
Mobile games have become a massive industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. According to a report, the global mobile gaming market is projected to reach $128.5 billion by 2025.
The key to success in mobile gaming is to create a game that resonates with a large audience. A game like Clash of Clans, which has been a top-grossing game for years, has managed to do just that. It has over 500 million downloads and has generated over $6 billion in revenue.
Games that offer in-app purchases are a major source of revenue for mobile game developers. For example, a game like Puzzle & Dragons, which offers in-app purchases, has generated over $10 billion in revenue since its release in 2012.
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Monetization Strategies
Monetization strategies for mobile games are crucial for generating revenue. Finding the right mix of monetization methods is key to an app's success.
Free apps can generate revenue through various strategies. These strategies include eCPA, where the cost of a specific user action is tracked, such as installing an advertised app or making an in-app purchase.
To optimize ad revenue, developers should focus on strategies that balance monetization with user experience. This includes considering ad formats and the factors influencing ad revenue.
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Best Monetization Strategy

Finding the right mix of monetization methods is crucial for a mobile app's success. Even free apps can generate revenue through various monetization strategies.
To do this, you need to experiment with different approaches and find what works best for your app. The key is to balance monetization with user experience.
A strategic approach is essential for generating ad revenue effectively. This involves balancing monetization with user experience.
Developers can maximize their earnings by optimizing ad revenue in mobile games. This can be achieved by using key strategies that ensure players continue to enjoy their gaming experience.
These strategies are essential for developers looking to maximize their earnings. By implementing them, you can increase your ad revenue and keep your players happy.
The best practices for generating ad revenue involve a strategic approach. This approach balances monetization with user experience.
By following these best practices, you can generate ad revenue effectively. It's all about finding the right balance between making money and keeping your users happy.
Effective Cost Per Mille
Effective Cost Per Mille is a key metric for mobile game ad revenue. It measures the earnings generated per thousand ad impressions.
To understand eCPM, you need to know that it's a fundamental metric in mobile game ad revenue. This means it's essential for developers to grasp the concept.
eCPM rates can vary depending on the ad format and platform. For example, in the United States, banner ads typically maintain eCPM rates of approximately $0.38 on iOS and around $0.52 on Android platforms.
This is important to keep in mind when optimizing ad strategies and maximizing revenue. Understanding eCPM will help you make informed decisions about your ad campaigns.
Here's a rough breakdown of eCPM rates for different ad formats:
Keep in mind that eCPM rates can fluctuate over time, so it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.
Revenue Models
Mobile games generate income through several revenue models. One of the most common models is the freemium model, where players can download and play the game for free, but may be encouraged to make in-app purchases.

Freemium games are incredibly popular, and many of today's highest-grossing apps rely on this model to generate 98% of their income. In 2023, the projected figure for in-app purchases in game apps was a staggering $145 billion.
There are several revenue models used in the mobile gaming industry, including premium, in-game advertising (IGA), and in-app purchases (IAP). Here are some of the primary revenue models:
- Freemium
- Premium
- In-Game Advertising (IGA)
- In-App Purchases (IAP)
Mobile Game Development
Mobile game development is a rapidly growing industry with untapped revenue generation opportunities. The Android and iOS markets still hold many secrets when it comes to how much apps make per day.
But what about mobile games specifically? The truth is, there's no definitive answer to how much mobile games make. Nevertheless, it's clear that there are still many untapped potentials in the market.
For those looking to create a successful mobile game, understanding the revenue generation opportunities is crucial. The good news is that with the right strategy and execution, it's possible to reach a ballpark figure for your game development project.
Playable

Playable ads are a type of interactive advertising format commonly used in mobile games and apps. They provide a more engaging experience for users compared to traditional ads.
These ads allow users to engage with a miniature version of the advertised game or app for a short period, usually a few seconds to a minute. This interactive demo gives users a taste of the game or app's main features.
Playable ads perform better than interstitial ads in terms of performance, and they attract a superior caliber of users compared to other forms of mobile advertising. This is because users are more likely to engage with an ad that lets them try out a game or app before installing it.
Playable ads can bring in significant revenue, with some ads generating $20 to $100 or more per 1,000 views due to their engaging nature. This makes them a worthwhile investment for game developers looking to monetize their apps.
Here are some key benefits of playable ads:
- More engaging experience for users
- Perform better than interstitial ads
- Attract a superior caliber of users
- Can generate significant revenue
Choosing a Development Platform

