In-app bidding best practices

In-app bidding will deliver maximum revenue when you implement these best practices:

1. When using a hybrid model (a waterfall that includes both bidding and non-bidding sources), move all non-bidding sources to one tier, and use the Sort by CPM waterfall tier type to ensure the non-bidding instances are sorted in descending order according to eCPM. Instances out of order could result in sub-optimal distribution of impressions between the bidders and the waterfall.
2. Use multiple bidding networks.  Performance is expected to be stronger when more than one network is participating in the auction.
3. To maximize performance, networks should operate as only bidders or non-bidders, never both at the same time in the same waterfall.
4. For non-bidding instances, after creating a new instance or updating the price of an existing instance, use the rate function to assign the intended eCPM of that instance. This ensures immediate optimization to maintain a waterfall sorted by descending eCPM.
5. Deprecate waterfall instances that have low traffic (less than 2% SOV of revenue) which could also affect the distribution of impressions to the bidder and waterfall.
6. Consider deprecating networks contributing less than 5% share of voice of overall revenue, to reduce operation overhead by managing fewer sources.
7. Use the bidding test to find the right strategy for your app: in-app bidding hybrid or a traditional waterfall without bidding.
8. Strategize with your ironSource team.  Together with your account manager, you can decide on a monetization action plan to deliver optimal performance and revenue.