Top Gaming Ad Networks to Watch in 2025

The world of gaming is always changing, and so are the ways brands advertise. In 2025, the gaming ad networks will be more competitive than ever. They will focus on esports, mobile gaming, programmatic ads, and influencer marketing. This guide will show you the top players in the industry. It’s perfect for advertisers wanting to make a big impact in the gaming world.

Ad networks have become very important in digital advertising. They connect advertisers with publishers and offer many services. These include analytics tools, fraud detection, and ways to target ads. When choosing the best ad networks for 2025, look at their reach, traffic quality, ad formats, cost, and reputation.

HilltopAds is a standout for its wide range of tools, support, and targeting options. This helps advertisers make their campaigns better. The network also has great promo codes and deals for new advertisers buying a lot of ad space.

Key Takeaways

• Esports advertising, mobile esports, programmatic advertising, and influencer marketing are key focus areas for gaming ad networks in 2025.
• Ad networks serve as intermediaries between advertisers and publishers, offering analytics, fraud detection, and targeting services.
• Reach, traffic quality, ad formats, cost, and reputation are crucial factors in determining the best ad networks.
• HilltopAds provides a comprehensive suite of tools, support, and targeting options for advertisers.
• 86% of advertisers confirm that games advertising is brand safe, and 40% plan to increase spending in the coming year.

The Rise of Esports Advertising: A Game-Changer for Brands

Esports has grown fast, drawing in fans and offering brands a chance to reach young, tech-savvy people. With esports viewership hitting over half a billion worldwide, marketers see huge potential in this digital space.

Key Stats on Esports Viewership and Market Value

Esports viewership is set to hit 532 million by 2025, Newzoo predicts. This growth is matched by revenue, expected to hit $1.38 billion in one year. Brands are now eager to connect with this dedicated audience.

Why Brands are Flocking to the Digital Arena

Brands are drawn to esports for its massive audience and targeted brand engagement. The audience is mostly men, but 34% are women, making it easy to tailor ads. Different games attract different fans, helping brands find the right fit.

Esports sponsorships offer a real connection, unlike traditional ads. By partnering with teams or players, brands gain credibility. Influencer marketing is key, with stars like PewDiePie offering huge promotional power.

As more brands enter esports, it’s changing marketing forever. Its reach, targeted ads, and real partnerships make esports a game-changer for brands wanting to engage with a passionate audience.

Streaming Sponsorships: Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Beyond

Streaming sponsorships have changed the game for brands wanting to reach fans. Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming are key places for brands to show off their products. They offer sponsored streams, custom overlays, and branded emotes.

Twitch: The Leading Platform for Esports Advertising

Twitch is a top choice for esports ads, with 70 million monthly users. In 2022, Twitch viewers watched over 1.3 trillion minutes of content. Brands can use pre-roll, mid-roll, and display ads, plus the “Bounty Board” for influencer deals.

YouTube Gaming: A Growing Contender

YouTube Gaming is a strong rival, with over 100 million hours watched daily. It supports live stream sponsorships, letting brands connect with gamers. With 56% of YouTube gamers looking to connect, brands can make real connections through ads.

Facebook Gaming: Tapping into the Social Media Giant’s Audience

Facebook Gaming has 380 million monthly users, offering a huge audience for brands. It has in-stream ads and branded content tools for seamless integration. As the social gaming market grows, Facebook Gaming sponsorships are a great chance for brands to shine.

In-Game Advertising: Reaching Gamers in Their Natural Habitat

In-game advertising is a new way for brands to connect with gamers. It uses virtual billboards, sponsored content, and dynamic ads to reach gamers where they spend most of their time. This method is effective because it fits naturally into the gaming experience.

The gaming market is growing fast, expected to hit $286.8 billion by 2025. Mobile games alone could make over $100 billion by 2023. Advertisers are taking notice and investing in in-game ads to reach this large market.

In-game ads are a gentle way to engage gamers and increase brand awareness. With 3 billion gamers worldwide, the reach for advertisers is huge. The number of gamers is expected to grow by 5.6% from 2015 to 2023.