Choosing a development platform is a crucial decision for mobile game developers. Android app developers potentially earn more than iOS developers, with an average salary of around $97,600.
Android apps have a higher earning potential due to more users and higher market penetration compared to iOS apps. This doesn't mean iOS developers aren't fairly compensated.
Mid-tier iOS developers earn around $96,000, which is still a significant amount of money. However, how much money mobile apps make depends heavily on their success.
Developers should consider the target audience and market demand when deciding between Android and iOS platforms. This will help them make an informed decision and increase their chances of success.
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App Performance Metrics
PUBG Mobile's monthly revenue was around $146 million in 2019.
The app has over 100 million users worldwide as of 2023.
Fortnite from Epic Games raked in around $2.7 million in daily revenue in 2023.
Apps on the top 200 list make an average of $82,500 per day, while those on the top 800 list make around $3,500 daily.
Essential Metrics

To evaluate the performance of your mobile app, you need to track essential metrics. Mobile apps generate a whopping $935 billion in revenue by 2023, with top gaming apps leading the charge.
The success of an in-app campaign is heavily reliant on the right ad network. If you're not reaching the correct target audience, your campaign will likely fail to deliver on its promise.
PUBG Mobile, a top-grossing app, raked in $146 million in monthly revenue in 2019, with over 100 million users worldwide in 2023. This is a testament to the importance of targeting the right audience.
The top 200 mobile apps make an average of $82,500 per day, while those on the top 800 list make around $3,500 daily. This highlights the significant revenue disparities between top-performing apps and those that struggle to make a profit.
Fortnite, another top-grossing app, brings in around $2.7 million in daily revenue. This is a staggering figure that demonstrates the potential for mobile apps to generate massive revenue.
By measuring each element of your campaign separately, you can detect flaws and correct them. This includes tracking the accuracy of your creatives and ad appeal, which is crucial for a successful in-app campaign.
Frequency

The frequency of ad display is a delicate balance between monetization and user experience. Too frequent ads can irritate users and lead to audience churn, limiting potential revenue.
Ad frequency is a complex issue, influenced by many factors, including ad format, game theme, and target audience characteristics.
Partnering with other companies for joint promotions can lead to a significant increase in mobile game ads revenue.
Adaptive ad frequency tools can automatically adjust the number of impressions based on user behavior, helping to find the optimal balance.
Data analysis, including tracking key metrics like CTR, CR, and LTV, allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns and make necessary adjustments.
User Engagement and Retention
User engagement and retention are crucial for increasing ad revenue in mobile games. The longer a user spends in the game, the more ads they see.
To increase player retention, you need to create quality content, update the game regularly, and add new levels and features. Social elements such as ratings, achievements, and the ability to compete with friends also increase player engagement.
High user engagement and retention rates lead to more ad views and, ultimately, increased ad revenue.
User Engagement Rates

User Engagement Rates are crucial for boosting ad revenue in mobile games. High user engagement and retention rates lead to more ad views and increased ad revenue.
To increase player retention, create quality content, update the game regularly, and add new levels and features. Social elements like ratings, achievements, and competitive features also increase player engagement.
Personalizing gameplay to each user's preferences can increase the likelihood of retention. This can be achieved by offering rewards or bonuses for completing certain levels or adding new features that make the game more interesting.
Keeping players engaged is critical for boosting ad revenue. Offering rewards or bonuses for completing certain levels or adding new features to the game can help to keep users engaged and increase ad revenue.
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Balancing In-App Purchases
Balancing in-app purchases is crucial to keep players happy and engaged. This means finding a balance between free play with ads and paid in-app purchases.

