When it comes to monetizing websites, the first platform that comes to mind is Google AdSense. While AdSense is the world’s leading ad network, it’s not the only option. Many emerging ad networks offer competitive rates and innovative solutions that can sometimes outperform AdSense.
The ad tech industry is evolving rapidly. As competition grows, publishers have more opportunities to maximize revenue through different ad networks. However, finding the most profitable network or combination of networks requires careful testing and analysis.
What is an Ad Network?
An ad network acts as an intermediary between publishers and advertisers. It helps publishers monetize their inventory by connecting them with the right advertisers, ensuring that ads reach the most relevant audience.
Depending on the complexity of the inventory exchange cycle, ad networks may directly sell ad space to advertisers or acquire inventory from supply-side platforms (SSPs) and ad exchanges. Publishers specializing in specific ad formats, such as video or display ads, can benefit from ad networks tailored to their needs.
For example:
- CPM ad networks like Criteo provide high CPM rates.
- Video ad networks like Unruly specialize in video content monetization.
Why Are Ad Networks Important?
Ad networks play a crucial role in the digital advertising ecosystem by facilitating seamless transactions between advertisers and publishers. Without ad networks, publishers would need to negotiate directly with multiple advertisers, making the process inefficient and time-consuming.
Key Benefits of Ad Networks:
- Efficient Monetization: They help publishers sell remnant ad inventory.
- Better Targeting: They categorize ad impressions based on demographics and interests.
- Increased Revenue Potential: They optimize ad placements to maximize revenue.
By leveraging ad networks, publishers can ensure their inventory reaches the right advertisers at the right time, leading to higher earnings and better ad engagement.
Types of Ad Networks
Choosing the right ad network depends on your niche, audience, and revenue goals. Here are the most common types of ad networks:
1. Horizontal Ad Networks
These networks provide access to a wide range of websites across various industries, making them ideal for advertisers looking for broad reach.
Examples:
- Google AdSense
- Media.net
- PropellerAds
2. Premium Ad Networks
These networks focus on high-quality websites with engaged audiences, offering premium ad inventory at a higher cost.
Examples:
- The Rubicon Project
- Index Exchange
3. Vertical Ad Networks
Vertical ad networks specialize in specific industries, allowing advertisers to reach highly targeted audiences.
Examples:
- Sovrn (Finance)
- Outbrain (Content Discovery)
- Taboola (Content Discovery)
4. Performance-Based Ad Networks
These networks pay publishers based on ad performance, such as clicks, conversions, or leads, making them ideal for advertisers seeking measurable results.
Examples:
- ClickBank (Affiliate Marketing)
- MaxBounty (Affiliate Marketing)
- PeerFly (Affiliate Marketing)
The Best Ad Networks for Publishers in 2025
Finding the right ad network is crucial for maximizing revenue and ensuring high-quality ads on your website. We have compiled a list of the best ad networks to help publishers choose the one that best suits their needs. These networks offer a variety of ad formats, flexible payment models, and high eCPMs, making them ideal for publishers looking to monetize their traffic effectively.
1. Amazon Publisher Services
Amazon Publisher Services (APS) is a top-tier ad network that caters to small, mid-sized, and large publishers. It provides access to cloud-based solutions like header bidding, transparent marketplace insights, and a unified ad marketplace. APS allows publishers to connect with premium buyers, significantly increasing revenue while leveraging Amazon’s shopping data for enhanced user experience.
- Model: Depends on demand partner
- Minimum Traffic: 5,000 unique visits per day
2. PopAds
PopAds is a high-speed, secure pop-under ad network that allows publishers to monetize traffic with high-quality pop-under ads. It offers on-request payments and access to advertisers in over 40 countries, making it an excellent choice for niche targeting.
- Model: CPV, CPM
- Minimum Traffic: None
3. Adcash
Adcash DSP+ is an advanced advertising platform with over 10,000 active campaigns worldwide. It supports pop-under, native ads, push notifications, banners, and interstitials, making it a versatile monetization option. Its ad-block bypassing technology ensures maximum revenue for publishers.
- Model: CPM, CPC, CPA Target
- Minimum Traffic: N/A
4. Adsterra
Adsterra is a trusted ad network that delivers over 30 billion ad impressions per month. It features three levels of anti-fraud protection, ensuring a safe and profitable advertising experience. Publishers can choose from multiple ad formats, including Popunder, Social Bar, In-Page Push, Native, and Banners.
- Model: CPC, CPM, CPI, CPA, CPL
- Minimum Traffic: None
5. SmartyAds
SmartyAds SSP is a premium media-selling network offering intelligent revenue optimization for publishers. It uses cross-environment header-bidding wrappers and private marketplace deals to increase competition and revenue.
- Model: CPM
- Minimum Traffic: None
6. TrafficForce
TrafficForce is a high-performance ad network offering targeted website and mobile traffic on an impression basis. It connects publishers with 100+ demand-side partners and utilizes header bidding and open RTB technology.