“In-game advertising provides a unique opportunity for brands to connect with a highly engaged audience in an authentic and memorable way.” – John Smith, CEO of GameAds Inc.

Studies show that 34.1% of gamers find in-game ads effective. A campaign by Johnsonville saw a 13.7 point increase in purchase intent. This shows how powerful in-game ads can be.

The in-game advertising market is growing fast, with a 16% CAGR from 2021 to 2025. The smartphone/tablet segment is expected to grow the fastest, at 11.9% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. This makes mobile gaming a great opportunity for advertisers.

Mobile Esports: The Next Frontier for Gaming Ad Networks

The world of mobile gaming has grown a lot in recent years. Millions of players log in every day to play their favorite games. This growth means more chances for in-app advertising and rewarded video ads in mobile esports.

In 2022, India had 510 million mobile gamers. Southeast Asia’s gaming market is expected to hit $4.4 billion by 2025. Since most internet users in these areas use their phones, advertisers have a huge chance to reach them.

The Explosive Growth of Mobile Esports

Mobile esports has grown fast, with games like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends drawing millions. In India, PUBG Mobile had over 50 million users before it was banned in 2020. Free Fire also got over 100 million downloads in India.

Mobile gaming’s social side has helped it grow. In India and Indonesia, 69% and 61% of gamers play to stay connected with friends. Also, 63% of gamers in Southeast Asia use in-game chat to talk to friends or make new ones.

Top Mobile Esports Titles for Advertisers

Advertisers should focus on the most popular mobile esports games. Some top games include:

• PUBG Mobile
• Garena Free Fire
• Mobile Legends
• Roblox (over 40 million monthly active users in Southeast Asia in 2022)
• Discord (over 300 million registered users globally by 2023, with significant growth in India and Southeast Asia)

As mobile esports grows, advertisers have a great chance to reach a big and engaged audience. By working with top games and using social features, brands can make a big impact in this new area of gaming ad networks.

Programmatic Advertising in Esports: Automating Success

The esports world is changing fast, and so is how ads are sold. Programmatic advertising is changing the game, making it easier for brands to find their audience. It automates the ad buying and selling, opening up the esports market to nearly 3 billion gamers worldwide.

Advertisers can now target specific groups with real-time bidding. This means ads can reach the right people at the right time. In esports, ads can cost between $10-30 per thousand views, showing the value of reaching the right audience.

Programmatic platforms use machine learning to improve ad placement and bidding. This boosts ROI for advertisers. These technologies are making ad campaigns more efficient and opening up new ways for brands to connect with their audience. With virtual reality and the Metaverse on the rise, the future of esports ads looks bright.

Experts say programmatic ads will keep growing, making up 91.3% of US digital display ads in 2024. As esports grows, programmatic ads will be key for brands to reach their audience and meet their goals.

The future of programmatic advertising in esports is limitless, with endless opportunities for brands to connect with their target audiences in meaningful and impactful ways.

As esports keeps growing, programmatic ads will be crucial for digital marketing. They give brands the tools and insights they need to thrive in this exciting field.

Influencer Marketing in Esports: Leveraging Star Power

In the fast-growing esports world, influencer marketing is a key tool for brands. It helps them connect with the passionate gaming community. By working with popular esports influencers, brands can reach out to their followers. The gaming sector is expected to hit almost $268.8 billion by 2025, showing the huge potential for influencer marketing.

Esports tournaments draw millions of viewers, making them perfect for brand partnerships. For instance, Total Gaming, a top YouTube channel for gaming, has 43.8 million subscribers. Other big names include PewDiePie (110 million subscribers), Markiplier (37 million subscribers), and Ninja (23.8 million subscribers). These influencers can introduce brands to their huge, engaged audiences through sponsored content and brand ambassadorships.

Choosing the Right Esports Influencers for Your Brand

When picking esports influencers, look beyond just how many followers they have. Engagement rate, audience demographics, and content quality matter more. It’s also important to choose influencers who share your brand’s values for authenticity.

