Liftoff(Vungle)Liftoff(Vungle)

Maximizing Conversions and ROI: Key Insights from Liftoff’s Non-Gaming Ad Monetization Trends Report

By Non-Gaming·Apr 22, 2025·4 min read

Summary

The article highlights a shift in non-gaming apps from subscription-only models to incorporating in-app advertising (IAA) to combat subscriber fatigue and monetize the 90% of users who prefer free experiences. Sensor Tower projects non-gaming apps will surpass mobile games in revenue share by 2026. Key strategies include rewarded ads (e.g., VPN expanded bandwidth, fitness features), triple-page ads combining video, static, and playable formats (up to 10% improvement in install performance), and integrating gaming ads (benefiting from mature ad strategies).

Data from Vungle Exchange shows 116% ad revenue growth for non-gaming publishers (Sept 2023-Oct 2024). Emerging markets like Mexico and the Philippines saw over 200% revenue growth, with competitive eCPMs. New ad placements—app open ads (8x eCPM vs.

static native ads) and in-line ads (2x eCPM)—minimize disruption while boosting revenue. Case studies: Audiomack saw 50% RPR increase with app open ads; Moovit achieved 17.8% eCPM lift and 18.4% revenue uplift. Actionable takeaways: diversify ad formats, leverage rewarded and gaming ads, explore emerging markets, and adopt high-eCPM placements like app open and in-line ads.

You Might Also Like

AppsFlyerAppsFlyer

Unlock the value of web-to-app

Web-to-app strategies boost conversions by 77% and achieve 13.6% average paying user rate. Brands like adidas saw 2.4x higher ROAS from deep-linked users, while AirAsia improved bookings by 19%. Key challenges include measurement gaps, siloed teams, and onboarding friction. Solutions involve Google Ads Web-to-App Install and Web to App Connect with AppsFlyer Smart Banners and deep linking. Actionable steps: set tracking, import conversions, activate smart bidding, and deep link users.

Shani Rosenfelder·May 15, 2025·12 min readRead article →
AdjustAdjust

How are LLMs transforming mobile user acquisition? | Adjust

LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping mobile app discovery, with traditional search volume expected to decline 25% by 2026. These AI platforms act as answer engines, delivering direct app recommendations to users. For ad ops, this shift requires optimizing for LLM visibility through structured content and reputation management. While native ad formats are in early testing on platforms like Perplexity and Gemini, early adoption can secure high-intent placements. Marketers should track AI-driven traffic and align discovery strategies across ASO, SEO, and LLMs to stay competitive in an AI-first environment.

the content of the·Jul 8, 2025·6 min readRead article →
MintegralMintegral

Decoding Mobile Marketing Acronyms

This guide demystifies mobile marketing acronyms for ad ops. Key pricing models include CPM for awareness, CPC for traffic, CPI for installs, and CPE for engagement. Mintegral's Target CPE and Target ROAS optimize for conversions and ROI. Platforms like DSP, SSP, and RTB automate buying and selling. Attribution relies on MMPs, SKAN, and MMM. Metrics such as MAU, DAU, LTV, and ARPU track performance. Monetization models (IAA, IAP, hybrid) and ASO/CTV are also covered. Actionable takeaway: choose pricing and tracking based on campaign goals.

Mingyue Zhu·Apr 29, 2025·5 min readRead article →
TikTokTikTok

TikTok Advertising Blog: Find Product Updates, Insights & Tips

TikTok for Business is promoting tiered first-30-day ad credit incentives for new self-serve SMB advertisers: spend $100 get $100, $500 get $500, or $1,500 get $1,500 plus 1-to-1 expert onboarding support, with a headline entry offer of 50% off first-month spend up to $200 and matching credits up to $6,000. Credits are applied within 7 days of hitting the highest threshold or after the 30-day accumulation window. Eligibility excludes agency, Business Center, and TikTok Shop accounts, and limits one ad account per new TikTok For Business account. For ad ops teams, these terms dictate budget pacing, account structure, and credit-expiry planning.

just paying·Sep 21, 2026·6 min readRead article →
TikTokTikTok

TikTok Advertising Blog: Find Product Updates, Insights & Tips

This TikTok for Business landing page promotes a limited-period new-advertiser incentive program offering up to USD 6,000 in matched ad credits. Three self-serve tiers are presented: 50% off first 30-day spend (up to $200), dollar-for-dollar match up to $500, and match up to $6,000. A separate headline offer advertises Spend $100/Get $100, Spend $500/Get $500, and Spend $1,500/Get $1,500 plus 1-to-1 expert onboarding support. Registration requires email or phone sign-up with 2-step verification. Eligibility is restricted to new SMB self-serve accounts, excluding agency, Business Center, and TikTok Shop accounts; credits post within 7 days of hitting the highest threshold or after the 30-day window.

Dan Madden·Oct 7, 2026·3 min readRead article →
MintegralMintegral

What Developers Get Wrong About Mobile App Monetization

Many developers underestimate ad monetization, fearing it harms user experience. However, well-placed ads like rewarded videos can boost engagement and revenue without driving churn. Even small apps with 1,000-2,000 DAUs can profit from ads and reinvest in growth. Early monetization planning is crucial to avoid rework and user resistance. A hybrid model combining in-app advertising (IAA) and in-app purchases (IAP) diversifies revenue and captures value from non-paying users. Tools like Mintegral's Hybrid ROAS optimization help maximize performance through dynamic bidding.

Mingyue Zhu·Jul 7, 2025·7 min readRead article →
TikTokTikTok

Introducing TikTok Automotive Ads

TikTok Automotive Ads is a catalog-based solution for vehicle promotions, offering Inventory Ads (for dealers) and Model Ads (for OEMs). Powered by Smart+, it uses data signals and creative formats like Video+Product Cards and Multi-link Carousel to match users with vehicles. Early tests show 41% lower CPA for Inventory Ads and over 40% CPA improvement for Model Ads. The solution simplifies campaign setup and leverages TikTok's large in-market audience, making it a key tool for driving measurable results in automotive advertising.

TikTok For Business·Jun 3, 2025·5 min readRead article →
MintegralMintegral

Holiday Advertising Guide for Non-Gaming Apps in 2026

Mintegral’s non-gaming creative data shows holiday competition builds unevenly. Volume rose 16.1% from September to December and another 11.6% in January, so Q4 and Q1 both matter. Test focused creative in quiet September–October, then scale winning concepts in November–December. Category paths diverge: Utilities, Social, and Education grew fastest (Utilities +45.1%); Business lagged; E-Commerce was only moderate. Regional priorities differ—Southeast Asia favors Business and native ads, while Europe, LatAm, and the Middle East lean E-Commerce and interstitial. Interstitial and rewarded video dominate; playable remains under 1%. January is a new window, with Social ending March +37.1%. Ad ops should plan by category, region, and format.

Lareina Guo·Sep 30, 2026·4 min readRead article →

More from Liftoff(Vungle)