How to Increase eCPM in IAA Games: A Practical Guide for Beginners

In IAA (In-App Advertising) games, eCPM (effective cost per mille) is one of the most important revenue metrics. It tells you how much you earn per 1,000 ad impressions—and ultimately determines your ARPU and ROI. But many developers focus only on ad volume, ignoring the potential of eCPM optimization.

Here’s how to systematically boost your eCPM through ad strategy, user segmentation, and platform setup.

1. Choose the Right Ad Format

Each ad type delivers a different eCPM. Beginners should prioritize high-ROI formats first:

📌 Tip: Don’t use all ad types at once. Start with rewarded video, then experiment with interstitials. Use banners only when it makes sense.

2. Improve Ad Quality to Get Better Rates

eCPM isn’t about how many ads you show—it’s about how well they perform. Optimize these key areas:

1. Clear & Valuable Rewards
   Avoid vague messaging. Tell users exactly what they’ll get—e.g., “Watch to earn 500 coins.”

2. Smart Timing
   Trigger ads after failure, during cooldowns, or for optional boosts—not during core gameplay.

3. Avoid Fatigue
   Set limits (e.g., 5 rewarded ads per day) to prevent user churn and increase value per view.

3. Segment Users by Behavior

Not all users generate the same revenue. Segmenting users lets you tailor ad strategies to maximize value:

SolarEngine supports user segmentation and ad return analysis, helping developers target high-LTV audiences and apply differentiated monetization tactics.

4. Choose the Right Ad Network & Mediation Setup

eCPM varies widely between ad platforms. Using multiple networks via mediation ensures higher fill rates and maximizes competition for each impression.

Comparison of major platforms (for rewarded video):

📌 Use a mediation tool (AdMob, ironSource, TradPlus) to connect 3–4 ad sources and set eCPM floors to avoid low-paying inventory.

5. A/B Test Constantly—Don’t “Set and Forget”

Monetization is not a one-time setup. Use A/B tests to find your best-performing strategy:

• Reward Type: Coins vs. power-ups

• Ad Frequency: After every level vs. every two levels

• Button Design: Placement, size, call-to-action copy

Pair with data visualization to track trends and iterate continuously.

Conclusion: eCPM Is a Team Effort Across Design, Data, and Strategy

Improving eCPM isn’t just about showing more ads—it’s about showing the right ads, to the right users, at the right time, on the right platform. A smart monetization system starts with good fundamentals and improves through iteration.

SolarEngine provides attribution and monetization analytics for IAA games, empowering developers to maximize eCPM and LTV through data-driven decision-making across platforms and users.