Global In-app Advertising Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)
By Type;
Banner Ads, Interstitial Ads, Rich Media Ads, Video Ads, and Native Ads.By Platform;
Android, iOS, and Others.By Application;
Messaging, Entertainment, Gaming, Online Shopping, Payment & Ticketing, and Others.By Geography;
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031).Introduction
Global In-app Advertising Market (USD Million), 2021 - 2031
In the year 2024, the Global In-app Advertising Market was valued at USD 183,384.71 million. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 641,920.69 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.6%.
The global in-app advertising market is a rapidly growing sector within the broader digital advertising landscape. With the widespread adoption of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, in-app advertising has become an essential channel for advertisers to reach highly engaged users. As more individuals spend significant amounts of time on mobile applications, in-app advertisements offer a unique opportunity to deliver targeted marketing messages directly to the users in an immersive and non-disruptive environment. This shift from traditional forms of advertising to in-app ads represents a major transformation in how businesses engage with consumers.
In-app advertising encompasses various formats, including display ads, video ads, native ads, and interactive ads, each serving different purposes and catering to distinct user preferences. Display ads appear as banners or pop-ups within an app, while video ads can either be rewarded or unskippable. Native ads seamlessly integrate with the app's content, providing a less intrusive experience, and interactive ads engage users in a more hands-on way, driving higher engagement rates. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, in-app advertising has become more personalized, allowing advertisers to serve tailored content based on user behavior, preferences, and demographic data.
The market's growth is fueled by several key factors, including the increasing penetration of smartphones and the rise of mobile gaming, social media, and e-commerce apps. As consumers continue to spend more time on mobile devices, advertisers are increasingly shifting their budgets from traditional media, such as television and print, to digital platforms. Additionally, the growing importance of data analytics and programmatic advertising technologies has made it easier for advertisers to optimize campaigns and measure their effectiveness, contributing to the rising adoption of in-app ads. Moreover, the growing number of apps available globally creates a vast inventory for advertisers to choose from, making it easier to reach niche audiences.
Despite the tremendous growth of the in-app advertising market, it faces several challenges, such as privacy concerns and ad fatigue. With increasing scrutiny over data privacy and regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), advertisers must ensure that they are compliant with these laws while still delivering effective campaigns. Additionally, consumers may experience ad fatigue due to the overabundance of ads in apps, leading to potential disengagement. Nonetheless, as technology continues to evolve and advertisers adapt to changing consumer behavior, the in-app advertising market is poised for sustained growth and innovation in the coming years.
Global In-app Advertising Market Recent Developments
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In February 2022, a leading advertising network integrated AI tools for real-time bidding in in-app ad spaces, boosting ad targeting efficiency.
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In November 2023, a provider launched a new SDK for interactive in-app ads, increasing user engagement and ad click-through rates.
Segment Analysis
The global in-app advertising market has seen substantial growth, driven by various types of ads used within mobile applications. Banner ads, typically static or animated, continue to dominate due to their ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness. Interstitial ads, which occupy the entire screen during transitions, are effective in engaging users but can be intrusive if not implemented carefully. Rich media ads, combining text, graphics, and video, offer interactive and engaging experiences that help in attracting user attention. Video ads have emerged as a popular choice, offering both skippable and non-skippable formats that cater to diverse consumer preferences. Native ads, blending seamlessly with the app's content, are gaining traction for their ability to provide a more integrated and non-disruptive experience.
On the platform side, Android and iOS remain the leading operating systems for in-app advertisements, with Android holding a larger share due to its global reach and diverse user base. iOS, although a smaller segment, commands a higher average revenue per user (ARPU), making it attractive for advertisers seeking premium audiences. Other platforms, including web-based and cross-platform applications, also contribute to the market, though they remain secondary in comparison to Android and iOS. The competition between these platforms is expected to continue intensifying, particularly as developers look to optimize ad strategies to fit the unique requirements of each operating system.
In-app advertising spans various applications, each with its own opportunities and challenges. Messaging apps, with large user bases, have immense potential for advertising, particularly through personalized ad experiences. The entertainment and gaming sectors are highly lucrative for advertisers, as they offer long engagement times and a high likelihood of user interaction with ads. Online shopping apps present an opportunity to integrate direct purchase options into ads, driving both visibility and conversions. Payment and ticketing apps, while more niche, provide targeted opportunities for advertisers focusing on financial services, entertainment, and travel.