Players appreciate being given choices, such as the option to play ad-supported or ad-free with the option of making in-app purchases. This allows players to decide what works best for them.
To balance ad displays and in-app purchases, you can follow these steps: Offer Choice: Provide players with options, like playing ad-supported or ad-free with in-app purchases.Targeted Ads: Show ads that are relevant to players' interests.Value Exchange: Reward players with in-game currency or power-ups for viewing ads.
Fortnite, a popular mobile game, has successfully balanced in-app purchases and ad displays, generating $5.8 billion in revenue in 2021. This shows that with the right balance, you can increase revenue and keep players engaged.
Players are more likely to engage with ads if they feel they are getting value in return. This can be achieved by rewarding players with in-game currency or power-ups for viewing ads.
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Mobile Game Market Trends
The mobile game market is a behemoth, with gaming apps accounting for 62% of estimated app revenues worldwide.
In 2022, the Apple App Store raked in a whopping $86 billion in revenue from gaming apps alone. This is a staggering number that highlights the immense popularity of mobile games.
The rise of esports and advances in technology, such as better graphics and gameplay, have significantly contributed to the boom of the mobile game industry. The US accounted for 29% of global mobile game spending in 2022.
Mobile game advertising continues to evolve, and understanding current trends is crucial for ad agencies and brands to stay competitive.
Competitor App Analysis
Mobile game apps are generating massive revenue, with global mobile app revenue expected to reach $935 billion by 2023.
PUBG Mobile's revenue per month was around $146 million in 2019, with over 100 million users worldwide in 2023.
The top 200 mobile game apps make an average of $82,500 per day, while those on the top 800 list make around $3,500 daily.
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To stay competitive, it's essential to analyze your competitor's app and understand their revenue models and current earnings.
Researching your competitors' success can help you prepare your app's monetization strategy before launching it in the market.
Fortnite from Epic Games raked in around $2.7 million in daily revenue in 2023, showing the potential for high earnings in the mobile game market.
Mobile Game Market Trends
The geographic location of players is a crucial factor in mobile game monetization. Countries with high purchasing power tend to offer higher display rates.
Players' locations can significantly impact ad revenue, with advertisers paying more for users in certain countries. Understanding the player base's geographic distribution is essential.
Targeting ads to specific geographic regions allows you to optimize ad spend and increase ad effectiveness. This can be especially important for mobile games with a global player base.
A player's location can have a significant impact on ad revenue, and knowing where your players are from can help you make informed decisions about ad targeting.
Seasonality and Events
Seasonality and events have a significant impact on mobile game advertising revenue, with an increase in user activity in the run-up to holidays and seasonal events.
In-game events can attract new users and increase engagement with existing ones, making them a great way to maximize earnings.
Developers can prepare for these fluctuations by organizing time-limited events and contests, which can lead to additional monetization opportunities.
Ad revenue can be greatly affected by certain times of the year, such as holidays and in-game events, making it essential for developers to be prepared for these fluctuations.
Organizing events around holidays and seasonal events can create a surge in user activity, providing developers with a chance to increase their earnings.
The Future of App Development
The Future of App Development looks bright, with untapped revenue generation opportunities still available in the Android and iOS markets. Many developers are still trying to figure out exactly how much apps make per day, but with the right facts and stats, you can estimate a ballpark figure for your app development project.

The Android and iOS markets are vast and diverse, with many different types of apps competing for users' attention. With the right strategy and development, your app can stand out from the crowd and attract a loyal following.
In terms of revenue generation, there are still many untapped potentials in the mobile app market. This means that developers who are willing to take risks and try new things can potentially reap big rewards.
Developers should focus on creating high-quality, engaging apps that meet the needs and wants of their target audience. With the right combination of features and functionality, your app can become a huge success and generate significant revenue.
The Landscape of
The mobile game market is a vast and lucrative industry, with gaming apps generating the majority of app revenue. In 2022, the Apple App Store for gaming apps exceeded $86 billion in revenue, accounting for around 62% of estimated app revenues.

Games like PUBG Mobile and Fortnite are top-grossing apps, with impressive revenue figures. In 2023, PUBG Mobile's revenue per month was around $146 million, while Fortnite raked in around $2.7 million in daily revenue.
The key to effective mobile game advertising is variety, with different ad formats appealing to different audiences. Interstitial ads, for example, can yield around $1 to $5 per thousand impressions (eCPM), while rewarded video ads can generate eCPMs between $10 and $50.
Mobile game developers can use various revenue models to generate income, including freemium, premium, in-game advertising (IGA), and in-app purchases (IAP). The most common ad formats in mobile games are interstitial ads, rewarded video ads, banner ads, and playable ads.
Here are some common ad formats in mobile games, along with their estimated eCPMs:
The US accounted for 29% of global mobile game spending in 2022, and statistics show that 63% of mobile gamers are women. With the mobile game market continuing to grow, it's clear that there are many opportunities for developers to create successful and profitable games.
Trends

