Monetize Mini App Games. Telegram mini apps have gained popularity, in part, thanks to tap-and-earn crypto projects. Even those far removed from the crypto world have likely heard of Notcoin and Hamster Combat.
These games feature simple mechanics: users tap to earn coins, hoping to convert them into real money once the coin is listed on exchanges. Some games are more complex, requiring users to build farms or cities. Creating such games is relatively easy for experienced publishers, but is this the best way to break into mini-app monetization?
Not always. Today, we’ll explain which games you need to create to earn well and how to monetize them with Applanza.
A Little Bit of Historical Context
It all started with Notcoin, a simple clicker where users tapped their screens to earn coins. The game’s creators promised these coins would turn into real money after an exchange listing, and surprisingly, it worked: the coin launched at $0.01.
This sparked a boom in Telegram mini-app clickers, with new games attracting players eager to earn by tapping their screens. However, the simplistic gameplay, relying solely on users’ hopes for a coin listing, began to lose popularity, leading to a slight decline in the Telegram mini apps market.
Despite this temporary dip, we predict growth in the TMA market. Large brands are entering the niche, bringing fresh, active, and engaged audiences seeking more exciting games than Hamster Combat. These games might feature familiar mechanics like endless runners or coin mining but with more complex and engaging tasks.
So, What Telegram Mini-App Games Should You Create? For better monetize mini App Games
Let’s start with what you MUST NOT bring to monetization:
- Scam games (unfortunately, they exist).
- Apps with gameplay consisting solely of ad-watching (yes, these exist too).
This isn’t just about ethics—you simply won’t earn much with such apps. Building a stable income or attracting loyal users is impossible with boring, ad-heavy apps. If this doesn’t deter you, remember: Applanza doesn’t accept such apps for monetization.
Now, let’s dive into actionable tips for creating games that can actually earn you money.
1. Compelling Visuals
The game must have attractive visuals or at least look good on a screen. Some games have simple mechanics but attract users thanks to their cute or unique interface.
2. Engaging Gameplay
Engaging gameplay keeps users hooked, not just visiting and leaving. Examples of engaging mini-app games include:
- Strategies: Mini-games with competitions, leaderboards, and tasks that reward extra lives, energy boosts, or coins for in-game items. For instance, a game where you build and manage a football team, complete tasks, and earn tokens that could become real money if listed on an exchange.
- Endless Runners: Games like Subway Surfers, including car races or similar formats.
- Puzzle and Board Games: Classics like Mahjong or match-three games, wrapped in unique or appealing designs, can captivate users for hours.
3. Convenience
Good UX and customer care are often overlooked but crucial. For example, a cluttered offer wall with dozens of tasks can overwhelm users, leading to banner blindness. Instead, they’ll close the app without hesitation.
A well-designed offer wall, with tasks sorted by type and neatly presented, looks like this:
Marketing Team Tip:
Stimulate user interest by refining the interface and task ranking. Without this, most tasks will generate minimal engagement.
In summary, ignoring these points will lead to low user engagement and conversion rates. Users will join your game but unsubscribe within minutes—definitely not what you want.
How to Monetize Mini App Games?
First, let’s address the why: why monetize, and why use Applanza?
- Quick Answer: Telegram mini apps are a fresh, unsaturated market with high-quality traffic. This traffic monetizes well, with average CPMs ranging from 2to5.*
*Note: Actual CPM depends on factors like GEO and audience engagement. - Longer Answer: Our publishers are already succeeding. For example, one mini-game app earns $5000 daily—and this is just the beginning.
Now, let’s explore actionable tips. Applanza offers three monetization formats, each with its specifics.
1. Rewarded Popup for Monetize Mini App Games
This format instantly redirects users to an offer page without an intermediary banner. It’s triggered by specific actions and often has a higher CPM than other mini-app ads.
Here’s what a user sees after clicking a task:
Rewarded Popups can be used anywhere in your app, rewarding users as you see fit. Just ensure the ad is expected and users know what triggers it.
2. Rewarded Interstitial for Monetize Mini App Games
These ads are triggered by specific actions, like completing a task or requesting an extra life. Here’s how it looks:
After clicking, users are redirected to an offer page. Use cases include:
- Granting boosters (e.g., mining multipliers, extra lives, or reduced downtime).
- Offering a second chance after losing a level.
- Providing in-game currency for watching an ad.
- Adding tasks to an “Earn” section within the game.
Again, ensure the ad’s appearance is predictable.
3. In-App Interstitial for Monetize Mini App Games
These ads appear without user-triggered actions, popping up during natural pauses, like opening a new page. Users can click to see the offer or simply close it.
However, they shouldn’t disrupt gameplay too much. Examples of placement include:
- Between levels.
- When opening the app.
- When switching between pages.
Avoid making In-App Interstitials annoying by overusing them. After an ad is watched or skipped, users should return to the exact point where they were interrupted.
By following these best practices, you can effectively monetize Telegram mini-app games while keeping players engaged and satisfied.
