
To get started with AppLovin Max SDK, you'll need to download the SDK from the AppLovin website. This will give you access to the necessary files and documentation to begin integrating the SDK into your app.
First, you'll need to create an AppLovin account if you haven't already. This will allow you to access the AppLovin dashboard and manage your ad campaigns.
The AppLovin Max SDK is designed to be easy to integrate, and the process typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
Getting Started
First, you'll need to add the Plugin Dependency to your project. This is done by adding the following line to your build.gradle file: implementation('com.feedad.android:feedad-applovin:1.1.0').
To use the AppLovin FeedAd, you'll need to create a Custom Adapter Class. This class is com.feedad.android.applovin.FeedAdMediationAdapter.
You'll also need to obtain an Ad Unit Placement ID, which should be replaced with your actual placement ID. The Ad Unit Placement ID is a unique identifier for the ad unit.
Custom parameters can be passed to the ad unit using the Ad Unit Custom Parameters. This should be done by adding a JSON object with the required parameter "clientToken". For example: {"clientToken": "your-client-token"}.
To customize the appearance of the ad, you can use the Placeholder Image Style. This can be done by adding an item to the resources file with the name "appLovinFeedAdPlaceholderImage".
Initialization
To initialize the AppLovin Max SDK, you'll need to create an initialization configuration object, which allows you to configure the properties that the SDK will initialize with. This object is immutable, with the exception of AppLovinSdkSettings, which contains mutable properties that can be changed during the app's lifetime.
You can find your SDK key in the Account > General > Keys section of the AppLovin dashboard. It's essential to initialize the AppLovin SDK as early as possible, such as in the onCreate() of the launch activity or Application class, to maximize the time the SDK has to cache mediated networks' ads, resulting in a better user experience.
Always initialize the AppLovin SDK on startup to give mediated networks the maximum amount of time to cache ads, which is especially important with video ads. This ensures that ad assets are fully cached, leading to a better user experience.
Initialize The SDK
To initialize the AppLovin SDK, you'll need to create an initialization configuration object. This object allows you to configure the properties that the SDK will initialize with.
You can find your SDK key in the Account > General > Keys section of the AppLovin dashboard. It's essential to initialize the AppLovin SDK on startup to give mediated networks the maximum amount of time to cache ads.
Ad assets that are fully cached result in a better user experience. For this reason, always initialize the AppLovin SDK on startup, especially with video ads.
The SDK will initialize when it receives the first ad request. Because it's not known which ad unit will be requested first, you'll have to add the configuration JSON to each ad unit using the adapter.
Ad Configuration
AppLovin Max SDK doesn't have an app-wide adapter configuration. This means you'll need to add configuration JSON to each ad unit individually.
The configuration is in JSON format and should be entered in the "Custom Parameters" of the custom ad network's ad unit. This is where you'll specify the necessary settings for each ad unit.
AppLovin recommends initializing the SDK when it receives the first ad request, as it's not known which ad unit will be requested first.
Enable Ad Review

