Monetizing gaming apps is getting more competitive every year. Advertisers want high-quality inventory, stable traffic, strong engagement, and brand-safe environments. Developers want better CPMs, faster growth, and consistent revenue. However, many publishers fail to build strong relationships with ad networks. And without solid partnerships, eCPM improvement becomes almost impossible.
So, if you want higher earnings, you must learn how to approach, connect, and collaborate with top ad networks.
This complete guide will help you do that step by step.
It explains how to prepare your app, how to pitch it, how to negotiate better eCPMs, and how to maintain profitable partnerships.
Why Collaboration with Ad Networks Matters for Gaming Apps
Gaming apps generate huge impressions because users spend more time inside games. But ad networks don’t automatically offer high eCPMs. They evaluate quality, engagement, traffic stability, user demographics, and policy compliance.
Therefore, collaboration helps you:
- Unlock premium advertisers
- Gain access to better demand
- Increase CPM through optimized bidding
- Improve fill rates
- Reduce reliance on a single network
- Get dedicated optimization support
Strong relationships lead to better trust. And trust leads to premium campaigns and higher CPM.
Prepare Your Gaming App Before Reaching Out to Ad Networks
Before you start contacting networks, ensure your product is ready. Networks accept only apps that meet quality and compliance requirements. Here is how you prepare.
1. Improve Your App Design and User Experience
Ad networks check UX scores while evaluating apps.
A clean layout helps users stay longer.
Longer sessions increase impressions and CPM.
Focus on:
- Smooth gameplay
- Simple navigation
- No frustrating pop-ups
- Balanced ad placements
Small improvements boost retention and lifetime value (LTV).
A higher LTV improves advertiser confidence.
2. Build Stable Daily Active Users (DAU)
Networks trust apps with predictable traffic.
A sudden traffic drop harms your reliability.
Aim for consistent DAU growth with ongoing marketing.
Good DAU data helps you negotiate CPM later.
3. Follow All Ad Policies Strictly
Policy violations can destroy a partnership instantly.
Make sure your app follows:
- Google policies
- Ad network content rules
- Responsive ad experience guidelines
- Valid traffic rules
- Brand-safety guidelines
A clean record increases your approval chances.
4. Use Clean and Verified Traffic Sources
Paid traffic is not bad.
Fake traffic is.
Avoid:
- Bot installs
- Incentivized installs
- Traffic from suspicious affiliates
- Traffic manipulation through VPNs
Networks reject apps with invalid traffic risks.
5. Optimize Your App Store Presence
A strong ASO profile builds your brand.
Ad networks prefer apps with:
- Good ratings
- Positive reviews
- Clear descriptions
- Stable download patterns
A solid online presence signals long-term potential.
Identify the Right Ad Networks for High CPM Gaming Monetization
Not every network suits gaming apps.
Some work better for hyper-casual games.
Some focus on rewarded ads.
Some specialize in high-value geos.
Choose your partners wisely.
1. Choose Based on Ad Formats
Gaming CPM depends on ad format demand.
Different networks excel in different formats:
| Format | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rewarded Video | Gameplay retention | Highest CPM |
| Interstitial Ads | Transitions, game levels | Good for volume |
| Banner Ads | Basic earnings | Low CPM |
| Native Ads | Casual games | Strong engagement |
| Playable Ads | Hardcore and mid-core games | Very high CPM but limited demand |
Pick networks strong in your desired formats.
2. Choose Based on Geo Strength
If your traffic is from US, UK, CA, or AU, pick networks with strong tier-1 demand.
For India, Indonesia, Brazil, choose networks with stable tier-2 coverage.
3. Choose Based on Technology
Modern networks offer:
- Real-time bidding
- Header bidding support
- AI optimization
- In-app bidding
- Mediation support
These technologies help you improve CPM.
How to Initiate Contact with Ad Networks the Right Way
Approaching the network correctly increases your acceptance rate.
Here is the right approach.
1. Start with a Strong Introduction Email
Your first email must be clear and professional.
Keep it short but valuable.
Include:
- App name
- Category
- DAU
- Impressions per day
- Average session length
- Geo distribution
- Monetization model
- Why you want collaboration
Example (short, crisp):
“Hi team,
We own a gaming app with 120K daily users and 15M monthly impressions.
Our audience is mainly from the US and India.
We want to integrate rewarded and interstitial ads.
Can we discuss potential collaboration?”
This format works well.
2. Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition
Explain why your app stands out.
Maybe you have:
- High retention
- Stable DAU
- Strong LTV
- Unique gameplay
- Premium traffic sources
Ad networks love differentiation.
