Gaming has become more accessible because of the advancement in HTML5 games, which let users play games on the web without needing additional downloads. More than 1.1 billion people globally play online games, and the gaming industry is only expected to grow in the coming years. Google is now leveraging this lucrative opportunity to help publishers and developers monetize their websites.
AdSense for Publishers is paving the way for a new revenue stream built for H5 game sites and web applications. As HTML 5 provides flexible options to personalise page structures, showcase multimedia and interactive elements, H5 games are growing to new heights. The further section dives deep into the unique features of Adsense for H5, use cases and how you can sign up for the beta version.
What is AdSense for H5?
Adsense for H5, also known as H5 Game Ads, is a revenue medium through which developers and publishers can display high-yield ads in their H5 mobile web applications and games to monetize the traffic. H5 Game ads are advertisements designed to appear at appropriate times during the players’ session without interrupting the gaming experience. This monetization solution is currently in the beta phase, and users are selected based on certain partner eligibility criteria.
Key Features of AdSense for H5
Some of the standout features of AdSense that will make it a lucrative revenue stream are:
1. Ad Formats
H5 Game ads support two ad formats—interstitial and rewarded—which can be placed at six different points on your site. Interstitial ads are full-screen ads usually placed at regular intervals, such as the end of the session, level-ups or load time. Rewarded ads allow users to continue or upgrade to the next stage of the game with required credits such as coins or second lives.
While both ads can yield high impressions and engagement, Google has certain policies regarding the location of these ads. Some of the best ad units for both interstitial and rewarded ads are:
- Preroll – while the game is rendering
- Start – when the game is ready to play
- Pause – when users pause a game session in between
- Browse – when users are outside game sessions, customising the setting
- Next- when users upgrade to the next level
- Reward – when users need credits or rewards to progress in the game
When you integrate with the H5 Game Ads API, ad units are automatically assigned and displayed in suitable places at regular intervals. However, you can also configure this setting to improve their performance. While customizing the ad units, ensure you follow H5 Game Ads Beta policies to avoid compliance issues.
2. Easy Integration
AdSense for H5 is simple and easy to set up. Once your account is approved for beta, you can integrate the API in your HTML5 web app or JavaScript by following the detailed instructions provided in the H5 Games implementation tutorial.
With a few lines of code in the site file and a custom setting to decide the format and locations of the ad units, your mobile web app or games will be optimized with ads. With examples and testing options, you can run trials and view how ads will appear on your platform to get a preview of monetizable ads.
3. Drives Revenue
Unlike content ads, which rely on multiple factors to drive engagement and impression, H5 Game ad formats are intuitively designed to capture users’ attention. Interstitial ads occupy a full page and require users to watch the ad for a specific duration, so they naturally command the impression. Similarly, rewarded ads contribute to users’ gaming experience and help them progress, hence attracting higher engagement. Comparatively, it is easier to get users to interact with or watch your ads, considering the user experience is not compromised.
4. Video Ads to Engage Users
75% of people prefer to learn about a product or service through video over text. As users are more accustomed to engaging in video than text-heavy content, your H5 Game ads will likely hook them and encourage a response.
As interstitial and reward ads can help readers progress through the game by allowing them to continue their session or rewarding them to upgrade to the next phase, users will be invested to interact with the game ads.
5. Analytics
Analytics provides access to extensive performance data that helps you find the best locations to place ads on your site or mobile web app. While you can access individual performance data about each ad format, location and ad placement, you can also create a custom channel to track traffic sources, game categories, etc., and personalise your reports for better monitoring.
6. Cross Platform & simplicity
H5 Games can be accessed from any modern device, such as connected TVs, desktops, mobile phones, and tablets; hence, H5 Game Ads are also compatible with different devices. You can easily embed games on your site or use iFrame to publish games on different sites or pages for a better user experience. Further, if your H5 games are displayed in the webpage version of the mobile app, you can integrate with Admobile to capitalise on your app ads. You can even use the same Adsense code for content and game ads, making it easier to manage Adsense.
7. Revenue Medium for Non-publishers
Besides gaming publishers and developers, H5 Game ads help non-publishers increase audience engagement and retention. Gamifying the experience allows readers to stay on the site longer. In fact, 67% of the people who engage with H5 ads on non-publishing sites say they explore the brands’ products or services. This indicates ads can positively impact content engagement and brand impressions if integrated in a way that does not affect the reader experience.
How Does AdSense for H5 Work?
If you’re considering running H5 game ads on your site, follow these steps to become a beta user and monetize your traffic.
Step 1: Sign Up and Approval
Before applying, ensure your H5 application or web app meets Google AdSense eligibility criteria. In Google’s words, “Any publisher that owns an H5 games website is eligible to apply, as long as the Advertising and AdSense Program Policies are adhered to.”
Fill out the form available in Google AdSense with your AdSense account details and wait for approval. After submission, your application will undergo a review. Google will check if it complies with its policies. The time frame for this process can vary.
Step 2: Code Integration
Once approved, you can create ad units in your AdSense account. You can use Adsense code to integrate H5 games ads as well. You can use the AdSense SDK or plain JavaScript to embed the code at the desired places within your application’s HTML5 code structure.
Step 3: Ad Placement
Customise AdSense settings to customise how ads look displayed to generate maximum engagement.
Step 4: Monetization
With everything set up, AdSense will serve ads on your H5 web apps or games. Use the analytics tools in your AdSense account to monitor how the ads perform, tracking impressions, clicks, and earnings.
Step 5: Payment
Your earnings depend on various factors, such as ad impressions, clicks, and other engagement metrics. In your AdSense account, you can select your preferred method to receive payments, such as bank transfer, check, or electronic funds transfer, depending on your country.
If you need assistance integrating AdSense code into your site, refer to the Google tutorial on implementing H5 Game ads to navigate the process easily.
Next Steps
While AdSense for H5 Games provides a lucrative revenue opportunity for gaming publishers and developers, we can expect significant developments and features to roll out as the program goes public and serves more publishers.
As the gaming industry continues to soar, H5 Game Ads’ user-focused approach sets a new standard in digital advertising. Hence, this is the best time to take advantage of this developing revenue stream as it begins to shape the future of online game monetization.
