Making Reward Video Ads work for your Game

The “secret sauce” used by the top 2% of game developers to master video ad monetization is rewarded video ads. Unlike traditional ad formats, rewarded video ads offer a clear value exchange: players watch ads voluntarily in exchange for in-game rewards. This mutual benefit drives high engagement, strong ad retention, and impressive revenue potential. Players know they’re trading a few seconds of their time for something valuable, which boosts completion rates and leads to higher eCPM (effective Cost Per Thousand Impressions) and revenue. For developers considering this powerful ad format, here’s what you need to know to make rewarded video ads successful.

Why Rewarded Video Ads Work

Rewarded video ads work because they offer players a clear, appealing choice. By giving players an optional way to engage with ads, you avoid disrupting their experience. Players only watch rewarded video ads when they decide the reward is worth it, which makes the ads feel less intrusive and more like a valuable part of gameplay. This choice-driven model results in better player retention, as users feel they’re in control.

With rewarded video ads, developers can monetize non-paying users effectively. Players who wouldn’t normally make in-app purchases are more willing to engage with ads in exchange for rewards like extra lives, in-game currency, or power-ups. This strategy significantly widens the monetization pool and allows developers to increase ARPDAU (Average Revenue Per Daily Active User) without relying on just the small percentage of paying users.

How to Set the Right Reward for Video Ads

Choosing the right reward for watching a video ad is essential. If the reward is too small, players may skip ads entirely, minimizing your revenue. However, if the reward is too generous, you risk disrupting the game’s balance and reducing the value of in-app purchases. Striking the right balance takes careful testing.

Best Practices for Setting Rewards:

1. Start Small: Begin with a small reward that doesn’t significantly affect gameplay. For example, offer a small amount of in-game currency or one extra life.
2. Adjust Gradually: Monitor player engagement and gradually increase the reward amount until you find the sweet spot where engagement peaks.
3. Consider Reward Variety: Offer different rewards based on the player’s needs. For instance, give low-level players more resources to help them progress, while offering higher-level players rare items.

Setting the right reward helps ensure that your game’s economy remains balanced while still motivating players to engage with ads.

Easy and Secure Integration: Preventing Fraud

While rewarded video ads are highly effective, they can be vulnerable to fraud. Some players may try to exploit the system by triggering rewards without actually watching ads. To combat this, developers must integrate rewarded ads securely, using tools to prevent fraud and ensure rewards are only given to players who complete ads.

Key Security Measures for Integration:

1. Use Secured Callbacks: Implement server-side callbacks that confirm ad completion. Server-side callbacks reduce the risk of fraud by verifying ad completion on a secure server rather than on the client’s device.
2. Ad Timing: Set up rewards to trigger only after the ad has been watched fully. This approach ensures that players receive rewards only for completed ads.
3. Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Keep an eye on unusual spikes in ad engagement from specific users, as this can indicate fraudulent behavior.

AppLixir’s platform supports secure integration, offering developers tools to manage callbacks and set clear parameters for ad rewards. These safeguards protect both the game’s virtual economy and the player experience, creating a trustworthy reward system.

Understanding Video Ad Fill Rates and Geo Distribution

To provide a consistent user experience, ad fill rates should remain high across all regions. Many developers have a significant percentage of users in lower-tier markets, such as Latin America (LATAM), East Asia, and Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, ad fill rates can vary significantly by region, with some networks prioritizing Tier 1 markets. Ensuring a stable fill rate worldwide can be challenging.

With AppLixir, developers benefit from high video ad fill rates in regions where monetization can otherwise be challenging. AppLixir focuses on maximizing fill rates across diverse geographies, ensuring developers can monetize a wide range of users.

Why Fill Rates Matter:

1. Revenue Stability: High fill rates mean that ad requests are more likely to be filled, resulting in consistent revenue across regions.
2. Improved User Experience: Consistent ad delivery reduces disruptions, creating a smoother player experience worldwide.
3. Expanded Monetization: Reaching users in traditionally under-monetized regions allows developers to capture revenue in emerging markets.

With fill rates around 70% in Tier 3 regions, AppLixir enables developers to monetize effectively across all player demographics, not just those in high-value regions. This global focus lets developers provide consistent rewards, keeping players engaged and the monetization steady.

AppLixir’s Approach to Simple and Fast Integration

The integration process is a frequent concern for developers implementing video ads. Many ad networks require complex integration that often doesn’t fit well within a game environment, leading to time-consuming customization. AppLixir, however, was built with game developers in mind, making it easy to integrate rewarded video ads seamlessly.

Quick Setup in Three Simple Steps:

1. Register the Game: Developers start by adding their game to AppLixir, where they set basic configurations for ad placements.
2. Select Ad Placements: AppLixir offers flexibility in where ads can be placed, such as between levels or at other natural gameplay breaks.
3. Insert the Code Snippet: AppLixir provides a short code snippet that developers paste into the game’s root directory. This lightweight integration requires minimal technical work.

With this streamlined process, developers can integrate ads in under five minutes, leaving more time to focus on gameplay enhancements and player engagement.

Customizable Ad Options for Seamless User Experience

AppLixir provides customization options, allowing developers to adjust ad design to match their game’s theme. By aligning the ad player’s style with the game’s visual elements, developers can create a cohesive ad experience. This approach makes ads feel like a natural extension of gameplay rather than an interruption.

Customization helps improve user retention by reducing any visual disruption. Ads that feel consistent with the game’s design encourage users to view them as part of the game, which can increase completion rates and overall engagement.

Why AppLixir is the Ideal Choice for Rewarded Video Ad Monetization

AppLixir’s video ad platform is tailored for game developers who prioritize both revenue and user experience. By offering high fill rates, a straightforward integration process, and game-friendly customization, AppLixir delivers a comprehensive solution for monetizing non-paying users effectively.

Key Benefits of AppLixir’s Rewarded Video Ads:

1. High Global Fill Rates: AppLixir maintains fill rates around 70% in Tier 3 markets, supporting revenue generation in under-monetized regions.
2. Quick Integration: The integration process takes minutes, allowing developers to start earning quickly without complex setup.
3. Flexible Placement Options: Developers have full control over ad placements, ensuring ads enhance the experience rather than interrupt gameplay.
4. Game-Friendly Customization: Customization features allow ad visuals to blend with game design, improving user retention and engagement.

By choosing AppLixir, developers can leverage a powerful monetization model that keeps players satisfied. Rewarded video ads make it possible to monetize effectively without disrupting the player experience.

Final Thoughts on Rewarded Video Ad Monetization

Rewarded video ads offer a balanced approach to monetization. They generate revenue while enhancing player engagement, particularly among non-paying users. AppLixir’s platform simplifies the implementation process, helping developers unlock new revenue streams without sacrificing gameplay quality. By focusing on high fill rates, secure integration, and customization, AppLixir empowers developers to build sustainable, player-friendly monetization strategies.