Why This Developer Doesn’t Monetize With Ads — And Why You Should Rethink It Too

 

Inspired by a video from @starter_story — Watch the Instagram Reel

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When it comes to monetizing apps, most developers go straight for ads. It's the default, the “easy” option, and the most common strategy you’ll hear about. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t always work—and for some apps, it’s just plain bad strategy.

A developer featured in a recent video by @starter_story broke it down in a simple, honest way: ads are not always the best monetization tool. In fact, for many apps, they’re just noise—annoying to users and barely profitable to the developer.

The Problem With Ads (For Most Apps)

Let’s say you have a tool app—like a unit converter, a photo resizer, or a note taker. These types of apps are used quickly and occasionally. Maybe a user opens it once every few days. That low usage means low impressions, and no impressions = no ad revenue.

If no one’s using your app often enough to see the ads, you’re not making money. Simple as that.

Now, on the flip side, he mentioned some games he built did make sense to monetize with ads. Why? Because users spent a lot of time in the app. More playtime = more ad views = more money. That’s where ads make sense.

So What’s the Better Strategy?

Here’s what actually works:

1. Sell the App Upfront

If your app provides clear, direct value, people might be willing to pay a few bucks to download it. This especially works for niche tools or professional utilities.

2. Free App with a Paywall

Give users a taste, then lock premium features behind a paywall. This model works great if the basic version is helpful enough to pull users in, but they’ll want more once they see the value.

3. Free Trial, Then Hard Paywall

Let users try the full app for a limited time. After that, they either pay or lose access. This is super effective if your app is powerful and people just need that nudge to commit.

Why This Matters

Chasing ad revenue for the wrong type of app is like trying to make money renting out an empty billboard. If no one’s looking, you’re not getting paid.

So before you throw in a bunch of banner or interstitial ads, ask yourself:

• Will users actually use this app frequently?

• Will they spend enough time in it for ads to matter?

• Will ads hurt the experience?

If the answer’s “no” to most of those, skip the ads. Go for a model that actually fits your app and your users.

💡 Watch the original video from @starter_story here: Instagram Reel
📱 Choose strategy over default. Your app deserves it.