Introduction: What is Chartboost and Why It Matters
Chartboost is a mobile advertising platform specializing in gaming apps that enables developers to monetize their applications through various ad formats while also offering user acquisition solutions. Chartboost matters because it:
- Provides direct access to premium gaming and non-gaming inventory
- Offers SDK-based and bidding integration options for monetization
- Delivers competitive eCPMs through its specialized demand
- Features a self-serve platform for both advertising and monetization
- Operates as part of the larger Zynga/Take-Two Interactive ecosystem
- Focuses on gaming-specific ad solutions with relevant targeting
- Enables direct deals between developers without platform fees
Core Concepts and Principles of Chartboost Ads
Key Terminology
- eCPM: Effective Cost Per Mille (revenue per 1,000 impressions)
- Fill Rate: Percentage of ad requests that are filled with ads
- Waterfall: Prioritized sequence of ad networks called in order
- Bidding: Real-time auction system for ad impressions
- ARPDAU: Average Revenue Per Daily Active User
- Mediation: Platform that manages multiple ad networks
- Segmentation: Dividing users into groups for targeted ad strategies
- Direct Deals: Publisher-to-publisher advertising arrangements
Ad Formats Available
- Interstitials: Full-screen ads displayed at natural transition points
- Rewarded Video: Opt-in video ads that provide in-app rewards
- Playable Ads: Interactive mini-game demos within ad units
- Banner Ads: Traditional rectangular ads displayed at screen edges
- In-Play™: Non-disruptive ads integrated within gameplay environments
- App Open Ads: Displayed during app loading screens
- Offerwall: Collection of offers users can complete for rewards
Integration Methods
- SDK Integration: Direct implementation of Chartboost SDK
- Bidding Integration: Advanced real-time bidding via supported mediations
- API Integration: Server-to-server options for custom implementations
- Mediation Adapters: Integration through third-party mediation platforms
Chartboost Implementation: Step-by-Step Process
1. Account Setup and Configuration
- Create Chartboost account and add application
- Define app store details and platform (iOS/Android)
- Configure app settings and geographic targeting
- Set up IAP (In-App Purchase) events for optimization
2. SDK Integration
- Add Chartboost SDK to your project (via Gradle/CocoaPods)
- Initialize SDK with proper app ID and signature
- Implement required permissions and configurations
- Test integration with test mode enabled
3. Ad Implementation
- Create ad placements in dashboard
- Implement ad loading and display logic
- Configure frequency capping and pacing
- Add proper ad lifecycle event handlers
- Implement rewarded ad callback functions
4. Campaign Optimization
- Set up A/B tests for ad implementations
- Configure user segmentation strategies
- Optimize waterfall or bidding setup
- Monitor key performance metrics
- Adjust floor prices and placement settings
5. Reporting and Analysis
- Access dashboard analytics
- Set up custom reporting parameters
- Analyze user segments and performance
- Export data for external analysis
- Iterate based on performance insights
Key Techniques and Tools by Implementation Phase
Setup and Integration Tools
- Chartboost SDK (iOS/Android)
- Test mode for integration verification
- Sample integration projects on GitHub
- Mediation adapters for major platforms
- Server-side ad verification tools
Placement Optimization Resources
- A/B testing framework
- User segmentation tools
- Floor price optimization calculator
- Frequency cap testing module
- Session depth analytics
Revenue Analysis Instruments
- Revenue dashboard
- Real-time monitoring tools
- Custom report builder
- Cohort analysis features
- eCPM trends and forecasting
Advanced Monetization Options
- Direct deals marketplace
- Cross-promotion tools
- Multi-app publisher dashboards
- Custom native ad templates
- Advanced bidding configuration
Comparison of Ad Formats and Performance
| Ad Format | User Experience Impact | Typical eCPM Range | Best Implementation Points | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interstitial | Medium-High Disruption | $3-15 | Between levels, after achievement | 1-3 per session |
| Rewarded Video | Low Disruption (Opt-in) | $10-40 | During resource shortage, bonus offers | Unlimited (user-initiated) |
| Playable | Medium Disruption | $5-25 | During gameplay breaks, app stores | 1-2 per session |
| Banner | Low-Medium Disruption | $0.5-3 | Main menu, game shop, leaderboards | Continuous display |
| In-Play™ | Very Low Disruption | $2-12 | During active gameplay, natural environments | Continuous/contextual |
| App Open | Low Disruption | $3-10 | During loading screens | Every app open |
