ironSource (now Unity LevelPlay) is one of the most popular mediation platforms for mobile app monetization. This comprehensive guide walks through setup, configuration, and optimization strategies to maximize your ad revenue.
What is Ad Mediation?
Ad mediation allows you to work with multiple ad networks through a single SDK integration. The mediation platform manages the waterfall or bidding process to serve the highest-paying ad for each impression.
Benefits of Mediation
- Higher Revenue: Competition between networks drives up eCPMs
- Better Fill Rates: Multiple networks ensure ads are available
- Simplified Management: One dashboard for all networks
- Less SDK Bloat: Mediation handles adapter management
Initial Setup
Account Creation
Create an account at Unity's LevelPlay dashboard (formerly ironSource). Add your app with correct bundle ID/package name and configure your ad units for rewarded video, interstitials, and banners.
SDK Integration
Integrate the LevelPlay SDK using your preferred method: Unity Package Manager, CocoaPods for iOS, or Gradle for Android. Ensure you include the core SDK plus adapters for each ad network you want to use.
Essential Networks to Enable
- Meta Audience Network
- Google AdMob
- Unity Ads
- AppLovin
- Pangle (ByteDance)
- Mintegral
Waterfall Configuration
The waterfall determines which ad networks are called in which order. Networks at the top of the waterfall are given first opportunity to serve an ad.
Setting Up Instances
Create multiple instances per network with different eCPM floors. This ensures you capture high-value impressions at the top of the waterfall while still filling lower-value impressions.
Geographic Segmentation
Create separate waterfalls for different regions. US/UK typically have 3-5x higher eCPMs than Southeast Asia or Latin America.
In-App Bidding
Bidding allows networks to compete in real-time for each impression. This typically yields 10-30% higher revenue than waterfall alone.
Enabling Bidding
- Enable bidding for each supported network in the dashboard
- Configure bidding timeout (recommended: 5 seconds)
- Set up fallback waterfall for networks without bidding support
Hybrid Setup
Most publishers use a hybrid approach: bidding networks compete first, then the highest bid competes against the traditional waterfall. This maximizes both competition and fill rate.
Optimization Strategies
Regular Waterfall Updates
Review performance weekly and adjust eCPM floors based on actual data. Networks' performance fluctuates with advertiser demand, so static waterfalls leave money on the table.
A/B Testing
Use LevelPlay's A/B testing feature to test different waterfall configurations, ad placement timing, and frequency caps without risking your full traffic.
Auto-Optimization
Consider enabling auto-optimization features that automatically adjust waterfall order based on real-time performance data.
Pro Tip
Add at least 5-7 bidding networks for optimal competition. Each additional bidder typically adds 3-5% incremental revenue.
Analytics and Reporting
Monitor these key metrics daily:
- ARPDAU: Average revenue per daily active user
- eCPM by Network: Identify top performers
- Fill Rate: Ensure no lost impressions
- Bidding Win Rate: Measure bidding effectiveness
Common Issues and Solutions
- Low Fill Rate: Add more networks, lower eCPM floors
- Low eCPMs: Increase bidding networks, optimize waterfall
- Integration Errors: Check adapter versions match SDK
- Missing Revenue: Verify reporting API connections
Conclusion
ironSource/LevelPlay mediation is essential for maximizing mobile ad revenue. Start with a solid network mix, enable bidding where possible, and continuously optimize based on performance data. With proper setup and ongoing management, you can expect 20-40% higher revenue compared to single-network implementations.