You’ve come up with the perfect idea for an app. You’re excited to get it developed and on the market for users to enjoy. There’s just one question: How do you monetize your app in today’s market? Users don’t want what they once did. According to research from The Harris Poll, 81% now feel that mobile app ads are the most frustrating part of their online experience. And with ad spend forecasted to keep rising, it may be in your best interest to think smarter about how you monetize your app in 2025 and beyond. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the new app monetization models, such as mobile eCommerce and AI, that can help you drive revenue without sacrificing user experience (UX).
What is App Monetization? How Should You Monetize Your App?
At its core, app monetization is the process of generating revenue from the users who interact with your mobile application. Having happy users is one thing, being able to turn them into a consistent business model is another. Without a healthy revenue per user (ARPU), your app could ultimately fail.
Historically, app developers and owners turned to pop-up ads, in-app purchases (IAPs), and subscription models when deciding how to monetize their apps. We’ll discuss these more later. Today, however, there are more modern app monetization strategies that can take your profits and user experience to another level.
As you design how you’ll monetize users, we’re here to challenge you to think differently. It won’t be just about how you charge users, but when and why you do it. Intentionality is everything.
Emerging App Monetization Trends for 2025
As the mobile landscape continues to evolve, so do the app monetization models. It’s no longer a one-size-fits-all industry, so it’s important to consider what you’re bringing to the table when deciding how to monetize your app.
The first trend involves hybrid freemium models. It is a modern app monetization strategy that gives your users more flexibility. Developers are exploring usage-based pricing, time-limited access to features, or perks tied to user milestones. This lowers the pressure on new users to immediately sign up for the premium version and instead pay for features as they go.
The second trend is mobile eCommerce. Imagine being able to monetize your users when they’re outside of your app. With Appnomix, you can. Our Commerce SDK connects you to over 50,000 eCommerce partners. When your users leave your app and shop for their favorite products, they’re given exclusive discounts and offers that are sponsored by your app. The more they shop and save, the more your app could potentially earn.
There’s also a push toward sponsorships. This can allow your users to use your platform free of charge in exchange for ads from your sponsor. Sponsorships can be mutually beneficial, as app owners can curate brand partnerships that align with their mission and genuinely benefit their users.
Now, while these innovations can be game-changers for your app, sometimes the old ways are still the best. Traditional routes, such as IAPs and in-app advertisements, are still crucial when planning how to monetize your app. Why? Just look at the advertisement space. The mobile app ad market is projected to reach $390 billion in 2025. The key is to implement pop-up ads that are actually relevant to your users.
Why You Need to Focus on Retention-First Strategies
Delivering relevant value to your users can set you apart from apps that hammer down on IAPs and ad walls. This might look like offering users ways to unlock features as they hit certain milestones, timed discounts based on usage, or even exclusive content or perks to reward engagement.
This can help you drive the lifetime value (LTV) of each user to earn, helping you monetize your app more in the long run. By prioritizing retention, you can shift the monetization narrative from pressure to trust.
How AI Can Drive Your Modern App Monetization Strategy Forward
When thinking about how to monetize your app, be sure to consider AI. Integrating it into your revenue strategies can help you adapt to user demands quickly.
One of the biggest trends in the AI space is chatbots and user support. Research suggests 75-90% of customer interactions will now be handled by AI agents. Including a support agent in your app can boost UX without requiring a big lift from your team.
AI can also help with predictive pricing. Your app could use a custom model to tailor offers based on each user’s likelihood to convert. These systems can analyze patterns, including time spent in-app, feature usage, or drop-off points, and determine the optimal moment to trigger an upsell, discount, or subscription offer.
The result? Your new app monetization strategy could feel more intuitive instead of interruptive, encouraging users to continue converting.
If you’d like to learn more about how to monetize your app without sacrificing UX, be sure to contact our team today. At Appnomix, we’re helping developers and app owners like you complement their traditional revenue strategies without sacrificing UX. To read more about the top industry trends, be sure to visit our resources page.
FAQs
What’s new in app monetization for 2025?
In 2025, new app monetization models such as mobile eCommerce and sponsorships are offering new ways to earn revenue from users. These allow developers to deliver timely, personalized content to their users that doesn’t disrupt UX.
What are the highest-performing ad models for apps?
In 2025, traditional routes such as in-app advertisements and IAPs are still king. It is important for developers, however, to complement these strategies with more personalized experiences to further drive revenue.
How should I monetize a new app?
When thinking about how to monetize your new app, consider the role of emerging strategies such as mobile eCommerce and artificial intelligence. This can help you deliver timely offers to your users that encourage long-term engagement.