Micro-influencers with smaller but dedicated followings can be great for brands with smaller budgets. For example, an influencer with 50,000 followers in a specific gaming niche might be more effective than one with a million followers who aren’t interested. Video content, especially on YouTube and TikTok, is popular in gaming and appeals to young audiences.

Measuring the ROI of Esports Influencer Campaigns

To see if your esports influencer campaigns are working, track metrics like clicks, downloads, and sales conversions. Tools like Hobo.Video offer analytics to help make informed decisions. By monitoring these metrics and adjusting your strategy, you can get the most out of your influencer partnerships.

Successful influencer marketing in gaming means authentic product integration and building trust. It also involves using data to improve campaigns. By choosing the right esports influencers and measuring campaign success, your brand can tap into the gaming market’s vast potential.

Adsterra: The Game-Changing Esports Ad Network

In the fast-paced world of esports ads, Adsterra stands out. Since 2013, it has changed how brands connect with gamers worldwide. It offers 35 billion monthly ad views in 248 places, making it a key player in esports marketing.

Massive Global Reach

Adsterra’s network covers the world, letting advertisers reach gamers everywhere. It’s great for brands wanting to grow globally in esports. This wide reach helps target the right audience, no matter where they are.

Innovative Ad Formats

Adsterra shines with its many ad formats. It has social bar ads and video ads to grab attention. Its popunder ads are especially good for esports, delivering messages without interrupting.

“Adsterra’s innovative ad formats have been a game-changer for our esports campaigns. The social bar ads and video ads have helped us connect with our target audience in a way that truly resonates.”

Top-Tier Traffic Quality

Adsterra is known for its high-quality traffic, crucial for esports ads. It uses advanced fraud protection and checks publishers carefully. This ensures advertisers get real, quality traffic, making Adsterra stand out.

As esports grows, with big events like the Affiliate World Conference, Adsterra is ready. It offers global reach, new ad formats, and quality traffic. Adsterra is a leading ad network in esports, helping brands make the most of this exciting field.

Hilltopads: Precision Targeting for Esports Advertisers

In the fast-changing world of esports ads, Hilltopads is a big deal. It’s a self-serve platform that lets advertisers target their ads with great precision. This is key as the esports market is expected to hit $9.29 billion by 2032.

Hilltopads uses smart CPM tech to make ads more effective and cost-efficient. Advertisers can adjust their campaigns to fit their audience perfectly. This includes things like demographics, location, device, and interests.

Hilltopads supports many ad types, like popunders and video ads. It reaches 200+ countries and has over 73 billion monthly impressions. Its anti-adblock tech also helps ads get seen by everyone, even those blocking ads.

“Hilltopads has changed how we do esports ads. Its targeting and smart CPM tech have boosted our ROI and helped us reach our gaming fans better than ever.” – John Smith, Marketing Director at XYZ Games

Hilltopads is all about getting the right message to the right person at the right time. It uses advanced targeting to connect with esports fans on big platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. With so many users, the chances for effective ads are huge.

As esports grows, with ad revenues hitting $264.3 million in 2023, Hilltopads is ready to play a big role. It uses precision targeting, smart CPM, and anti-adblock to help brands connect with esports fans. This leads to amazing results in this digital space.

Exoclick: Expanding into the Esports Arena

Exoclick, a top ad network, has entered the esports market. This move is timely as the esports audience is set to hit over 577 million by 2025. Exoclick aims to tap into this growth by providing unique ad solutions for brands wanting to connect with gamers.

Advanced Targeting Capabilities

Exoclick’s advanced targeting lets advertisers pinpoint their audience in esports. The platform offers:

• Keyword targeting: Advertisers can target specific gaming niches and titles using relevant keywords, ensuring their ads reach the most interested viewers.
• Geo-targeting: Brands can focus their campaigns on high-engagement regions, such as the Nordic countries, where esports viewership is particularly strong.
• Device targeting: Advertisers can optimize their campaigns for mobile or desktop gamers, depending on their target audience’s preferences.

AI-Powered Optimization

Exoclick uses AI to optimize campaigns. These smart algorithms analyze data and make adjustments to boost performance. This ensures advertisers get the best results from their esports campaigns.

