Best Rewarded UA Platforms for ROAS in 2025
- Fátima Castro Franco
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
In 2025, user acquisition (UA) success isn’t defined by installs — it’s defined by return on ad spend (ROAS). With rising CPIs, limited tracking signals, and tighter budgets, studios are shifting focus from volume to profitability.
That’s where rewarded UA comes in. By engaging users through opt-in rewards, this format drives higher retention, stronger engagement, and ultimately better monetization.
But not all rewarded UA platforms are created equal. The best ones combine high-quality traffic, AI targeting, and fraud protection to turn installs into lasting revenue.
Here’s a breakdown of the top rewarded UA platforms for ROAS in 2025 — and what makes them stand out.
1. Gamelight (AI-Powered Rewarded UA Platform)
Best for: Sustainable ROAS growth through high-quality rewarded installs.
Gamelight is purpose-built for performance. It sources installs directly from its own mobile game recommendation platform, not through brokered networks. That means every user comes from a verified, engaged audience — ideal for campaigns optimized around retention and revenue.
Why it’s the best for ROAS:
AI-powered targeting → Find users by age, genre, and competitor titles.
Direct traffic → No resellers, no inflated CPIs.
Rewarded engagement → Users opt in, leading to higher LTV and lower churn.
Fraud-free CPI model → Every install is authentic and measurable.
Performance transparency → Real-time dashboard for ROAS tracking.
Other Rewarded UA Platforms
While Gamelight leads with direct, performance-focused traffic, several other networks also provide rewarded formats:
ironSource → Machine learning optimization for rewarded ads.
Unity Ads → Broad reach and strong performance for games built in Unity.
Tapjoy → Offer-based rewarded formats with ROI visibility.
AdGate → Offerwalls with higher-effort, high-value user actions.
These platforms deliver scale, but most depend on brokered supply chains — leading to mixed traffic quality and less predictable ROAS.
Why Rewarded UA Outperforms Standard UA for ROAS
Higher retention: Opt-in users engage more, churn less.
Better monetization: Players who accept rewards tend to spend or engage longer.
Lower fraud risk: Engagement-based rewards filter out fake activity.
Stronger brand perception: Rewarded ads feel like part of the game, not interruptions.
In short, rewarded UA aligns user intent with publisher goals — a perfect foundation for sustainable ROAS.
How to Improve ROAS with Rewarded UA
Target by behavior, not just demographics: AI models predict which players will retain or spend.
Test reward types: Match incentives (coins, retries, boosts) to player motivation.
Track beyond installs: Focus on day-7 and day-30 ROAS, not CPI alone.
Use fraud-free sources: Direct traffic ensures every dollar goes to real users.
Refresh creatives often: Avoid fatigue to keep CPIs stable and engagement high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is ROAS in user acquisition?
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) measures how much revenue your campaigns generate compared to what you spend — the ultimate metric for UA profitability.
Why does rewarded UA deliver higher ROAS?
Because users choose to engage. Opt-in installs lead to stronger retention, higher lifetime value (LTV), and more in-app purchases.
How is Gamelight different from other rewarded UA platforms?
Gamelight combines AI-driven targeting and direct traffic to maximize quality, minimizing wasted ad spend and boosting overall ROAS.
Can rewarded UA work for both casual and midcore games?
Yes. Casual games benefit from scale, while midcore titles see stronger monetization from highly engaged rewarded users.
Is rewarded UA still effective in the privacy-first era?
Absolutely — it’s consent-based and doesn’t rely on user-level identifiers, making it one of the most privacy-friendly UA strategies available.
Final Thoughts
As competition intensifies, UA success in 2025 comes down to one number: ROAS. Rewarded UA offers a proven path to profitable growth — but only when driven by quality traffic and intelligent targeting.
With AI-powered optimization, direct rewarded installs, and real-time ROAS tracking, Gamelight’s rewarded UA platform is the best choice for studios focused on sustainable performance in 2025.
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