In the world of mobile app monetization, two giants always stand out — Google AdMob and Facebook Audience Network (FAN).
Both are powerful platforms that help app developers make money by showing ads to users.
But the biggest question most developers ask is:
👉 Which one actually pays better — AdMob or Facebook Audience Network?
Let’s find out with a detailed comparison, real-world insights, and a few honest observations.
1. What Are AdMob and Facebook Audience Network?
AdMob
AdMob is Google’s mobile advertising platform, designed for app developers to earn money through in-app ads.
It supports multiple ad formats like:
- Banner ads
- Interstitial ads
- Rewarded video ads
- Native ads
Because it’s part of the Google Ads ecosystem, AdMob has a huge advertiser base and strong fill rates across most countries.
It also integrates easily with Firebase and Google Analytics, giving developers detailed control and tracking.
Facebook Audience Network (FAN)
Facebook Audience Network, now officially called Meta Audience Network, extends Meta’s advertising reach beyond Facebook and Instagram.
That means it shows targeted Facebook-style ads inside other apps and mobile websites.
The main advantage of FAN is Meta’s powerful targeting — it uses Facebook’s user data (interests, demographics, activity) to show highly relevant ads.
When the ad is relevant, users click more, and developers earn more.
Simple as that.
2. Revenue Model and Payment Structure
How AdMob Pays
- AdMob works on a revenue share model, where Google takes a small cut and passes the rest to the publisher.
- The minimum payout threshold is $100.
- AdMob supports mediation, meaning you can connect multiple ad networks and let AdMob automatically choose whichever pays the highest at that moment.
- For rewarded videos, AdMob’s eCPM (effective cost per 1000 impressions) can reach $20–$30 in high-tier countries like the USA or UK. (Applixir)
How Facebook Audience Network Pays
- FAN usually operates on a CPM model (Cost Per 1000 Impressions).
- Like AdMob, its minimum payout is $100.
- Facebook’s biggest strength is targeting — if your app users match Facebook’s data audience (e.g., gamers, shoppers, etc.), you can get high CPMs.
- However, some developers have noticed that FAN’s fill rate (the percentage of ad requests actually filled with an ad) is sometimes lower than AdMob’s.
3. Which Pays Better in Reality?
This is where it gets interesting.
On paper, both networks are great. But in real-world testing, results vary widely depending on your app type, user country, and traffic volume.
Let’s break it down.
3.1 eCPM & Fill Rate
- Many developers report that FAN often gives higher eCPM (especially for rewarded or native ads).
- But the fill rate — how often FAN actually serves an ad — can be significantly lower.
This means that while each ad may pay more, you might get fewer total impressions.
Example :
“Meta gave me double the eCPM compared to AdMob, but total earnings were still less because impressions and winning bids were much lower.”
So, sometimes higher eCPM ≠ higher income.
3.2 Country and Audience Matters
Where your users come from changes everything.
- Tier-1 countries (US, UK, Canada, Europe) → AdMob generally pays more because advertisers bid higher there.
- Facebook-heavy regions (India, Brazil, SEA) → FAN might perform better because Meta has deep user data from these markets.
- In emerging markets, AdMob often wins because FAN sometimes doesn’t have enough local advertisers to fill inventory.
3.3 Ad Format and User Experience
Both networks support similar formats, but their performance varies.
| Ad Type | AdMob Performance | FAN Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Banner Ads | Good fill rate, moderate CPM | Low fill rate, sometimes better CTR |
| Interstitial | Consistent & stable | Slightly higher eCPM but fewer fills |
| Rewarded Video | Best for gaming apps | Good for social or entertainment apps |
| Native Ads | High customization | Better engagement due to FB-style design |
👉 The Rewarded Video + Native combo works best on both networks for user engagement and income.
4. Developer Insights (Real Experience)
Let’s look at some real feedback from indie developers:
- “AdMob is more stable and predictable. FAN gives big spikes but is inconsistent.”
- “FAN performs better when users are logged in via Facebook SDK.”
- “In India, AdMob ads show more often; FAN sometimes shows nothing for hours.”
- “I use both via AdMob mediation — FAN gets 30% of my traffic and earns nearly 40% of total revenue.”
So the smartest developers don’t choose one, they combine both using mediation.
5. Payment & Transparency
Both AdMob and FAN are trustworthy when it comes to payments.
| Feature | AdMob | Facebook Audience Network |
|---|---|---|
| Payout Threshold | $100 | $100 |
| Payment Method | Bank Transfer, Wire | PayPal or Bank |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Dashboard Insights | Very detailed | Simple but clean |
| Support | Email + Community | Limited support |
AdMob wins slightly here because of its detailed analytics and Google support ecosystem.
6. Optimization Tips to Earn More
No matter which ad network you pick, you can boost your revenue with a few proven techniques:
- Use Mediation
Connect both AdMob and FAN together. AdMob will automatically choose the higher bidder. - Experiment with Formats
Try rewarded video + native ads for the best balance of engagement and eCPM. - Focus on User Experience
Too many ads = poor retention = less revenue long-term. - Track Data Daily
Analyze which country, ad type, and network performs best. - A/B Test Placement
Move ad placements around (top, middle, or end of content). Sometimes small tweaks can double income. - Target Tier-1 Users (if possible)
Even 5% high-value users can bring 50% of your income.
7. Final Verdict – Which Pays Better?
Alright, here’s the truth — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
But here’s a quick summary:
| Situation | Better Option |
|---|---|
| Users from US/UK/Europe | AdMob |
| Users mostly Facebook active | FAN |
| Game or Reward-based App | AdMob |
| Social / Lifestyle App | FAN |
| Want Stable Income | AdMob |
| Want High Spikes | FAN |
| Best Overall Strategy | Use Both via Mediation |
If you’re just starting, go with AdMob — it’s stable, beginner-friendly, and has global coverage.
Once your app grows, integrate FAN through mediation to increase competition and boost total revenue.
8. Conclusion
So, AdMob vs Facebook Audience Network — which pays better?
👉 It depends on your audience, app type, and region.
- AdMob gives more consistent and global income.
- FAN can outperform AdMob in some niches but may lack stability.
- Both together (via mediation) is the best way to maximize fill rate and eCPM.
Remember, app monetization is not just about “who pays more.”
It’s about who fits your audience and experience best.