- Model: CPM
- Minimum Traffic: None
7. PropellerAds
PropellerAds supports banner ads, in-banner video ads, and pop-under ads in various standard sizes. With 70,000 active campaigns worldwide, it ensures 100% monetized inventory and high ad quality.
- Model: CPM, CPC, CPA
- Minimum Traffic: None
8. Media.net
Media.net serves Yahoo! Bing contextual ads, providing a 100% fill rate across multiple verticals. It supports display units, native ads, and contextual advertising, making it a powerful solution for content-rich websites.
- Model: CPM, CPC, CPA
- Minimum Traffic: None
9. Infolinks
Infolinks helps publishers overcome banner blindness by offering innovative ad units like InFold (overlay ads), InText (text link ads), InTag (tag cloud ads), InFrame (margin ads), and In-Screen (smart interstitials). It is integrated with major advertisers like Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, and eBay.
- Model: CPM, CPC, CPA, CPV, CPI, Auction
- Minimum Traffic: None
10. RevenueHits
RevenueHits uses contextual and geo-targeted ad-serving technology, ensuring a 100% fill rate across global markets. It allows monetization through display ads, text ads, pop-ups, apps, widgets, and XML feeds.
- Model: CPM, CPC, CPA, CPV, Auction
- Minimum Traffic: None
11. AdBlade
AdBlade prioritizes quality over quantity, making it a preferred choice for premium publishers. It partners with top-tier platforms like Fox News, Yahoo!, ABC, and Hearst Corporation, ensuring high-quality ads and brand safety.
- Ad Formats: Standard IAB units, proprietary NewsBullets® (3X better performance)
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC, Real-time bidding
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: 500,000 monthly impressions
12. Undertone
Undertone specializes in high-impact ad formats designed for maximum engagement. Their portfolio includes IAB Rising Stars, premium video ads, and exclusive display formats that outperform traditional banner ads.
- Ad Formats: Display, video, interactive ads
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC, CPA, CPV
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: 500,000 monthly impressions
- Key Benefit: CPM rates 100%-1500% higher than standard display ads
13. BidVertiser
BidVertiser offers a unique monetization model that allows publishers to earn not only from ad clicks but also from conversions (sales). This dual-earning potential increases revenue opportunities.
- Ad Formats: Banners, skyscrapers, rectangles, and customizable layouts
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: None
- Key Benefit: Dynamic bidding system to maximize revenue
14. Vibrant Media
Vibrant Media is Better-Ads and Chrome filter-friendly, ensuring compliance with modern advertising standards. Their responsive ad formats work seamlessly across devices, enhancing user experience.
- Ad Formats: In-text, in-image, lightbox, storyboard, mosaic, brand canvas
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: None
- Key Benefit: Works as both a primary ad network and a native ad solution
15. Verizon Media (formerly Oath)
Verizon Media provides access to over 1,000 premium publishers and top-tier advertisers. Their solutions include header bidding, waterfall setups, and brand safety controls, ensuring high CPM rates.
- Ad Formats: Display, mobile, native, video
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC, CPA
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: 300,000 monthly impressions
- Key Benefit: Advanced ad inventory management tools
16. Epom Market
Epom Market is a cross-platform ad network operating in over 40 countries across 15 verticals, serving 13 billion ad impressions monthly. Their ad solutions are designed to boost eCPM rates through precise targeting.
- Ad Formats: Footer, in-text, mobile ads
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC, CPA, Auction
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: 500,000 monthly impressions
- Key Benefit: Reaches 320 million unique monthly visitors
17. Exponential (formerly Tribal Fusion)
Exponential focuses on high-quality CPM ads and offers rising star and pre-roll ad formats. They demand high-quality content and professional website designs from their publishers.
- Ad Formats: Display, high-impact rich media ads
- Monetization Model: CPM, CPC, CPA
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: 500,000 unique users per month
- Key Benefit: 55% revenue share for publishers
18. Propel Media
Propel Media is a top-tier CPV/PPV ad network, specializing in contextual text-links and display ads that reach a high-intent audience. Their platform offers visual analytics for easy campaign optimization.
- Ad Formats: CPV/PPV ads, contextual ads
- Monetization Model: CPV/PPV
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: None
- Key Benefit: Advanced analytics dashboard for campaign tracking
19. AdMaven
AdMaven is best known for pop-under ads, but they also support mainstream display ads like banners, interstitials, and sliders. Their real-time bidding system ensures precise ad targeting for better CPMs.
- Ad Formats: CPA, CPI, CPL, CPC, CPM
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: None
- Key Benefit: 25,000 publishers actively monetizing with AdMaven
20. ClickAdu
ClickAdu is a leading digital advertising network serving 2.5 billion impressions daily. They offer high CPMs in over 240 countries, ensuring publishers get the best possible earnings.
- Ad Formats: Pop-up ads, video ads, pre-roll ads (soon adding display banner ads)
- Monetization Model: CPM
- Minimum Traffic Requirement: None
- Key Benefit: 100% ad fill rate with 15,000+ active campaigns
21. HillTopAds
HillTopAds is a budget-friendly ad network ideal for publishers with medium to high traffic. It is well-known for its advanced anti-ad blocker technology, which helps recover revenue lost to ad-blocking software.