Geographically, North America holds a significant share of the in-app advertising market, driven by high smartphone penetration and a robust digital advertising ecosystem. Europe follows closely, with a strong emphasis on privacy regulations that influence ad targeting strategies. The Asia Pacific region is expected to exhibit the highest growth, fueled by the increasing smartphone adoption and rapidly growing mobile app usage in countries like China and India. The Middle East and Africa, though currently smaller in comparison, are seeing a rise in mobile internet penetration, creating new opportunities for advertisers. Latin America, with its expanding middle class and mobile-first markets, offers a promising environment for in-app advertising growth in the coming years.
Global In-app Advertising Segment Analysis
In this report, the global in-app advertising market has been segmented by Type, Platform, Application and Geography.
Global In-app Advertising Market, Segmentation by Type
The Global In-app Advertising Market has been segmented by Type into Banner Ads, Interstitial Ads, Rich Media Ads, Video Ads and Native Ads.
The Global In-app Advertising Market has experienced substantial growth due to the increasing use of mobile devices and the shift towards digital marketing strategies. One of the key segments within this market is banner ads, which are typically small, static, or animated advertisements displayed at the top or bottom of the screen. Banner ads have been a staple in mobile advertising due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, their relatively low engagement rates have led advertisers to explore other formats.
Another significant segment is interstitial ads, which are full-screen ads that appear at natural transition points in an app, such as when switching between app pages or during load times. These ads often result in higher engagement rates as they capture the user’s attention. However, their intrusive nature has raised concerns among users, potentially leading to a negative experience and higher rates of ad avoidance. Despite these concerns, interstitial ads remain a popular choice due to their effectiveness in driving higher click-through rates.
Video ads and rich media ads are also crucial components of the in-app advertising market. Video ads offer a dynamic and engaging format, often being placed at the beginning or middle of the user experience, and are highly favored for their ability to showcase detailed content. On the other hand, rich media ads allow for more interaction, such as expandable ads or interactive features, enabling users to engage with the ad in a more immersive way. Native ads, which blend seamlessly with the app's content, provide a less disruptive advertising experience and are gaining traction due to their ability to maintain user engagement without interrupting the app’s flow.
Global In-app Advertising Market, Segmentation by Platform
The Global In-app Advertising Market has been segmented by Platform into Android, iOS and Others.
The global in-app advertising market is segmented by platform into Android, iOS, and Others. The Android platform holds a significant share in the market, driven by the wide adoption of Android-based devices across the globe. With millions of users accessing apps on Android devices, advertisers are increasingly targeting this platform to reach a larger audience. The availability of various ad formats, such as display ads, video ads, and native ads, has made Android a preferred platform for in-app advertising, allowing advertisers to optimize their campaigns for better user engagement.
The iOS platform also plays a vital role in the in-app advertising market. Despite Android's larger global market share, iOS users are often seen as high-value consumers with stronger purchasing power, making it a lucrative platform for advertisers. iOS offers a premium user experience, and advertisers can leverage advanced targeting capabilities to deliver personalized ads. The growing number of iPhone and iPad users worldwide contributes to the rise of in-app advertising revenue generated through iOS applications.
Apart from Android and iOS, there is a growing segment of "Others," which includes various other platforms and devices. These platforms encompass emerging operating systems, such as those used in wearables, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. While the share of "Others" in the global market is smaller compared to Android and iOS, it is steadily increasing as more users engage with apps across a broader range of devices. This segment offers unique opportunities for advertisers to tap into niche markets and target specific user behaviors, further diversifying the in-app advertising landscape.
Global In-app Advertising Market, Segmentation by Application
The Global In-app Advertising Market has been segmented by Application into Messaging, Entertainment, Gaming, Online Shopping, Payment & Ticketing and Others.
The global in-app advertising market has been segmented by application into several categories, each catering to specific user needs and behaviors. One of the primary segments is messaging, where ads are integrated into popular messaging platforms, allowing advertisers to reach consumers in real-time conversations. This category has seen significant growth due to the increasing usage of messaging apps, which offer advertisers the chance to target a wide audience with tailored ads, especially in regions where such apps dominate communication.
Another important segment is entertainment, which includes streaming services, video-on-demand platforms, and music apps. With the growing consumption of digital content, entertainment apps offer advertisers a rich environment for in-app ads. These platforms engage users for extended periods, giving advertisers more opportunities to display ads, ranging from display ads to interactive ones that increase user engagement. This segment's growth is driven by the widespread adoption of subscription-based services and the shift in consumer habits towards digital entertainment.
The gaming segment represents one of the largest and fastest-growing applications for in-app advertising. In-game ads are increasingly popular, particularly in mobile and casual gaming, where players often encounter ads between levels or during gameplay. Online shopping, payment, and ticketing apps also play a key role in the in-app advertising space. These apps are used for e-commerce transactions, making them ideal for targeted ads related to products and services. Other applications, including news, sports, and health-related apps, also contribute to the growth of the market by offering advertisers a variety of ways to connect with their audience. Each of these segments leverages in-app advertising to enhance user experience and generate revenue.
