If you’re developing a mobile game and want to monetize it without frustrating users, this Unity ads tutorial will guide you through the process. Unity Ads is one of the most widely used ad platforms for game developers, providing a seamless way to generate revenue while keeping players engaged. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get started, including step-by-step instructions on how to integrate ads into your game and best practices for success.
How To Add Unity Ads In Unity game
Before diving into ad placement strategies, let’s look at how to add Unity ads in Unity game projects. Unity Ads is built directly into the Unity engine, which simplifies the integration process. You don’t need any third-party SDKs or plugins—everything you need is already within Unity’s services.
To begin, you must first enable Unity Ads through the Unity Dashboard. Once that’s done, link your game to a Unity Project ID. This step is essential because it connects your game to Unity’s monetization platform. Make sure your game is set to the correct platform—Android or iOS—as ad settings may vary slightly between them.
Once linked, you can manage ad placements within Unity’s dashboard. These placements define where and how ads appear in your game—such as rewarded videos after a level completion or interstitial ads between stages. The Unity interface makes this process intuitive, even for beginners.
It’s also important to test ads in a development environment before going live. Unity provides test ads so you can verify everything works correctly without violating ad platform policies. Proper testing ensures your players won’t encounter bugs or issues during gameplay.
Unity Ads Guide
This Unity ads guide is designed to help you move beyond just adding ads and into optimizing them for better performance and revenue. While integration is the first step, managing your ad strategy effectively is where the real value lies.
There are several ad formats available, and choosing the right one is key. Rewarded video ads, for instance, offer players something in return—like extra lives or in-game currency—for watching a short video. This type of ad typically has higher engagement and better user satisfaction. Interstitial ads, on the other hand, are full-screen ads that appear at natural pauses in gameplay. These are best used sparingly, so they don’t interrupt the user experience.
Another format is banner ads, which are small ads displayed at the top or bottom of the screen. While they’re less intrusive, their revenue potential is also generally lower compared to video ads. However, as discussed in this Unity ads tutorial, banner ads can still play a valuable role in your overall monetization strategy when placed thoughtfully and used alongside other ad formats.
The key takeaway from this Unity guide is to balance revenue generation with user retention. Bombarding players with ads can lead to app uninstalls. Instead, offer value-driven ad experiences that feel like part of the game.
Best Practices For Monetization Success
If your goal is to maximize earnings while keeping your audience happy, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
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Start with rewarded ads: They’re proven to deliver higher engagement rates and are viewed more positively by users. Since players opt-in to watch them, it doesn’t feel forced or intrusive.
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Monitor your analytics: Unity provides detailed metrics on ad performance. Pay attention to impressions, fill rates, eCPM (effective cost per thousand impressions), and user behavior after viewing ads. This data is invaluable for fine-tuning your strategy.
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Avoid ad fatigue: Don’t overload your game with too many ads. Make ad placements feel natural within the game’s flow. For example, inserting a rewarded ad after a challenging level can enhance user experience rather than detract from it.
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A/B testing: Experiment with different ad placements and formats to see what works best. Unity’s tools support A/B testing, allowing you to compare different strategies and pick the most effective one.
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Respect user experience: Always think of your users first. Intrusive ads can quickly lead to negative reviews and decreased retention. Aim for a balance that benefits both you and your players.
How To Add Unity Ads Without Harming Gameplay
Returning to the question of how to add Unity ads in Unity game projects efficiently—it’s not just about integration, but about thoughtful implementation. The best developers incorporate ads into their game loops in ways that feel rewarding or natural.
For example, placing a rewarded ad after a user fails a level offers them a second chance without disrupting immersion. Or using an ad to offer a time boost or in-game item allows users to benefit from watching an ad, which builds trust and retention. As highlighted in this Unity ads tutorial, thoughtful ad placement can enhance gameplay rather than interrupt it, creating a win-win for both developers and players.
Avoid placing interstitials right after the game starts or during intense gameplay moments. That’s when users are least receptive and most likely to close the app in frustration. Instead, use these ads in downtime moments—between levels, during load screens, or after user-driven actions.
This strategy allows you to monetize without sacrificing the user experience, which is crucial for long-term success.