Mobile game advertising is evolving rapidly with the advent of technology, making it essential for ad agencies and brands to stay competitive.
Mobile advertising continues to evolve with the advent of technology.
Innovative ad formats, such as rewarded videos and interactive ads, are becoming increasingly popular among gamers.
Mobile game advertising is expected to continue growing, with some estimates suggesting a 15% increase in revenue by the end of the year.
The rise of influencer marketing in the mobile gaming industry is also worth noting, as many gamers look to their favorite influencers for recommendations on new games.
Mobile game advertising is expected to reach $100 billion in revenue by 2025, according to some industry reports.
Mobile Game Revenue Streams
Mobile games can generate revenue through various streams, including real money gaming, ads, in-app purchases, and subscriptions. Real money gaming allows players to compete against each other to win real cash prizes, but some games are considered a form of gambling and are restricted in certain states.
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In-app purchases are a common revenue model, where users can buy virtual items, coins, or special powers in the game using real money. Fortnite, a popular mobile game, generated $5.8 billion in revenue in 2021 using this model. Users can buy premium features or in-game items for a fee.
Rewarded ads offer users an incentive, such as in-game currency or power-ups, in exchange for watching an ad. These ads can be effective in generating revenue, with some earning $10 to $50 per 1,000 views. The revenue from ads can vary depending on the game and ad network.
Here's a breakdown of the primary revenue models used in mobile gaming:
- Freemium: Offering basic features for free and charging for premium features.
- Premium: Charging a one-time fee for the game or app.
- In-Game Advertising (IGA): Displaying ads within the game.
- In-App Purchases (IAP): Allowing users to buy virtual items or premium features using real money.
The revenue from ads can vary depending on the ad unit and app genre, with in-app advertising earning around $0.02 per ad impression and interstitial ads ranging from $1 to $3.
Diversify Streams
Don't rely solely on ads for revenue. Explore other monetization options like in-app purchases, subscriptions, or premium versions of your app.

Fortnite, a popular mobile game, generated $5.8 billion in revenue in 2021 using the in-app purchase model, which allows users to buy premium features.
In-app purchases can be a lucrative revenue stream, especially in games that are free to download and play. This model is common in games like Fortnite, where users can buy virtual items or special powers.
To balance in-app purchases with ad displays, consider offering players a choice between playing ad-supported or ad-free with the option of making in-app purchases. Some players prefer one-time purchases over ads, while others happily engage with ads to access content.
Here are some key benefits of diversifying your revenue streams:
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is a monetization model that involves connecting with popular brands in the same market niche.
By partnering with brands, you can have a more integrated presence in your mobile game through in-app ads, which often translates to stronger results when it comes to generating revenue.
This type of sponsorship can be a lucrative way to earn money, especially if you have a large and engaged player base.
Reward-Based

Reward-based advertising is a great way to monetize your mobile game. This format implies a reward for viewing, such as a bonus inside the application. Video for reward is most often used in gaming applications when skills are given in the game format.
Rewarded ads offer users an incentive, such as in-app currency, power-ups, extra lives, or access to premium content, in exchange for engaging with the ad content. These ads are often used as a way to monetize free apps and games while providing value to users by allowing them to enhance their experience or progress more quickly.
Players greatly appreciate rewarded ads as they allow them to interact with them on their own conditions or at their own discretion. As players opt to participate in them willingly, rewarded ads frequently achieve impressive completion and clickthrough rates.
Rewarded video ads are typically considered the most profitable format, earning $10 to $50 per 1,000 views. However, the exact amount depends on the game and ad network. In the United States, rewarded ads exhibit notably high eCPM rates, reaching $14.16 on iOS and $11.45 on Android.

To give you a better idea of the types of rewards that can be offered, here are some examples:
By offering rewards that are valuable and relevant to your players, you can increase engagement and encourage users to interact with your ads.
Placement and Timing
Placement and timing are crucial for balancing ad revenue and user engagement. Non-disruptive ad placement is key, so avoid interrupting gameplay moments like action sequences. Instead, choose times between levels or during natural breaks.
Reward-based ads can be effective in moments of frustration, like after failing a level. In-game rewards can facilitate a positive ad experience by immediately benefiting players.
Strategic banner placement is essential, and ads placed at the top or bottom of the screen are less intrusive and maintain a continuous presence. This is a better approach than obstructing critical gameplay elements.
Frequency capping is a must, limiting the number of ads a player sees within a certain time frame. This prevents ad fatigue and ensures players aren't overwhelmed by ads.

User feedback is invaluable in adjusting ad placement and timing. By assessing player feedback and making adjustments, you can improve your ad strategies and build a stronger relationship with your player community.
Here are some best practices for non-disruptive ad placement:
- Place ads between levels or during natural breaks in gameplay.
- Use rewarded video ads in moments of frustration, like after failing a level.
- Choose banner ad placement at the top or bottom of the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money does a mobile game with 1 million downloads make?
A mobile game with 1 million downloads can generate between $1,000 to $30,000 per day, depending on its monetization model and user engagement. Daily earnings vary widely, making it crucial to understand the factors that influence revenue.
Sources
- https://www.sidehustlenation.com/make-money-playing-mobile-games/
- https://domandtom.com/insights/how-much-do-gaming-apps-make-per-day/
- https://www.tekrevol.com/blogs/ad-revenue-in-mobile-gaming-earning-tips-for-marketers/
- https://teqblaze.com/blog/how-much-do-mobile-games-make-per-ad
- https://appsamurai.com/blog/how-much-money-do-mobile-games-make-per-ad/
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