Global In-app Advertising Market, Segmentation by Geography
In this report, the Global In-app Advertising Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.
Global In-app Advertising Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2024
The Asia Pacific region is expected to maintain its dominance in the in-app advertising market throughout the forecast period. The increasing internet penetration and widespread use of smartphones in developing countries like China, South Korea, and Japan are driving significant growth in this sector. This has created a fertile ground for in-app advertising, with more users engaging with mobile apps on a daily basis. As a result, the region continues to be a primary focus for marketers seeking to reach a larger audience.
In addition to the expanding mobile user base, advanced analytics solutions, powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence, are playing a key role in the region's in-app advertising growth. These technologies enable marketers to gain deeper insights into consumer behavior, allowing for more targeted and effective advertising strategies across various mobile platforms. This technological integration enhances the overall efficiency of in-app ads, contributing to the market's expansion.
In North America, the in-app advertising market is poised for notable growth as well, driven by the large number of smartphone users in the region. The rising popularity of mobile streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix has expanded the opportunities for in-app advertising, offering advertisers a broader audience. The shift towards mobile devices for entertainment consumption has created new avenues for reaching consumers through apps.
The rapid growth of the gaming market and mobile shopping in North America are expected to further fuel the demand for in-app advertising. With mobile games becoming more immersive and engaging, advertisers are leveraging these platforms to reach a highly engaged audience. Similarly, the increasing popularity of mobile shopping, due to its convenience and enhanced user experience, is driving further growth in the in-app advertising sector, as businesses seek to advertise products and services directly through mobile applications.
Market Trends
This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global In-app Advertising Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.
Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis
Drivers:
- Increasing Smartphone and Internet Penetration
- Rising Adoption of Mobile Apps
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Advancements in Data Analytics and Targeting Capabilities- The advancements in data analytics and targeting capabilities have revolutionized the global in-app advertising market. With the rise of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, advertisers can now gather and analyze vast amounts of user data, such as demographics, behaviors, preferences, and location. These insights enable advertisers to create highly personalized and targeted ad campaigns. In-app advertising, which leverages these data-driven strategies, allows for a deeper understanding of users' in-app behavior, thus providing opportunities for advertisers to deliver more relevant and timely ads. This not only enhances the user experience but also maximizes the effectiveness of the ads by reaching the right audience at the right time.
As targeting capabilities become more refined, in-app advertising has evolved from simple ad placements to highly sophisticated and dynamic strategies. With the ability to segment users based on specific behaviors, interests, or past interactions, advertisers can now deliver tailored ads that resonate with each individual. Advanced predictive analytics also allows for more precise forecasting of user behavior, enabling advertisers to optimize ad strategies in real-time. For example, AI algorithms can predict when a user is most likely to engage with an ad or make a purchase, allowing for more effective budget allocation and improved return on investment (ROI).
The integration of programmatic advertising has accelerated the growth of the global in-app advertising market. This automation enables real-time bidding for ad space, where advertisers can leverage sophisticated data analytics to bid on ad placements that match their target audience profiles. As targeting capabilities improve, advertisers are increasingly able to deliver ads that are not only contextually relevant but also customized to an individual’s preferences. With these advancements in data analytics and targeting, in-app advertising is becoming more efficient, personalized, and impactful, thus driving the overall growth of the market.
Restraints:
- Privacy Concerns and Data Protection Regulations
- Ad-Blocking Technology and User Resistance
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Limited Ad Inventory in Some Apps- Limited ad inventory in some apps is a significant restraint in the global in-app advertising market. As the demand for in-app advertisements grows, many app developers face a shortage of available ad spaces, particularly in niche or smaller apps. These apps may not generate enough traffic or engagement to offer a substantial amount of ad space, making it difficult for advertisers to secure placements. This scarcity limits the number of ads that can be displayed to users, thus affecting the overall revenue generation potential for app developers and advertisers alike.
The lack of ad inventory can also lead to a more competitive advertising environment. Advertisers looking to place ads on high-demand apps may face higher costs due to limited space, which can drive up the price per impression or per click. This situation is particularly challenging for smaller businesses or advertisers with limited budgets, as they may be unable to afford the premium costs associated with popular apps. Consequently, the limited inventory in certain apps restricts the diversity of advertisers who can participate in the in-app advertising ecosystem, narrowing the reach of campaigns.