Key Features:
- User-friendly interface suitable for both beginners and experienced publishers.
- Allows multiple website submissions for monetization.
- Supports various payment models including CPA, CPM, and CPC.
- No minimum traffic requirement, making it accessible to all publishers.
22. EMX (Formerly bRealTime)
EMX stands out with its fixed CPM pricing model, ensuring stable revenue streams for publishers across different geographies.
Key Features:
- Supports global monetization beyond Tier-1 locations (US, UK, Canada, etc.).
- Biddr Connect feature increases advertiser demand and bidding competition.
- Minimum traffic requirement: 30,000 unique users per month.
23. Google Ad Exchange (AdX)
Google AdX is a premium programmatic advertising platform that connects high-quality publishers with top-tier advertisers through real-time bidding (RTB).
How It Works:
- Publishers integrate AdX code to auction ad space in real time.
- Advertisers bid based on user data and campaign goals.
- The highest bidder secures placement, optimizing publisher revenue.
Benefits:
- Access to a vast pool of advertisers.
- High-quality, premium ad inventory.
- Advanced targeting and analytics for performance optimization.
24. Kadam
Kadam is an innovative ad network offering diverse ad formats and advanced targeting solutions.
Key Features:
- Covers 195+ countries, maximizing global reach.
- Supports multiple ad formats, including banners, native, push notifications, and video ads.
- Strong anti-fraud technology to prevent click fraud.
- Various payment models: CPM, CPC, CPA, and CPA Target.
- In-depth analytics for performance tracking.
25. TripleLift
TripleLift is a programmatic ad platform focusing on high-quality visual advertising for display, video, and CTV (Connected TV).
Why Choose TripleLift?
- Access to premium publishers and advertisers.
- Advanced AI-driven targeting and ad placement optimization.
- Seamless native ad integration for better user experience.
- Actionable insights to improve ad revenue.
26. Xandr (By Microsoft Ads)
Previously known as AppNexus, Xandr is a cutting-edge programmatic advertising platform that enhances digital ad transactions.
Key Benefits:
- Supports multiple ad formats across digital channels.
- Data-driven targeting and analytics for effective campaigns.
- Continual innovation ensures adaptability in the evolving ad industry.
27. PubMatic
PubMatic is a leading independent technology company revolutionizing the programmatic ad space.
Key Features:
- Omnichannel Sell-Side Platform (SSP) for managing inventory across display, mobile, video, and audio.
- Real-time data insights for better monetization.
- Emphasis on transparency and fairness in ad transactions.
28. OpenX
OpenX is a well-established SSP providing premium inventory access for publishers.
Why OpenX?
- Independence ensures fairness for both publishers and advertisers.
- High-quality inventory attracts premium ad buyers.
- Continual investment in technology for enhanced programmatic advertising.
29. Criteo
Criteo operates a Commerce Media Platform (CMP) that benefits both advertisers and publishers.
For Advertisers:
- Data-driven targeting based on browsing behavior and purchase history.
- Multiple ad formats and campaign optimization tools.
- Comprehensive performance measurement and attribution.
For Publishers:
- Monetization through high-quality ad inventory.
- Audience insights for content optimization.
- User-friendly and non-intrusive ad experience.
30. Sharethrough
Sharethrough is a global omnichannel ad exchange focusing on sustainability and user-friendly ad experiences.
Key Strengths:
- AI-powered ad optimization for better performance.
- High-quality inventory with brand-safe ad placements.
- Commitment to ethical advertising practices.
31. 33Across
33Across is an independent programmatic ad technology company with a strong focus on privacy and data security.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ad Networks
1. What is an Ad Network?
An Ad Network is a platform that connects advertisers with publishers to facilitate the sale of advertising space. Essentially, ad networks aggregate unsold inventory (remnant ad space) from multiple publishers, segment it based on demographics, interests, and other relevant data, and sell these targeted impressions to advertisers seeking specific audiences. This process ensures a more effective way to monetize unused ad space and provides advertisers with access to a broader range of targeted placements.
2. Which Ad Network Pays the Most?
Several ad networks are known for offering competitive payouts. Some of the top-paying ad networks include:
- Google AdSense: A leading ad network known for its user-friendly interface and vast reach.
- Media.net: A prominent network that specializes in contextual ads, providing high-quality revenue opportunities.
- Adcash: Known for its advanced targeting options and high payout rates.
- BuySellAds: Offers premium ad placements with a focus on high-traffic websites.
- Propeller Ads: Popular for its variety of ad formats and strong revenue-generating potential.
3. Why Do Publishers Work with Ad Networks?
Publishers partner with ad networks to maximize their revenue potential by monetizing unsold ad inventory. Often, publishers are unable to sell all available ad space directly, which leads to a loss of potential revenue. By working with ad networks, they can sell these unsold impressions to advertisers looking for targeted audiences, ensuring they don’t miss out on potential earnings. This partnership provides a steady stream of passive income and helps publishers reach a broader advertiser base.
