Apple Not Showing iAds In Some iOS Apps Developed For Kids?
by Joe White
May 11, 2011
Apple has recently stopped serving iAds - the company's mobile advertisements, which appear within iOS apps - in software specifically developed for children.
The news came yesterday in an email to one iOS developer, who had previously contacted Apple regarding a poor iAd fill rate for his app, Dex. In the email, Apple stated:
We periodically review the apps in the iAd Network to ensure that all apps receiving ads are aligned with the needs of our advertisers. Currently, our advertisers prefer that their advertising not appear in applications that are targeted for users that are young children, since their products are not targeted at that audience.Dex is a free iOS app that provides Pokémon fans with information on different varieties of "pocket monsters." Because the app is free, its developer relies on the iAd platform to bring in revenue. However, because the application is aimed at younger Apple fans, iAds that do not target this userbase are now no longer showing the app. Recently, in an attempt to kick start the iAd platform (which got off to a rather slow start), Apple reduced the minimum iAd buy from $1,000,000 to $500,000. However, regardless of this, Apple obviously doesn't have the "inventory" to better target iAds - something Dex' developer is unhappy with. Unfortunately, until a wider range of advertisers adopt the platform, this is going to be an issue many other developers encounter, too. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on iAds in the comments. And here's the full email:
Last Thursday I had a particularly awful iAd fill rate of 5%. This isn’t new, I’ve had problems before. Then on Friday a 0% fill rate, then on Saturday another 0% fill rate. I emailed Apple and posted a question to the company’s developer forums. Today I finally got a reply: Follow-up: XXXXXXXXXXX Hello Michael, We periodically review the apps in the iAd Network to ensure that all apps receiving ads are aligned with the needs of our advertisers. Currently, our advertisers prefer that their advertising not appear in applications that are targeted for users that are young children, since their products are not targeted at that audience. We appreciate your understanding. Best Regards, iAd Network Support Apple, Inc. 1 Infinite Loop Cupertino, CA 95014[via MacStories]
