Rewarded Ads vs Interstitial Ads: Which One Makes More Money?
If you build or manage a mobile game, you’ve probably asked this question at least once:
“Should I rely more on rewarded ads or interstitial ads?”
Both formats are among the most popular types of in-game advertising, and both can generate solid revenue. But they work in very different ways. The real key is understanding how each one impacts player experience, engagement, and long-term monetization.
What Are Interstitial Ads?
Interstitial ads are full-screen ads that appear at natural breaks in the game, usually after a level ends, before a new stage starts, or when a player pauses the game.
Why do developers use them?
- They’re easy to implement
- They deliver high impressions
- They can boost short-term revenue quickly
Why don’t players always love them?
Because they interrupt gameplay. If overused, players may feel “forced” to watch ads, which can lead to frustration and even churn.
What Are Rewarded Ads?
Rewarded ads are voluntary video ads that players choose to watch in exchange for in-game benefits, such as extra lives, currency, boosts, skins, or premium content.
Why do developers love them?
- They deliver higher engagement
- They generate higher eCPM
- They create a positive ad experience
Why do players love them?
Because they get something valuable, and they feel in control, no interruptions.
Which Is More Profitable?
The short answer: Rewarded ads often generate more revenue overall, especially in the long run. The long answer depends on your game type, player behavior, and how the ads are placed.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Why Rewarded Ads Tend to Earn More:
- Higher eCPMs
Rewarded ads usually deliver one of the highest eCPM rates in the industry. Advertisers pay more because the user is highly engaged and voluntarily completing the ad.
- Better User Experience
Players see rewarded ads as part of the game, not an interruption.
Good experience → longer play sessions → more ad opportunities → more revenue.
- Increased Retention
Because rewarded ads help players progress or win more often, they stick around longer. Better retention = more long-term revenue.
- They Monetize Both Spenders & Non-Spenders
Not everyone buys IAP. Rewarded ads let you monetize the majority of players who never spend a cent.
Why Interstitial Ads Can Still Be Valuable
Interstitial ads are not “bad”, they just need careful placement.
- Great for Quick Revenue
If your game gets high daily active users (DAU), interstitial ads can deliver strong short-term earnings.
- Effective for Fast-Paced Games
Casual and hyper-casual games often rely on interstitials because:
- Levels are short
- Players expect quick breaks
- The “flow” of the game fits the format
- They Boost Total Ad Impressions
Even if eCPM is lower than rewarded ads, interstitials can still add meaningful revenue because of volume.
Which One Should You Use? Rewarded or Interstitial?
The best approach is usually both, but with different weights depending on your game.
Here’s the comparison in one glance:
| Criteria | Rewarded Ads | Interstitial Ads |
| User experience | ✅ Very positive | ❌ Can be interruptive |
| eCPM | ✅ Higher | ✅ Moderate |
| Engagement | ✅ Very high | ✅ Medium |
| Retention impact | ✅ Helps retention | ❌ Can hurt retention if overused |
| Best for | Strategy, puzzle, RPG, idle, simulation | Casual, hyper-casual |
| Long-term revenue | ✅ Strong | ⚠️ Depends on placement |
Conclusion
If you want to build long-term, stable revenue, the winner is: Rewarded Ads, because they offer:
- Higher eCPMs
- Happier players
- Longer retention
- Better monetization for non-spenders
However, interstitials are still useful, especially in games with short levels and large DAU. The best-performing games often combine both:
- Rewarded ads for high-value revenue
- Interstitial ads for additional volume
When managed well, this hybrid approach can maximize overall monetization without harming the player experience.