Unity Ads For Maximizing Long-Term Revenue
Our second look at this Unity ads guide shifts focus to sustaining and growing revenue over time. Monetization isn’t a one-time setup—it’s a continuous process of testing, learning, and optimizing.
Keep an eye on seasonal trends and user behavior changes. Some times of the year (like holidays) may yield higher ad rates, while others might show dips. Adjust your strategies accordingly to make the most of high-performing periods.
Also, consider regional performance. Ad performance can vary significantly by country. Unity Ads allows geographic targeting, letting you tailor ad experiences based on your audience’s location. For example, showing different rewarded items to users in different countries can improve click-through rates and satisfaction.
And finally, stay updated with Unity’s platform changes. They frequently release updates, performance improvements, and new features that can help boost your ad strategy.
Conclusion
As you’ve seen in this Unity ads tutorial, monetizing your mobile game doesn’t have to come at the cost of user experience. With Unity Ads, you gain access to a flexible, developer-friendly platform that makes integrating ads seamless and rewarding. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a larger studio, understanding how to use Unity Ads strategically can make a significant difference in your game’s financial success. From rewarded videos to smart placement decisions, this tutorial gives you a solid foundation to begin earning while keeping your players happy.
Learning how to add Unity ads in Unity game projects is just the first step. It’s equally important to think about how those ads impact gameplay, retention, and overall engagement. Avoid interruptive formats and instead focus on value-driven ad experiences. With thoughtful implementation, ads can become an extension of your game’s mechanics—not a distraction from them. Unity makes this easy with built-in support, testing tools, and advanced analytics that help you refine your approach over time.
This Unity ads guide aims to be more than a technical how-to—it’s a roadmap for sustainable monetization. By staying informed, testing regularly, and putting your players first, you can turn Unity Ads into a long-term revenue stream. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize an existing setup, following this guide ensures your ad strategy evolves with your game. Use the tools, tips, and best practices shared here to move forward with confidence and build games that both players and developers love.
Script: Initialize.cs
using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using UnityEngine;
using System;
using UnityEngine.UI;
using UnityEngine.Advertisements;
public class Initialize : MonoBehaviour, IUnityAdsInitializationListener
{
public string gameID = "";
[SerializeField] bool testMode = true;
private void Start()
{
InitializeAds();
}
private void InitializeAds()
{
if (!Advertisement.isInitialized && Advertisement.isSupported)
{
Advertisement.Initialize(gameID, testMode, this);
}
}
public void OnInitializationComplete()
{
Debug.Log("Unity Ads initialization complete.");
}
public void OnInitializationFailed(UnityAdsInitializationError error, string message)
{
Debug.Log($"Unity Ads Initialization Failed: {error.ToString()} - {message}");
}
}Script: Banner.cs
using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using UnityEngine;
using System;
using UnityEngine.UI;
using UnityEngine.Advertisements;
public class Banner : MonoBehaviour
{
public string bannerID = "";
[SerializeField] BannerPosition _bannerPosition = BannerPosition.BOTTOM_CENTER;
// Start is called before the first frame update
void Start()
{
Advertisement.Banner.SetPosition(_bannerPosition);
//ShowBannerAd();
}
// Update is called once per frame
void Update()
{
}
public void LoadBanner()
{
BannerLoadOptions options = new BannerLoadOptions
{
loadCallback = OnBannerLoaded,
errorCallback = OnBannerError
};
Advertisement.Banner.Load(bannerID, options);
}
void OnBannerLoaded()
{
Debug.Log("Banner loaded");
}
void OnBannerError(string message)
{
Debug.Log($"Banner Error: {message}");
}
public void ShowBannerAd()
{
BannerOptions options = new BannerOptions
{
clickCallback = OnBannerClicked,
hideCallback = OnBannerHidden,
showCallback = OnBannerShown
};
Advertisement.Banner.Show(bannerID, options);
}
void HideBannerAd()
{
Advertisement.Banner.Hide();
}
void OnBannerClicked() { }
void OnBannerShown() { }
void OnBannerHidden() { }
}Script: Interstitial.cs
using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using UnityEngine;
using System;
using UnityEngine.UI;
using UnityEngine.Advertisements;
public class Interstitial : MonoBehaviour, IUnityAdsLoadListener, IUnityAdsShowListener
{
public string interstitialID = "";
void Start()
{
LoadInterstitialAd();
}
public void LoadInterstitialAd()
{
Advertisement.Load(interstitialID, this);
}
public void ShowInterstitialAd()
{
Advertisement.Show(interstitialID, this);
}
public void OnUnityAdsAdLoaded(string adUnitId)
{
// Optionally execute code if the Ad Unit successfully loads content.
