Ad networks for big volume, later.
Once an ad campaign clearly makes a profit, ad networks (like AppLovin, Unity Ads, and ironSource) can bring many more installs by showing your ads inside thousands of other apps.
Here is what is actually happening: your ad shows up as a banner or a short video inside other apps, often games. People tap it out of curiosity, or by accident, not because they were looking for an app like yours. That is why the volume is big and the quality is low: you reach millions of people, but very few of them wanted you. It can still be profitable (big consumer apps run on this), but only when you already know your numbers cold.
- Only after store and social ads are already profitable.
- Watch retention, not install counts; churned installs cost money and drag down ratings.
Do it now: protect quality while you scale
- 1Before turning networks on, run Review Intelligence to baseline what users say and where your rating trend sits.
- 2Scale spend in steps, and re-run it weekly. If sentiment drops as volume rises, the installs are junk.
- 3Cut any network that hurts your rating. A 4.5-star listing is worth more than any install spike.
Quick answers
What is a mobile ad network?
A platform like AppLovin, Unity Ads, or ironSource that shows your ads inside thousands of other apps, often games. Volume is big but intent is low, because people were not looking for an app like yours.
When should I use ad networks?
Last. Turn them on only after store and social ads are already profitable, and watch retention and your rating as you scale. Cut any network that hurts either one.