Separate the two roles
When comparing app monetization products, start with one question: does this product mainly supply advertising demand, or does it help you manage several demand sources? The former is generally an ad network; the latter is a mediation platform. Some products do both, so the brand name alone does not tell you how the product works.
Understanding the distinction helps avoid treating a mediation integration as approval from every connected network. It also makes the account, SDK and payment setup easier to plan.
Mediation does not necessarily mean one account
Even with mediation, individual ad sources may require separate publisher accounts, app submissions and payment details. A mediation dashboard can show reports from several sources without making one company responsible for paying all of that revenue.
Before integration, keep a record for each demand source: account URL, app ID, placement IDs, account owner and payment settings. This makes it easier to find the right platform when investigating no-fill responses, approval issues or payments.
Assess the integration work
A technical review should cover more than which mediation platform a network supports. Check your app’s technology stack, minimum operating system versions, existing SDKs and the ad formats you plan to use.
A useful integration sequence is:
- Define the formats and in-app situations where you need ads.
- Read the current integration documentation for both the mediation platform and demand sources.
- Check SDK, adapter and app dependency compatibility.
- Configure test ads, privacy parameters and production placements.
- Review store information, approval status and payment accounts.
Use the official documentation for your selected platforms to determine the exact requirements. Do not copy another app’s configuration without checking whether it applies to yours.
Establish a baseline before adding more sources
Get a minimal configuration working first, then add demand sources gradually. Record dates and settings for each change, and compare ad requests, impressions, revenue, crashes and user feedback.
If you add many networks at once, even an improvement can be difficult to explain. For teams with limited development resources, maintainability is part of the platform decision too.
Start with the directory, then confirm the details
The app ad directory distinguishes ad networks, mediation platforms and bidding services. Filter for the type you need, then use official documentation to confirm integration options, market coverage and payment arrangements.
Similar product names can also refer to different roles. A company’s ad demand product and its mediation tool should be evaluated separately rather than automatically treated as duplicate choices.
Eligibility and payment policies may change. Before applying, check the platform’s current terms and your account settings.
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