}
public void OnUnityAdsFailedToLoad(string _adUnitId, UnityAdsLoadError error, string message)
{
Debug.Log($"Error loading Ad Unit: {_adUnitId} - {error.ToString()} - {message}");
// Optionally execute code if the Ad Unit fails to load, such as attempting to try again.
LoadInterstitialAd();
}
public void OnUnityAdsShowFailure(string _adUnitId, UnityAdsShowError error, string message)
{
Debug.Log($"Error showing Ad Unit {_adUnitId}: {error.ToString()} - {message}");
// Optionally execute code if the Ad Unit fails to show, such as loading another ad.
LoadInterstitialAd();
}
public void OnUnityAdsShowStart(string _adUnitId) { }
public void OnUnityAdsShowClick(string _adUnitId) { }
public void OnUnityAdsShowComplete(string _adUnitId, UnityAdsShowCompletionState showCompletionState) { }
}Script: Rewarded.cs
using System.Collections;
using System.Collections.Generic;
using UnityEngine;
using System;
using UnityEngine.UI;
using UnityEngine.Advertisements;
public class Rewarded : MonoBehaviour, IUnityAdsLoadListener, IUnityAdsShowListener
{
public string rewardedID = "";
public int playerCoins = 0;
public int coinsToAdd = 10;
public Text coinText;
// Start is called before the first frame update
void Start()
{
playerCoins = PlayerPrefs.GetInt("PlayerCoins", 0);
LoadRewardedAd();
UpdateCoinDisplay();
}
public void LoadRewardedAd()
{
Advertisement.Load(rewardedID, this);
}
public void OnUnityAdsAdLoaded(string adUnitId)
{
//
}
public void ShowRewardedAd()
{
Advertisement.Show(rewardedID, this);
}
public void OnUnityAdsShowComplete(string adUnitId, UnityAdsShowCompletionState showCompletionState)
{
if (adUnitId.Equals(rewardedID) && showCompletionState.Equals(UnityAdsShowCompletionState.COMPLETED))
{
Debug.Log("Unity Ads Rewarded Ad Completed");
// Reward the player with coins
AddCoins(coinsToAdd);
}
}
public void OnUnityAdsFailedToLoad(string adUnitId, UnityAdsLoadError error, string message)
{
Debug.Log($"Error loading Ad Unit {adUnitId}: {error.ToString()} - {message}");
LoadRewardedAd();
}
public void OnUnityAdsShowFailure(string adUnitId, UnityAdsShowError error, string message)
{
Debug.Log($"Error showing Ad Unit {adUnitId}: {error.ToString()} - {message}");
LoadRewardedAd();
}
public void OnUnityAdsShowStart(string adUnitId) { }
public void OnUnityAdsShowClick(string adUnitId) { }
private void AddCoins(int amount)
{
playerCoins += amount;
Debug.Log($"Player received {amount} coins. Total coins: {playerCoins}");
// Save the updated coin balance
PlayerPrefs.SetInt("PlayerCoins", playerCoins);
PlayerPrefs.Save(); // Ensure the data is saved immediately
UpdateCoinDisplay(); // Update the display when coins are added
}
private void UpdateCoinDisplay()
{
if (coinText != null)
{
coinText.text = $"Coins: {playerCoins}";
}
}
private void OnApplicationQuit()
{
// Optionally save the coin balance on exit
PlayerPrefs.SetInt("PlayerCoins", playerCoins);
PlayerPrefs.Save();
}
}For developers exploring monetization options, understanding the differences between ad platforms is crucial. If you’re weighing your choices, check out Which Is Better Unity Ads or AdMob for a clear comparison to help you decide which one fits your game best.