rising consumer spending and widespread adoption of in-app advertising.
As app usage time increases, publishers are prioritizing ad monetization strategies, leading to steady revenue growth.
Liftoff's report highlights this inflection point, noting that dedicated resources to ad monetization open new pathways to success, including opportunities in emerging markets and improved results through innovative ad placements and balanced user engagement practices.
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AppsFlyer2025 App Marketer Survey
The mobile app industry saw strong growth in non-gaming apps (12% downloads, $69B revenue) while gaming stabilized. Marketers are optimistic for 2025 with increased budgets, prioritizing profitability and AI-driven creative optimization. Key challenges include SKAN adaptation and audience retention strategies.
SensorTowerSensor Tower APAC Awards 2024
In 2024, global mobile app spending hit $150B, up 13%. APAC publishers dominate top earners. Standouts include AFK Journey, Love and Deepspace, and DramaBox. AI and short-form apps thrive.
Liftoff(Vungle)Webinar Recap: Busting Ad Monetization Myths in Non-Gaming Apps
Non-gaming apps can effectively monetize through diverse ad formats, strategic placement, and testing. Gaming ads work on non-gaming traffic, and balancing ads with UX is achievable via user segmentation and value exchanges.
Unity2024 Roundup and Spotlight on Mobile Game Growth | Unity
This article notes that Unity, its logos, and trademarks belong to Unity Technologies. Other brands are trademarks of their respective owners. It's a legal disclaimer found in advertising contexts.
AdjustHow to launch and scale puzzle & match 3 games | Adjust
Puzzle and match 3 games show strong growth with 9.7B downloads in 2024. Rising CPI and CPM challenge UA, but CTR improved. Retention dips slightly while session lengths increase. Developers should use pLTV, incrementality testing, and tailored regional strategies for success.
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Scaling a gaming app to 1M+ users requires AI-driven UA, personalized creatives, cross-platform storytelling, influencer collabs, ASO, and smart retention via adaptive content, community building, and localization. Deep linking improves conversion and re-engagement. Hybrid monetization with value-driven purchases, subscriptions, and dynamic pricing sustains revenue.
MolocoIn-App Bidding vs. Waterfall: What’s Best for Your Mobile Game?
In-app bidding is increasingly dominant over waterfall for mobile game ad monetization, especially for hyper-casual games needing high fill rates and eCPM. For casual and mid-core/hardcore games, hybrid strategies with IAP benefit from bidding's efficiency. ML-driven bidding improves performance, leading to higher revenue. Publishers should transition to bidding via A/B testing.
AppsFlyerGross vs. net Revenue: the make-or-break factor in hybrid monetization
Hybrid monetization combining IAA and IAP requires accurate net revenue measurement. Misalignment between net IAA and gross IAP reporting distorts profitability analysis, ROAS calculations, and strategic decisions. Standardizing net revenue across both streams ensures better financial insights and sustainable growth.
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