What is an ad network? Why are ad networks important? | Adjust

On the supply-side:

The gathering of inventory (also referred to in this context as impressions) performed by ad networks could take place one of two ways:

1. The ad network collects the inventory from publisher sites
2. The ad network buys bulk impressions

Regardless of which method is used to acquire the inventory, the next step is to sort according to what’s in demand. Parameters used could include price, audience, or other factors. The ad network can then resell the suitable impressions from ad publishers to app marketers.

Ad networks offer advertisers a huge time savings; otherwise it would take app marketers many hours to filter through available ad inventory themselves. A large number of mobile ad networks support a wide spectrum of different formats from banners to native ads. However, some focus on specific formats, such as video (more on this below).

On the demand-side:

Some ad networks offer a platform for advertisers to sign in and manage their advertising campaigns. Others offer a managed service in which account managers act as consultants and use their expertise to ensure campaigns run at optimal levels.

Examples of ad networks include Google AdSense, AppLovin, media.net, Publift, PopAds, and Adcash, among many others.