3. Share Transparent Traffic Analytics
Share:
- Firebase analytics
- GA4 reports
- Adjust or AppsFlyer installs
- Session data
- Country-wise traffic
Transparency builds trust instantly.
4. Request a Demo Call
Ask for a 15-minute call.
Use this call to:
- Understand their ad demand
- Learn their integration process
- Discuss eCPM expectations
- Understand support options
A short call builds a real connection.
Integrate the Network Properly for Maximum CPM
Getting approval is not enough.
You must place the ads correctly and use smart mediation.
1. Use SDK Versions Recommended by the Network
Outdated SDKs cause bugs.
New SDKs improve:
- Rendering
- Fill rate
- CPM
- Ad latency
Always upgrade when a new version releases.
2. Optimize Your Ad Placement Strategy
Ad placement decides your CPM more than ad volume.
Overloading the user reduces retention.
Under-utilizing inventory reduces revenue.
Use rewarded ads for high CPM.
Use interstitials between levels.
Use banners only for extra earnings.
3. Apply A/B Testing
Test:
- Ad frequency
- Placement timing
- Format combination
- Network priorities
Small changes can improve CPM by 20–40%.
4. Enable In-App Bidding or Header Bidding
In-app bidding creates fair competition.
Networks bid for each impression.
Higher bids equal higher CPM.
This is essential for gaming apps.
Maintain and Grow the Relationship with Ad Networks
After integration, build long-term trust.
1. Share Monthly Performance Reports
Share updates every month.
Mention:
- Impressions
- CPM
- DAU
- User retention
- Click-through performance
It shows you care about optimization.
2. Ask for Optimization Support
Networks help you:
- Increase CPM
- Improve ad delivery
- Optimize placements
- Remove low-value demand
- Add premium buyers
Use their support whenever you need help.
3. Participate in Beta Programs
Networks launch early tests often.
Participating gives you early access to premium features and exclusive demand.
These can boost CPM significantly.
4. Keep Your Traffic Clean and Verified
Invalid traffic scares advertisers.
Always monitor for:
- High bounce
- Sudden spikes
- Abnormal retention
- Suspicious device patterns
Clean traffic helps you stay safe.
When to Expand Beyond One Network
Using only one ad network limits your CPM.
Once your traffic grows, expand into mediation.
Choose 3–5 top networks.
Use one strong mediation partner.
Balance demand based on performance.
This creates stable revenue growth.
How Monetiscope Helps Publishers Increase eCPM and Optimize Gaming Monetization
Monetiscope supports gaming app developers at every step of the monetization journey.
Here is how Monetiscope adds value.
1. Smart Optimization for Higher CPM
Monetiscope uses data signals, session patterns, and user behavior insights.
This helps optimize:
- Ad placement
- Ad frequency
- Format mix
- Bidding structure
- Geo demand distribution
These strategies increase CPM and total revenue.
2. Access to Premium Demand for Higher Earnings
Monetiscope connects your app to:
- Google Ad Exchange
- Global DSPs
- Premium advertisers
- High-value campaigns
This gives you better fill rates and stronger CPMs across countries.
3. Dedicated Support Team for Faster Results
Monetiscope offers direct, human support.
The team helps with:
- Policy guidance
- SDK integration
- Revenue reporting
- Ad placement optimization
- Troubleshooting
- Scaling strategies
You get a complete monetization partner, not just an account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which ad networks offer the highest eCPM for gaming apps?
Rewarded video networks like Google AdX, Unity Ads, IronSource, and AppLovin usually offer the highest CPM. However, performance depends on your user geography.
How can I improve my CPM quickly?
Improve your CPM by optimizing ad placements, increasing retention, using rewarded videos, enabling in-app bidding, and connecting with premium networks.
Is mediation necessary for gaming app monetization?
Yes. Mediation helps you access multiple networks and increases competition for each impression. This leads to higher CPM and better fill rates.
Why do some networks reject gaming apps?
They reject apps due to invalid traffic, policy issues, low DAU, poor retention, or weak gameplay quality.
How many ad networks should I work with?
Start with one. Scale to four or five through mediation once your earnings grow. More networks create more bidding competition.
Can rewarded ads increase user retention?
Yes. Rewarded ads offer in-game benefits. Users enjoy rewards, stay longer, and engage more. This boosts CPM and total earnings.
How often should I communicate with ad networks?
At least once a month. Share performance updates, ask for optimization ideas, and review monthly trends.
How does Monetiscope help gaming app publishers?
Monetiscope improves CPM through smart optimization, premium demand access, and one-on-one support. You get higher earnings and smoother monetization.