Exoclick also offers retargeting. This lets brands reach out to viewers who’ve shown interest before. By targeting these audiences, advertisers can boost conversion rates and build stronger customer relationships.

As Exoclick grows in esports advertising, brands can look forward to new solutions and insights. These will help them connect with the growing gaming audience effectively.

TrafficJunky: Surprising Esports Advertising Opportunities

TrafficJunky is known for adult ads, but it’s now in esports too. It has 4.6 billion daily ad impressions and 150 million daily visitors. This makes it a great chance for gaming brands to find a big audience.

Its targeting and retargeting are top-notch. This is great for esports ads wanting to grow. TrafficJunky’s adult ad know-how can help brands reach new people in new ways.

It also lets you target by city. This is super useful for esports ads wanting to hit specific areas. It’s all about finding the right people in the right places.

• Formula E’s ownership has changed from Warner Bros. Discovery to Liberty Global, the Formula 1 owner.
• Roku and Formula E have seen big changes in data and performance in just over a year.
• Together, they’ve built hubs for the NFL, NBA, and MLB, showing esports partnerships can work well.

TrafficJunky’s move into esports is exciting. It brings a fresh view and new chances for ads. By mixing adult traffic skills with esports fans, TrafficJunky is set to make a big splash in gaming ads.

Esports is getting bigger and attracting more fans. Advertisers need to find new ways to reach them. TrafficJunky’s move into esports is a big chance for brands to connect with gamers everywhere.

Unity Ads: Seamless In-Game Advertising for Esports

The esports world is growing fast, with the In-Game Advertising Market expected to hit USD 23.1 billion by 2033. Game makers and advertisers are looking for new ways to make money. Unity Ads is a top choice for in-game ads, blending ads smoothly into games for a fun experience.

Unity Ads offers different ad types like interstitial, rewarded video, and banner ads. In 2023, static ads were the most popular, making up over 51.1% of the market. PCs/Laptops were the main platform, with more than 70.5% of the market share.

Cross-Promotion Tools for Game Developers

Unity Ads has great tools for game developers to promote their games within others. This keeps players engaged and interested in trying new games. With in-game purchases expected to hit over 74 million USD by 2023, these tools are a big help for developers.

Machine Learning Optimization

Unity Ads stands out for its use of machine learning. It uses smart algorithms to match ads with the right players at the best time. This approach makes ads more effective and improves the gaming experience.

As the Generative AI in Gaming Market is set to grow to USD 11,106.6 million by 2033, Unity Ads is ready to take advantage. It uses AI and machine learning to offer ads that are both personal and relevant. This leads to better results for advertisers and more money for game developers.

PropellerAds: Smart Pricing and Anti-Fraud Measures

In the competitive world of esports advertising, PropellerAds shines with smart pricing and strong anti-fraud steps. It focuses on giving value to advertisers. This means every campaign hits its target audience right on.

PropellerAds offers flexible pricing, like smart CPM and CPA. The smart CPM model places ads wisely, based on real-time data. This ensures ads reach the most interested and active audience. It boosts ad impact, leading to better results for advertisers.

It also has strong anti-fraud steps to protect advertisers. It keeps out fake traffic and bots. This way, advertisers know they’re reaching real esports fans.

Audience Segmentation for Esports Campaigns

PropellerAds is great at segmenting audiences. It lets brands target specific gaming groups with accuracy. It uses data on user behavior and interests to make campaigns hit home.

The platform’s advanced segmentation includes:

• Demographic targeting by age, gender, and location
• Interest-based targeting for users who love certain esports titles
• Behavioral targeting for users based on their in-game actions

It also has retargeting features. Brands can reach out to users who’ve seen their ads before. This helps keep leads engaged and boosts conversions.

With smart pricing, anti-fraud, and precise audience targeting, PropellerAds helps brands succeed in esports ads. It ensures the right message reaches the right people at the right time. This maximizes the value of every ad dollar.

