1. Introduction

In the competitive landscape of mobile game development, monetization is a critical component of success. Ad mediation plays a crucial role in this process by allowing developers to optimize their revenue through the management of multiple ad networks. By integrating ad mediation systems, developers can maximize their earnings while enhancing the user experience.

Ad mediation systems provide several key benefits:

• Maximizing Revenue: By connecting to multiple ad networks, mediation platforms ensure that the most profitable ads are served, optimizing earnings in real-time based on performance metrics.

• Improved Fill Rates: Ad mediation helps increase fill rates by automatically switching to backup networks if the primary one fails to deliver an ad. This seamless transition ensures that players see ads consistently, preventing lost revenue opportunities.

• Enhanced User Experience: A well-implemented mediation system strikes a balance between ad frequency and user engagement, ensuring players remain immersed in the game without feeling overwhelmed by ads.

In this blog post, you will learn how to set up an advanced ad mediation system in Unity, including practical steps for integration, code examples for managing different ad formats, and best practices for optimizing performance.

2. What is Ad Mediation?

Ad mediation is a system that allows developers to manage multiple ad networks through a single interface, optimizing which ads are shown based on real-time performance data. By using ad mediation, developers can streamline their advertising strategies and enhance their monetization efforts.

Benefits of Ad Mediation:

• Increased Fill Rates: Ad mediation platforms ensure that ads are served more consistently. If one ad network cannot fill a request, the system can automatically switch to another, reducing the chances of ad space going unsold.

• Higher eCPM: By optimizing the ad selection process, mediation systems can lead to higher effective cost per mille (eCPM). Developers can earn more revenue for every thousand ad impressions displayed.

• Diverse Ad Inventory: Mediation platforms provide access to a wider variety of ad formats, including banners, interstitials, rewarded videos, and native ads. This variety allows developers to tailor their advertising strategies to suit different gameplay experiences and user preferences.

Compared to traditional ad serving, where developers may need to handle multiple SDKs and performance metrics manually, ad mediation simplifies this process, making it easier to manage and optimize ad delivery.

3. Choosing the Right Mediation Platform

When selecting an ad mediation platform for your Unity game, consider the following factors:

• Integration Ease: Look for a platform that offers straightforward integration with Unity. A platform with robust documentation and sample projects can significantly streamline the setup process.

• Supported Networks: Choose a mediation platform that supports a wide variety of ad networks. This flexibility can lead to higher revenue by ensuring that the best-performing ads are always served.

• Ad Format Variety: Ensure the platform supports multiple ad formats (banners, interstitials, rewarded videos, native ads) to cater to different gameplay experiences. A diverse range of ad formats can enhance user engagement and revenue potential.

• Analytics and Reporting: Strong analytics features are essential for tracking ad performance across different networks and formats. Effective reporting allows you to make data-driven decisions and optimize your ad strategy.

Popular Mediation Platforms:

• Unity Ads: Unity’s own mediation platform offers easy integration and built-in support for managing ads from various networks. It's an excellent choice for developers already using Unity.

  

  Unity Ads: Mobile Game Ad Network Platform & Analytics

  Monetization and user acquisition solutions to support your revenue and growth goals.

  unity.com

• AdMob: Google’s AdMob provides comprehensive analytics and a wide range of ad formats, making it a popular choice for many developers.

• ironSource: Known for its robust performance metrics and user-friendly dashboard, ironSource is an excellent option for managing ad mediation effectively.

  

  Google AdMob - Earn More With Mobile App Monetization

  Utilize Admob’s mobile app monetization technology to generate revenue through in-app ads & discover other actionable insights to help your app grow.

  admob.google.com

• AppLovin: AppLovin is particularly strong in user acquisition and engagement, and its mediation platform is designed to optimize ad performance.

  

  AppLovin | Connect to audiences in-app, on mobile devices, and across CTV

  AppLovin connects you to audiences in-app, on mobile devices, across CTV, and beyond. Our advanced suite of solutions for app monetization and user acquisition drives growth and maximizes revenue for publishers and advertisers globally. Grow your business with AppLovin.

  applovin.com

• Community and Support: When choosing a mediation platform, consider the community support and resources available. Platforms with active developer communities and extensive documentation can greatly ease the troubleshooting and integration process.