| Offerwall | Low Disruption (Opt-in) | Performance-based | Dedicated rewards section | Always available |
Chartboost vs Other Mobile Ad Platforms
| Feature | Chartboost | AdMob | ironSource | Unity Ads | AppLovin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaming Focus | High (Gaming Specialist) | Medium | High | Very High | High |
| Bidding Support | Yes (Advanced Bidding) | Yes (Open Bidding) | Yes (LevelPlay) | Yes | Yes (MAX) |
| Mediation Capabilities | Limited | Good | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Direct Deals | Yes (Direct) | Limited | Limited | No | Limited |
| Reporting Depth | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| SDK Size | Medium | Large | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Cross-Promotion | Yes (Robust) | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes (Robust) |
| Minimum Payout | $50 | $100 | $100 | $100 | $100 |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Low Fill Rates
Solutions:
- Enable multiple ad formats per placement
- Optimize geographic targeting settings
- Adjust floor prices based on performance data
- Implement bidding alongside waterfall
- Review ad content blocking settings
- Ensure proper SDK initialization
- Test with different mediation positions
Challenge: SDK Integration Issues
Solutions:
- Verify correct app ID and signature usage
- Check SDK version compatibility with OS
- Review implementation against sample code
- Enable debugging mode for detailed logs
- Verify required permissions are granted
- Test on multiple device types
- Consult integration troubleshooting guide
Challenge: Low eCPM Performance
Solutions:
- Implement user segmentation strategies
- Optimize ad placement timing and context
- A/B test different ad format combinations
- Adjust frequency capping settings
- Test higher floor prices incrementally
- Implement rewarded video strategy
- Leverage seasonal advertising opportunities
Challenge: User Experience Concerns
Solutions:
- Implement strategic ad frequency caps
- Place ads at natural break points
- Prioritize rewarded and opt-in formats
- Test In-Play™ ads for non-disruptive monetization
- Provide clear value exchange for ad viewing
- Gradually introduce ads to new users
- Create custom pre-ad messaging
Best Practices and Practical Tips
Integration Best Practices
- Pre-cache ads before expected display points
- Implement proper ad lifecycle error handling
- Update SDK regularly for performance improvements
- Test integration on various devices and OS versions
- Implement gradual rollout of new ad implementations
- Use test ads during development
- Document custom integration configurations
Monetization Optimization
- Balance ad frequency with user experience
- Segment users by spending patterns and behavior
- Implement higher frequency for non-paying users
- Use rewarded videos as IAP alternatives
- Test placement timing impact on conversion
- Combine multiple ad formats strategically
- Customize ad experience based on user progression
Revenue Maximization Strategies
- Implement advanced bidding for key placements
- Test waterfall configuration adjustments regularly
- Use holiday season to maximize ad revenue
- Create custom segments for high-value users
- Experiment with floor price adjustments
- Monitor competitor monetization strategies
- Leverage direct deals for premium inventory
Performance Monitoring Tips
- Track ARPDAU alongside retention metrics
- Monitor session length impact from ad strategy
- Analyze ad viewability and completion rates
- Review revenue by user segment regularly
- Set up automated alerts for performance changes
- Compare weekend vs. weekday performance
- Benchmark against industry standards
Resources for Further Learning
Official Documentation
- Chartboost SDK Integration Guides (iOS/Android)
- Chartboost Publishing API Documentation
- Chartboost Mediation Integration Documentation
- Advanced Bidding Implementation Guide
- Official Chartboost Best Practices Guide
Tools and Resources
- Chartboost Dashboard and Analytics
- SDK Sample Projects (GitHub)
- Chartboost Developer Portal
- Testing and Debugging Tools
- Revenue Calculator and Forecasting Tools
Community and Support
- Chartboost Developer Community
- Publisher Support Channels
- Technical Integration Support
- Monetization Strategy Consultation
- Implementation Review Services
Industry Knowledge
- Mobile Dev Memo (Industry Analysis)
- PocketGamer.biz (Market Insights)
- GameRefinery (User Acquisition Trends)
- Deconstructor of Fun (Monetization Strategies)
- GameAnalytics (Benchmarking Reports)
This cheatsheet provides a practical framework for implementing and optimizing Chartboost ads in your mobile applications. Remember that successful monetization balances revenue goals with user experience—adapt these strategies based on your specific app genre, audience, and monetization goals.