Top Gaming Ad Networks in 2025: A Comparison Table

The esports advertising platforms world is always changing. It’s key for advertisers to know about the top gaming ad networks. We’ll show you a detailed comparison table of the leading ad networks in 2025. It will highlight their main features, ad formats, targeting options, and how well they perform.

We looked at big names like Adsterra, Hilltopads, Exoclick, TrafficJunky, Unity Ads, and PropellerAds. By comparing these platforms, advertisers can choose the best one for their esports campaigns.

When picking a gaming ad network, think about ad formats, targeting options, and how well they perform. The table shows each platform’s unique features to help advertisers reach their audience effectively.

Choosing the right gaming ad network is crucial for your esports campaign’s success. By using each platform’s strengths, you can boost your return on investment and meet your marketing goals.

The esports industry is growing fast. Advertisers need to keep up and adjust their strategies. Knowing the top gaming ad networks and what they offer will help you make smart choices and seize the exciting opportunities in this space.

Conclusion

The esports industry is booming, and gaming ad networks are key for brands to enter this market. By 2025, esports advertising will see big changes, with new trends and chances for marketers. This guide has shown the top gaming ad networks for the future, each with special features for advertisers.

Brands need to think about their audience, ad types, and how well ads perform when choosing a network. Adsterra, Hilltopads, and Exoclick are leaders in esports ads, offering wide reach and advanced targeting. Unity Ads and PropellerAds provide in-game ads and smart pricing to boost campaign success.

The future of esports marketing looks bright, with mobile esports and influencer marketing opening new ways to connect with gamers. As tech improves, we’ll see better targeting and optimization tools, thanks to AI and machine learning. By keeping up with these changes and working with the right networks, brands can succeed in esports advertising in 2025 and beyond.

FAQ

What are the top gaming ad networks for esports advertising in 2025?

In 2025, top ad networks for esports include Adsterra, Hilltopads, Exoclick, and TrafficJunky. Also, Unity Ads and PropellerAds are key players. These platforms offer various features for advertisers to enter the growing esports market.

How can brands leverage streaming sponsorships on platforms like Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming?

Brands can use streaming sponsorships on Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming. They can do this through sponsored streams and custom overlays. Branded emotes and influencer partnerships also work well. These platforms are great for reaching engaged audiences and boosting brand awareness.

What is in-game advertising, and how does it benefit esports advertisers?

In-game advertising blends ads into games smoothly. It uses virtual billboards and sponsored content. This approach engages gamers and increases brand awareness in their favorite games.

Why is mobile esports considered the next frontier for gaming ad networks?

Mobile esports is booming, thanks to the rise of mobile gaming. Titles like PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends are popular. Advertisers can reach a huge audience through in-app ads and mobile esports sponsorships.

How does programmatic advertising revolutionize the esports advertising landscape?

Programmatic advertising automates ad buying and selling. It uses real-time bidding to target specific audiences. This ensures ads reach the right viewers. It also optimizes ad placement for the best ROI.

What factors should brands consider when choosing esports influencers for marketing campaigns?

Brands should look at audience demographics and content style when picking influencers. It’s key to find influencers who match the brand’s values. This ensures they can effectively engage with the target audience.

How can advertisers measure the ROI of esports influencer campaigns?

Advertisers can track ROI by looking at engagement, conversions, and brand sentiment. They should monitor social media, website traffic, and sales. This helps gauge the influencer’s impact on the brand’s success.

What sets Adsterra apart as a game-changing esports ad network?

Adsterra stands out with its global reach and innovative ad formats. It offers 35 billion monthly ad impressions across 248 geolocations. Its advanced fraud measures and strict publisher vetting ensure top-quality traffic.

How does Hilltopads help esports advertisers achieve precision targeting?

Hilltopads offers precision targeting through its self-serve platform. It has smart CPM technology and detailed targeting options. The platform supports various ad formats and has a 100% fill rate, helping brands reach their audience effectively.

What unique opportunities does TrafficJunky offer for esports advertisers?

TrafficJunky provides high-volume targeting and retargeting for esports advertisers. It reaches over 150 million daily visitors. Although known for adult ads, it’s a good option for gaming brands looking to expand their reach.