One of the most popular questions we hear at Tenjin is: What are the best channels or ad networks to promote hyper-casual (and now hybrid-casual) games?

We’ve put together this blog post to answer this question based on Tenjin’s 2022 data set.

Before we get started, let’s look at the metrics you might be optimizing for. Some optimize for total installs, some for retention rate on or specific day or ad LTV, and hybrid-casual game developers might lean towards IAPs (in-app purchases). You’ll find all of these categories for ad network rankings as well as additional breakdowns by top countries, ad monetization channels and also the latest industry trends on ad impressions, eCPMs, and IAPs in one consolidated view in our “From hyper to hybrid in 2023” report.

In case you’re in a rush, however, and just want to learn about ad network rankings – keep reading on.

Top 5 ad networks to promote hyper or hybrid casual games by platform

Based on total installs

If “total installs” is the metric you’re optimizing for, the 2022 Tenjin data set shows that the following ad networks were most efficient (in the same order):

(Note: Installs represent the download and opening of an app by a user for the first time)

Based on highest average for Day 1 retention

If “Day 1 Retention” is the metric you’re optimizing for, the 2022 Tenjin data set shows that the following ad networks were most successful (in the same order):

(Note: Day 1 retention refers to the cohort of users that came back to the app 24 hours after the install date)

Based on highest average for Day 7 retention

If “Day 7 Retention” is the metric you’re optimizing for, the 2022 Tenjin data set shows that the following ad networks were most successful (in the same order):

(Note: Day 7 retention refers to the cohort of users that came back to the app 7 days after the install date)

Based on highest average for Day 7 Ad LTV

If “Day 7 Ad Revenue LTV” is the metric you’re optimizing for, the 2022 Tenjin data set shows that the following ad networks were most successful (in the same order):

(Note: Day 7 Ad Revenue LTV refers to the ad revenue earned from the user cohort 7 days after install)

Based on highest average for Day 7 IAP LTV

If “Day 7 IAP LTV” is the metric you’re optimizing for, the 2022 Tenjin data set shows that the following ad networks were most successful (in the same order):

(Note: Day 7 IAP LTV refers to the IAP revenue earned from the user cohort 7 days after install)

Get additional insights from our “From Hyper to Hybrid in 2023” report

Here is a full list of additional insights you will find in the report:

1. Ad impression, eCPM, and IAP trends in 2022 on both iOS and Android
2. Country Rankings based on installs, ad revenue, and IAP revenue
3. Ad Monetization Channel Rankings based on ad revenue, and average eCPM