No matter which vertical your app is in, we’d wager you’ve at least considered integrating a software development kit (SDK). In the AdTech sector, for example, 85% of the highest-grossing apps use at least one. And for good reason.

A mobile SDK is a set of tools and code that helps developers bring specific functionality into their apps quickly and reliably. Outside of functionality, mobile monetization SDKs are also important tools for revenue. From in-app purchase SDKs to commerce SDKs for mobile apps, these innovations allow developers to unlock new revenue streams without needing to build complex infrastructures themselves.

If you’re wondering which mobile SDKs are right for your app, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of SDKs, outline key evaluation criteria, and introduce common pitfalls to avoid.

What are the Common Mobile SDKs?

No two mobile SDKs are quite the same, especially when you start considering your monetization benchmarks. The right mobile monetization SDK can drive revenue, while the wrong one could bloat your app or negatively impact user experience. Here are the most common types of mobile SDKs your app may consider:

1. Ad SDKs: Ad SDKs, sometimes referred to as reward ad SDKs, are some of the most popular software development kits across Android and iOS. Google AdMob, Unity Ads, or IronSource let developers serve banner ads, interstitials, and rewarded videos within the app. While easy to implement, a downside could be that a growing number of app users, 86% to be precise, find pop-up ads frustrating.
2. Commerce SDKs: Commerce SDKs for mobile apps redefine how app developers generate revenue. Take the Appnomix Commerce SDK, for example. By connecting your app to over 50,000 eCommerce partners, we help you transform your users into revenue drivers outside your app. This non-intrusive solution delivers personalized discounts and coupon codes at checkout when users shop at their favorite online retailers, allowing them to save money and your app to earn a slice of every transaction.
3. Analytics SDKs: Tools like Firebase, Mixpanel, and Amplitude help developers track user behavior, funnel performance, and retention metrics. While not direct monetization tools, they’re critical for optimizing revenue by understanding what drives conversion and engagement.
4. Subscription and Payment SDKs: If you’re looking to simplify the integration of in-app purchases (IAPs) or subscriptions, tools that seamless integrate are essential. These mobile SDKs can handle recurring payments, regional tax compliance, or usage tracking, which makes them valuable for freemium or premium models.

How to Choose an SDK for Your Mobile App

Recent data shows that the average iOS app contains an average of 72 SDKs (65 on Android). With so many mobile SDKs available, choosing the right ones for your platform is critical for maintaining healthy performance and UX. Here are some factors to consider:

• Integration Time: Some mobile SDKs are easy to plug and play. Others may require extensive dev hours. Our Commerce SDK, for example, is easy to add to your existing code, allowing you to start monetizing users within a few hours.
• Size and Performance Impact: A bloated SDK can increase app load times and crash rates. Choose integrations that are optimized for mobile and won’t degrade performance.
• Privacy and Compliance: Privacy is no longer optional for app users. Make sure the SDK complies with data regulations like CCPA or GDPR and doesn’t require unnecessary permissions. If not, you could end up facing lawsuits like the ones Amazon is currently battling.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: If your app is designed to work across iOS and Android, ensure the mobile SDK you choose is compatible with both operating systems.

Red Flags to Look Out for When Choosing SDKs for Your Mobile App

On top of the above factors to consider, there are also several red flags to keep in mind when finding a mobile SDK. As you evaluate your best options, overlooking these could lead to challenges such as tech debt, security risks, or poor UX.

• Reliability: Frequent crashes or outdated code are major red flags. Ensure the mobile SDK you choose is backed by responsive support teams and consistent updates.
• Excessive Permissions: Be wary of in-app purchase SDKs, reward ad SDKs, or other software that ask for more information than is typically needed. This can create major issues with UX or compliance.
• Oversized: A mobile SDK that boasts a large or bloated footprint is not a green flag. Often, this can result in your app ballooning in size, which slows load times and affects performance for your users.

By being selective when finding the right mobile SDK for your app, you can avoid these challenges in the long run. At Appnomix, we’re helping apps that integrate our solutions see a 25%+ growth in ARPU rates. To learn more about our commerce SDK for mobile apps, connect with our team to schedule a risk-free demo.

FAQs

Why should I use a mobile monetization SDK instead of building in-house?
The right mobile SDKs save time and reduce engineering overhead by offering pre-built, tested functionality. This can help your app reduce costs while driving ARPU.

What’s the difference between ad-based SDKs and commerce SDKs?
Ad-based SDKs earn revenue by displaying in-app ads, which can interrupt the user experience. Commerce SDKs for mobile apps, like the Appnomix Commerce SDK, focuses on revenue generation through personalized shopping offers that your users enjoy outside of your app.

How do I choose the best SDK for my app?
Start by defining your goals, whether revenue-based or analytics-based. Then, evaluate mobile SDKs to find one that aligns with both your technical stack and business model.

Are SDKs safe to use in my mobile app?
Yes! The right mobile SDKs can transform your app’s revenue generation and analytics capabilities without requiring extensive dev hours.