App Monetization with Ads: AdMob, Mediation and Ads in Browser Extensions
Ads are the fastest way to start earning from a free app: no payment provider, paywall, or subscriptions. But ad networks work differently for mobile apps, websites, and browser extensions. Here is which tools fit each type of product.
How in-app advertising works
- you add an ad network’s SDK or script and define ad placements
- the network matches advertisers and shows ads to your users
- you earn from impressions (CPM), clicks (CPC), or conversions, depending on the network and format
- payouts arrive once you reach the minimum threshold
The main in-app formats are banners, native ads, full-screen interstitials, rewarded ads that give users something in return, and app-open ads.
Mobile apps
Google AdMob
AdMob is Google’s ad network for Android and iOS apps. It is integrated through the Google Mobile Ads SDK and supports banners, interstitials, rewarded and native ads, as well as mediation — serving ads from other networks through one SDK.
Mediation platforms
Mediation lets you connect several ad networks at once: for each impression, the network that pays the most wins. This raises fill rate and revenue. Besides AdMob, popular mediation platforms include AppLovin MAX and Unity LevelPlay, and many apps also add networks such as Meta Audience Network.
How to monetize an app with ads without hurting it
- show ads where they do not interrupt the user’s main task
- avoid ads that cannot be closed or that cover the interface
- watch retention after adding ads: a rise in uninstalls means too many ads
- offer an ad-free upgrade — it is also extra revenue
Browser extensions
Extensions are trickier: mobile SDKs do not work in them, and Chrome Web Store rules restrict advertising.
- AdSense may not be used to serve ads in extensions — the Ads section of the Program Policies explicitly prohibits it.
- Ads may not be injected into the websites users visit — this violates the Single Purpose Policy.
- Ads may be shown inside the extension’s own interface: in the popup, side panel, or extension page.
More on the rules in “Ads in Chrome Extensions: Chrome Web Store Rules”.
ExtAds — an ad network for extensions
ExtAds is built specifically for browser extensions and works only in the allowed scenario:
- a native 640×200 banner appears in your popup, side panel, or extension page
- you choose ad campaigns yourself, and all of them are moderated — white-hat verticals only
- integration is quick and simple, with a video guide
- revenue is calculated on a CPM basis for unique banner views; minimum payout is $100
See the For Publishers page, or message our manager on Telegram: @extads.
Compared
| Product type | How to monetize with ads | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Android / iOS app | AdMob, mediation (AppLovin MAX, Unity LevelPlay) | SDK, many formats including rewarded and interstitial |
| Website | display and native ad networks for publishers | a script on the page, banners and native units |
| Browser extension | ExtAds | only inside the extension interface; AdSense is prohibited |
How ads compare with subscriptions, affiliate, and donations — see “Monetization Models for Digital Products”.