Editorial Review by TopAdNetworks
Chartboost remains one of the most recognizable names in mobile gaming monetization. Even though the ad-tech market has become crowded with mediation giants like AppLovin MAX and Unity LevelPlay, Chartboost still maintains a strong presence among mobile developers focused on rewarded video revenue.
The platform’s biggest advantage is its gaming-first DNA. Unlike broader display networks trying to adapt to gaming, Chartboost was designed around mobile game engagement from the start. Rewarded videos, interstitials, and in-app monetization mechanics remain its strongest area.
Another important factor is Chartboost Mediation. Instead of relying entirely on waterfall logic, the company now supports bidding integrations and OpenRTB-style competition between multiple demand sources. That shift matters because modern mobile monetization increasingly depends on real-time competition rather than static waterfalls.
However, Chartboost is no longer the default choice it once was. Developers now compare it directly against MAX, AdMob mediation, and Unity LevelPlay.
In practice, many teams use Chartboost as part of a broader mediation stack rather than as a standalone monetization solution.
Community feedback also shows that fill rates and performance can vary significantly depending on geo mix and ad format strategy.
Company Overview
Chartboost operates as a mobile advertising and app monetization platform focused primarily on gaming publishers. The company originally gained traction through direct mobile game advertising but later expanded into mediation and programmatic infrastructure.
The platform now supports rewarded video, interstitials, banners, and bidding-based monetization across Android and iOS. Much of its ecosystem revolves around SDK integrations for Unity and mobile app frameworks.
One of the company’s biggest evolutions came through Chartboost Mediation. The platform shifted toward hybrid monetization models that combine waterfall and bidding demand sources.
According to current documentation, Chartboost supports OpenRTB bidding flows and integrations with major ad networks, including AdMob, Unity Ads, Liftoff Monetize, Meta Audience Network, Mintegral, and InMobi.
The company also invested heavily in SDK modularity and open-source tooling. Mediation SDK 5.0 introduced a lighter architecture separating mediation layers from partner adapters, improving flexibility and update stability for developers.
How The Platform Works
Chartboost works through SDK integrations inside mobile applications. Developers integrate the Chartboost SDK directly into Android, iOS, or Unity projects, then configure placements for rewarded video, interstitials, banners, or mediation demand.
Once integrated, the platform runs auctions between available advertisers and demand partners. Depending on the configuration, publishers can use either bidding-based monetization or a traditional waterfall setup.
The mediation layer allows multiple ad networks to compete simultaneously for impressions. That competition improves fill rates and helps maximize eCPM across different geographies and user segments.
Advertiser Onboarding
Chartboost primarily targets app developers and gaming publishers rather than traditional web publishers.
- Create a Chartboost account and verify the application
- Integrate the SDK into Android, iOS, or Unity projects
- Configure rewarded video, interstitial, or banner placements
- Connect mediation partners and bidding sources
- Launch campaigns and optimize monetization performance
Ad Formats And Placement
- Rewarded video ads inside mobile games
- Interstitial fullscreen mobile ads
- Banner and adaptive banner ads
- Rewarded interstitial formats
- Mobile display placements
Targeting And Optimization
- Geo targeting
- Device and OS targeting
- Placement-level optimization
- Bidding and waterfall monetization
- eCPM optimization through mediation
- Real-time auction competition
Key Differentiators
Chartboost positions itself as a gaming-focused mobile monetization platform with strong rewarded video infrastructure and mediation support.
1. Rewarded Video Specialization
Rewarded ads remain the platform’s strongest monetization format. Mobile gaming publishers heavily rely on rewarded mechanics because they generally drive higher engagement and stronger eCPMs than standard banners.
2. Mediation and Bidding Infrastructure
Chartboost Mediation supports both waterfall and bidding setups, enabling developers to create competition among demand partners rather than relying solely on static CPM ordering.
3. Strong Unity Ecosystem Support
The platform maintains extensive Unity integration support through adapters, SDK documentation, and mediation tooling designed specifically for mobile game developers.
4. Lightweight SDK Architecture
Recent SDK versions separated mediation layers from partner adapters, reducing SDK complexity and improving update management for developers handling multiple networks.
Ideal Use Cases
Chartboost works best for mobile-first publishers and gaming studios focused on video monetization.
- Mobile game monetization
- Rewarded video ad strategies
- Unity-based mobile game development
- Mediation stack optimization
- Interstitial and rewarded ad monetization
Target Clients
Advertisers
Chartboost primarily serves mobile advertisers targeting gaming audiences and app users. Campaigns typically focus on user acquisition, app installs, and mobile engagement rather than traditional web traffic.
Publishers
The platform is designed mainly for mobile app developers and gaming studios looking to maximize revenue from rewarded video and interstitial advertising. It is especially relevant for Unity developers using mediation-based monetization strategies.
Pricing & Business Model
Chartboost primarily operates through revenue-sharing monetization tied to ad impressions, rewarded video engagement, and mediation demand.
Revenue performance depends heavily on geography, ad format mix, retention metrics, and user engagement. Rewarded video ads generally generate the highest eCPMs across gaming apps.
Publishers monetize inventory through SDK-based integrations, while advertisers buy inventory through bidding auctions, mediation flows, and user acquisition campaigns.
Pricing Structure
On the publisher side (app developers):
- CPM (Cost Per Mille): Core model where publishers earn revenue per thousand impressions served in their apps.
On the advertiser side (brands and app marketers):
- CPM (Cost Per Mille): Advertisers pay for impressions across mobile inventory.
- CPI (Cost Per Install): Primary model for app campaigns where advertisers pay per install generated.
- CPA (Cost Per Action): Payment triggered by specific in-app events such as registrations or purchases.
- CPV (Cost Per View): Used for video campaigns where advertisers pay for completed video views.
Minimum Spend
- Self-Serve: No publicly fixed minimum spend
- Managed: Enterprise and larger publisher agreements handled directly with sales teams