So, you’ve built an amazing Unity mobile game — fun gameplay, polished visuals, and a great user experience. Now it’s time to turn your project into a source of income.
Monetization is a key part of mobile game development, allowing you to sustain future updates, grow your player base, and even fund your next big title.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the most effective methods to monetize your Unity mobile game using ads and in-app purchases (IAPs) — including implementation tips, best practices, and how to balance user experience with profitability.

1. Understanding Mobile Game Monetization

Monetization refers to the process of generating revenue from your mobile game. In Unity, the two most common strategies are:

Advertising (Ads) — showing video or display ads inside your game to earn revenue per impression or click.

In-App Purchases (IAPs) — allowing players to buy virtual goods, currency, or premium content using real money.

A well-balanced combination of both can maximize your earnings while maintaining a positive player experience.

2. Monetization with Ads in Unity

Unity makes ad integration simple with built-in solutions and third-party ad SDKs.

A. Choosing the Right Ad Network

Some of the most popular ad networks for Unity developers include:

Unity LevelPlay / IronSource

Google AdMob

AppLovin MAX

Chartboost

Meta Audience Network

Most developers use hybrid mediation — where AdMob acts as the primary network and others (like AppLovin) serve as backups — to maximize fill rates and eCPM (earnings per 1,000 impressions).

💡 Pro Tip: Since you already use AdMob and AppLovin MAX (as your backup mediation network), you’re on the right track. Mediation ensures that whichever ad network pays more for a given region or user gets priority.

B. Types of Ads You Can Implement

Banner Ads

Small rectangular ads displayed at the top or bottom of the screen.

Best for menus or non-interactive screens.

Tip: Avoid placing banners during active gameplay — it can annoy users.

Interstitial Ads

Full-screen ads shown between levels or after game-over events.

Offer higher revenue but must be placed strategically to avoid disrupting gameplay.

Rewarded Video Ads

Players choose to watch a video ad in exchange for an in-game reward (extra life, coins, or boosts).

Players love them because they feel fair and optional.

Example: In your own Unity projects (like your revive button system), you can trigger a rewarded ad when the player clicks “Watch Ad to Revive.”

App Open or Native Ads

Newer formats like App Open Ads can display during app startup, while native ads integrate smoothly within your UI.

C. How to Implement Ads in Unity

Install the SDK

Download and install your chosen ad SDKs (e.g., GoogleMobileAds-v10.3.0 and AppLovin-MAX-Unity-Plugin-8.3.1) via Unity Package Manager or by importing the .unitypackage files.

Initialize the SDK

In your game’s initialization script (usually in a “GameManager” or “AdManager”), call the SDK’s Initialize() method.

Load and Show Ads

Always preload ads (e.g., call LoadInterstitial() at game start).

Display them only during natural pauses in gameplay.

Use Ad Callbacks

Listen for ad events (OnAdLoaded, OnAdClosed, etc.) to control game flow.

Example: Resume gameplay only after an ad is fully closed.

D. Balancing Ads and User Experience

Overloading your game with ads can frustrate players and cause uninstalls. Here are some tips:

Limit interstitial ads to once every few levels.

Offer optional rewarded ads.

Disable ads for premium users (if they make an IAP).

Track ad performance analytics to see what works best.

3. Monetization with In-App Purchases (IAP)

While ads provide steady passive income, in-app purchases often deliver higher revenue per user.

A. What You Can Sell via IAP

Virtual currency (coins, gems, tokens)

Power-ups or boosters

Cosmetic skins or themes

Unlockable levels or premium features

Ad removal (a popular one-time purchase)

B. Setting Up Unity IAP

Unity offers its own In-App Purchasing (IAP) package, compatible with both Google Play and Apple App Store.

Steps to Integrate Unity IAP:

Install the Unity IAP Package

Go to Window → Package Manager → In-App Purchasing and install the package.

Enable IAP in Services

In Unity Editor, open Services and toggle on In-App Purchasing.

Define Products

In your Unity Dashboard or code, create product IDs (e.g., coins_100, remove_ads, premium_pack).

Write Purchase Logic

Use the IStoreListener interface to handle purchase events.

Example:

public void OnPurchaseComplete(Product product)
{
   if (product.definition.id == "remove_ads")
       DisableAds();
}

Test Purchases

Always test in a sandbox mode (Google Play test users or iOS TestFlight).

C. Best Practices for IAP Success

Offer Value: Players should feel purchases enhance their experience, not exploit them.

Use Popups Strategically: Don’t spam purchase prompts; show them after natural milestones.

Bundle Items: Offer discounted packages or limited-time offers to increase conversions.

Pair with Rewarded Ads: Example: if a user runs out of currency, offer a rewarded ad OR a paid option.

4. Combining Ads and IAP Effectively

The most successful mobile games use a hybrid approach:

Early Game: Rely on rewarded ads for casual engagement.

Mid Game: Introduce soft IAP offers (boosts, cosmetics).

Late Game: Present subscription options or premium upgrades.

Pro Strategy:
Allow users to remove ads with a one-time purchase (e.g., “No Ads” for $1.99). This not only earns you money but also keeps players happy.

5. Analytics and Optimization

Tracking your monetization data helps you optimize revenue without sacrificing retention.
Use tools like:

Unity Analytics

Firebase Analytics

AppLovin MAX A/B testing

Monitor:

Average revenue per user (ARPU)

Retention rates

Ad frequency and engagement

Purchase conversion rate

Then adjust your strategy — for example, move interstitials to less intrusive moments or increase rewarded ad frequency if players engage more.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Many Ads: Overloading players leads to frustration and churn.

Unclear IAP Value: Players won’t buy if they don’t understand the benefit.

Skipping Testing: Always test ad and IAP flows on real devices.

Ignoring Regional Pricing: Prices should adjust based on player regions and currencies.

7. Final Thoughts

Monetizing your Unity mobile game isn’t just about making money — it’s about creating a sustainable loop between fun gameplay and fair rewards. Ads and in-app purchases, when balanced thoughtfully, can enhance the player experience while generating consistent income.

Start small, test frequently, and iterate. The combination of rewarded ads and meaningful IAPs is a proven formula for success in 2025’s competitive mobile market.

With Unity’s integrated ad systems, hybrid mediation networks (like your AdMob + AppLovin setup), and built-in IAP tools, monetizing your next game has never been easier.