The constraint of limited ad inventory can also affect the effectiveness of ad targeting and user experience. When there are fewer available ad slots, the ads that do appear may not be as well-targeted or relevant to users. Advertisers may have to rely on broader targeting strategies, leading to less personalized ad experiences. This can reduce the overall effectiveness of in-app advertising, as users may be less likely to engage with ads that are not tailored to their interests or needs. Thus, limited ad inventory can have a cascading effect on both the revenue potential for app developers and the advertising experience for users.
Opportunities:
- Growth in Video and Interactive Ads
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
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Integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Ads- The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in advertising represents a cutting-edge opportunity in the global in-app advertising market. AR and VR technologies enable advertisers to create immersive, interactive experiences that captivate users, resulting in deeper engagement. With AR, users can interact with virtual objects overlaid in real-world settings using their mobile devices, while VR provides fully immersive digital environments. By incorporating these technologies into in-app advertisements, brands can offer experiences that go beyond traditional media, fostering a stronger connection with their audience.
In-app advertising benefits significantly from the adoption of AR and VR, as these technologies can create highly personalized and engaging campaigns. For instance, users could try on products virtually using AR before making a purchase decision, a practice already becoming popular in retail apps. VR, on the other hand, can transport users to virtual showrooms, concerts, or other branded experiences, offering a sense of presence and interaction that traditional ads simply cannot match. As consumers increasingly seek more interactive and entertaining content, AR and VR have the potential to redefine how brands engage with their target market, driving higher conversion rates and increased ad spend in the process.
The growing demand for AR and VR in advertising is driven by the continuous advancement of mobile device capabilities, including better camera systems, faster processors, and improved display quality. These advancements allow for more seamless and lifelike AR and VR experiences within apps, thus enhancing the overall user experience. The increased popularity of gaming and social media platforms, where immersive content is already prevalent, further fuels the rise of AR and VR ads. As advertisers seek innovative ways to capture consumer attention in a crowded digital landscape, integrating AR and VR into in-app advertising will become a key strategy to stand out and create lasting impressions.
Competitive Landscape Analysis
Key players in Global In-app Advertising Market include:
- ironSource (Unity Software Inc.)
- Google AdMob (Google LLC)
- BYYD Inc
- Flurry (Yahoo Inc.)
- TUNE, Inc.
- Amobee, Inc.
- InMobi
- Glispa GmbH
- AppLovin
- Chartboost, Inc
- Smaato, Inc.
- Leadbolt
In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:
- Company Overview and Product Portfolio
- Key Developments
- Financial Overview
- Strategies
- Company SWOT Analysis
- Introduction
- Research Objectives and Assumptions
- Research Methodology
- Abbreviations
- Market Definition & Study Scope
- Executive Summary
- Market Snapshot, By Type
- Market Snapshot, By Platform
- Market Snapshot, By Application
- Market Snapshot, By Region
- Global In-app Advertising Market Dynamics
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Drivers
- Increasing Smartphone and Internet Penetration
- Rising Adoption of Mobile Apps
- Advancements in Data Analytics and Targeting Capabilities
- Restraints
- Privacy Concerns and Data Protection Regulations
- Ad-Blocking Technology and User Resistance
- Limited Ad Inventory in Some Apps
- Opportunities
- Growth in Video and Interactive Ads
- Expansion in Emerging Markets
- Integration of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in Ads
- Drivers
- PEST Analysis
- Political Analysis
- Economic Analysis
- Social Analysis
- Technological Analysis
- Porter's Analysis
- Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- Bargaining Power of Buyers
- Threat of Substitutes
- Threat of New Entrants
- Competitive Rivalry
- Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
- Market Segmentation
- Global In-app Advertising Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Banner Ads
- Interstitial Ads
- Rich Media Ads
- Video Ads
- Native Ads
- Global In-app Advertising Market, By Platform, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Android
- iOS, and Others.
- Global In-app Advertising Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Messaging
- Entertainment
- Gaming
- Online Shopping
- Payment & Ticketing
- Others
- Global In-app Advertising Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Nordic
- Benelux
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Japan
- China
- India
- Australia & New Zealand
- South Korea
- ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
- North America
- Global In-app Advertising Market, By Type, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
- Competitive Landscape
- Company Profiles
- ironSource (Unity Software Inc.)
- Google AdMob (Google LLC)
- BYYD Inc
- Flurry (Yahoo Inc.)
- TUNE, Inc.
- Amobee, Inc.
- InMobi
- Glispa GmbH
- AppLovin
- Chartboost, Inc
- Smaato, Inc.
- Leadbolt
- Company Profiles
- Analyst Views
- Future Outlook of the Market