Vietnam's mobile app ecosystem is booming, with over 24,600 locally launched apps as of January 2025, including a 12.7% year-on-year increase in non-gaming apps. The developer base has grown by 25%, creating a competitive landscape. However, there is a clear opportunity for Vietnamese developers to expand globally, especially in non-gaming categories.
A success story is Prank Call: Fake Video Call, which achieved over 12.94 million global downloads, with strong traction in India (6.21 million) and Indonesia, and a 100% growth in European markets like Germany and the Netherlands from January to March 2025. The app uses Mintegral as its primary user acquisition channel. Mintegral is a leading global programmatic advertising platform that helps developers achieve growth through machine learning models and smart bidding products such as Target ROAS and Target CPE.
Their network covers over 200 countries, with strong performance in Europe and Southeast Asia. According to the AppsFlyer Performance Index 17, Mintegral ranks 3rd globally in power and volume for three consecutive years, and top 10 in non-gaming verticals on iOS and Android. Their smart bidding allows developers to set Day 0 or Day 7 ROAS targets, and the system automatically optimizes bids to acquire high-quality users.
Partner testimonials highlight Mintegral's role in driving traffic: Joybit credits Mintegral for 66.9% of traffic and growth in non-US markets; Lutech reports 45% traffic and top download chart positions; Piontech Software notes exceptional Day 0 ROAS. Vietnamese developers are encouraged to sign up on Mintegral's AppGrowth platform.
Web-to-app strategies boost conversions by 77% and achieve 13.6% average paying user rate. Brands like adidas saw 2.4x higher ROAS from deep-linked users, while AirAsia improved bookings by 19%. Key challenges include measurement gaps, siloed teams, and onboarding friction. Solutions involve Google Ads Web-to-App Install and Web to App Connect with AppsFlyer Smart Banners and deep linking. Actionable steps: set tracking, import conversions, activate smart bidding, and deep link users.
LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini are reshaping mobile app discovery, with traditional search volume expected to decline 25% by 2026. These AI platforms act as answer engines, delivering direct app recommendations to users. For ad ops, this shift requires optimizing for LLM visibility through structured content and reputation management. While native ad formats are in early testing on platforms like Perplexity and Gemini, early adoption can secure high-intent placements. Marketers should track AI-driven traffic and align discovery strategies across ASO, SEO, and LLMs to stay competitive in an AI-first environment.
Global in-app revenue from short drama apps reached ~$700M in Q1 2025, nearly 4x YoY. ReelShort and DramaBox lead, but newcomers like DramaWave surged via localised ads and TikTok. Latin America and Southeast Asia drove download growth. For ad ops, targeting emerging markets and leveraging video ads on social platforms are key.
Short drama apps are reshaping mobile entertainment, surpassing 850M downloads in Q1 2026 (up 140% YoY) with IAP revenue reaching $750M. Growth is concentrated in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and India, where these apps outpace traditional OTT in user acquisition. Engagement is surging: daily time spent grew 85% to 25 minutes globally, nearing OTT levels in Southeast Asia. For ad ops, the shift toward ad monetization in addition to IAP opens new inventory opportunities. Key players like FreeReels, NetShort, and Melolo are scaling via localized content and paid acquisition, creating competitive ad markets.
European finance app installs hit 960M in 2025 but grew only 0.4%. BNPL apps grew 40% while crypto fell 35%, signaling a shift to utility. Neobanks win acquisition; traditional banks win retention (1.5-2x Day 30 rates). Web-to-app drives 41.8% of conversions but most brands can't measure the handoff. Nearly 1 in 2 investment app installs in Western Europe is fraudulent, distorting CPI and ROAS. Winning brands prioritize engagement, fraud detection, and cross-platform measurement.
Mintegral launches IAP ROAS optimization for precise in-app purchase targeting. The feature supports D0 and D7 windows, AI-powered bidding, and hybrid goals. Results show improved user acquisition scale and ROAS. Setup requires data integration, realistic goals, and careful optimization during learning phases (5-7 days for D0, 15-20 for D7). Best practices include limiting ROAS target changes to twice weekly with ±10% adjustments.
AI personalization is now essential for mobile marketing, with 71% of consumers expecting tailored experiences. This article outlines how AI enhances audience intelligence, creative personalization via DCO and GenAI, engagement timing, and measurement. Marketers should start small with focused A/B tests, prioritize user value, and collaborate across UA, CRM, and product. Key challenges include privacy, overpersonalization, and model bias. Adjust's Growth Copilot offers AI-driven analytics to streamline decision-making.
Many developers underestimate ad monetization, fearing it harms user experience. However, well-placed ads like rewarded videos can boost engagement and revenue without driving churn. Even small apps with 1,000-2,000 DAUs can profit from ads and reinvest in growth. Early monetization planning is crucial to avoid rework and user resistance. A hybrid model combining in-app advertising (IAA) and in-app purchases (IAP) diversifies revenue and captures value from non-paying users. Tools like Mintegral's Hybrid ROAS optimization help maximize performance through dynamic bidding.
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