To enable Ad Review, you'll need to add a specific code to your build.gradle files.
This code is found in the Ad Review section of the AppLovin dashboard, specifically in the Account > General > Keys section.
You can find your Ad Review Key in this section, which is required to enable the MAX Ad Review service.
Add the necessary code to your build.gradle files to activate Ad Review and start reviewing your ads.
Data Consent APIs
Data Consent APIs are a crucial part of Ad Configuration, ensuring you comply with regulations and maintain user trust.
To obtain consent from users in certain jurisdictions, you must follow AppLovin's guidelines. This involves reviewing the Privacy–Consent, Age-Related Flags, and Data APIs documentation.
You'll need to correctly pass consent values to AppLovin, which can be a bit tricky, but it's essential for a smooth user experience.
AppLovinMAX.hasUserConsent() returns a boolean value indicating whether the user has given consent. This is a simple way to check if you have the necessary permissions to proceed with ad serving.
To initialize the AppLovin SDK, you'll need to call AppLovinMAX.initialize(sdkKey), which returns a Configuration object if successful. If there's an error, it will be rejected with an error object.
The AppLovinMAX.isDoNotSell() method returns a boolean value indicating whether the user has opted out of data collection. This is another important check to ensure you're respecting user preferences.
Here's a summary of the Data Consent APIs methods:
Remember, obtaining and respecting user consent is a critical step in Ad Configuration. By following these guidelines and using the provided methods, you'll be well on your way to creating a compliant and user-friendly ad experience.
Ad Formats
The Ad Formats supported by AppLovin Max SDK are quite impressive. Java and Kotlin demo apps showcase the implementation of various ad formats.
The AppLovin Max SDK supports a range of ad formats, including App Open, Banner, Interstitial, MREC, Native, and Rewarded ads. These ad formats are available in both Java and Kotlin.
Here's a quick rundown of the supported ad formats:
AppLovin Max SDK also supports other ad types, including Banner, Interstitial, MREC, and Native Ad (Manual).
Demo Ad Formats
The Java/Kotlin demo apps showcase various ad formats that can be implemented in your app. The demo apps cover six ad formats: App Open, Banner, Interstitial, MREC, Native, and Rewarded.
The supported ad formats include App Open, Banner, Interstitial, MREC, and Rewarded, but Native ad integration requires some publisher adjustments.
You'll need to choose the "manual" native ad template for the AppLovin ad unit to display FeedAd in its full size. The layout should provide views for each field, but FeedAd can only provide its playing surface.
Here are the ad formats supported by the Java/Kotlin demo apps:
App Theme
When designing your app's theme, consider using the appLovinFeedAdPlaceholderImage attribute to enhance the user experience. This attribute accepts any drawable resource, or raw color value.
You can customize your app's theme with various drawable resources, giving you flexibility in how you want to display ads. I've seen apps use this attribute to create a seamless integration of ads into their design.
To use this attribute, simply add it to your app's theme, and you're good to go.
Adapters and Mediation
The AppLovin SDK is a powerful tool for mediating multiple ad networks and platforms. It mediates 25+ open source adapters.
One of the key features of the AppLovin SDK is its ability to connect with a wide range of partners. To see the full list of these partners, visit the AppLovin Partners page.
The AppLovin Partners page allows you to filter partners by type, including monetization partners. Selecting Partner Type > MAX > Monetization Partner from the checkboxes in the Partner Type drop-down will reveal the list of mediation partners.
Quick Start
To get started with the AppLovin Max SDK, you'll need to implement the plugin dependency. This is done by adding the following line of code: implementation('com.feedad.android:feedad-applovin:1.1.0').
The custom adapter class you'll need to use is com.feedad.android.applovin.FeedAdMediationAdapter. This is a straightforward requirement with no additional options to consider.
To set up your ad unit placement ID, simply replace 'your-placement-id' with your actual placement ID. This is a required step, so make sure to get it right.
You'll also need to configure your ad unit custom parameters. This is done by passing a JSON object with the client token, which should be replaced with your actual client token. The format should be {"clientToken": "your-client-token"}.
To customize the appearance of your ad, you can use the placeholder image style. This is done by adding an item to your layout with the name 'appLovinFeedAdPlaceholderImage', and specifying a drawable or color resource, or raw color.
Finally, you can toggle the loading indicator on or off by adding an item to your layout with the name 'appLovinFeedAdShowLoadingIndicator', and setting it to a boolean value.
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Plugin and Module Management
To download the latest plugin, you can simply install the AppLovin MAX Unreal Plugin directly from Fab. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
To import the plugin into Unreal, you'll need to add AppLovinMAX as a dependency to the PublicDependencyModuleNames array inside your app's Build.cs file. This is a straightforward process that will get you up and running.
You can also download the latest module through npm by issuing the command for the AppLovin MAX React Native module. To stay on top of release updates, be sure to subscribe to the AppLovin MAX React Native module GitHub repository.
Here is a list of the major new modules introduced in version 6 of the AppLovin MAX SDK:
Download Latest Plugin
To download the latest plugin, you can install the AppLovin MAX Unreal Plugin directly from Fab. This is a straightforward process that gets you up and running quickly.
You can also download the latest module using npm by issuing a specific command, which is the same method used for the AppLovin MAX React Native module.
For Unreal Engine projects, you'll need to add AppLovinMAX as a dependency to the PublicDependencyModuleNames array in your app's Build.cs file. This is a technical step that requires some knowledge of Unreal Engine's project structure.
To stay on top of release updates, it's a good idea to subscribe to the GitHub repository for the AppLovin MAX Unreal Plugin or the AppLovin MAX React Native module.
Loading Indicator

The loading indicator is a feature you can use to show a graphic in between ads that isn't overlaid by a loading spinner.
By default, the loading indicator will be shown. You can configure it to suit your needs.
To add the loading indicator to your app's theme, you'll need to add the attribute appLovinFeedAdShowLoadingIndicator. This is a simple step that can make a big difference in the user experience.
For native ads, you can specify the loading indicator flag within the layoutForFeedAd method using the FeedAdView API. This gives you more control over how the loading indicator is displayed.
Proguard and SDK Configuration
ProGuard is taken care of with the AppLovin MAX SDK. The required ProGuard rules are bundled in the AARs, so you don't need to add any extra rules to your project.
If you're using the SDK, you'll need to configure it for each ad unit. The configuration JSON is entered within the "Custom Parameters" of the custom ad network's ad unit. This is because the SDK will initialize when it receives the first ad request, and it's not known which ad unit will be requested first.
App build.gradle additions

To add AdMob to your app, you need to add the AdMob SDK to your App-Level build.gradle file. You can find your Ad Review Key in the Account > General > Keys section of the AdMob dashboard.
You'll also need to add the AdMob configuration to your app's build.gradle file, but for now, let's focus on adding the Ad Review Key.
The Ad Review Key is used to identify your app in the AdMob system, so it's essential to get it right. You can find it in the Account > General > Keys section of the AdMob dashboard.
To add the AdMob SDK to your App-Level build.gradle file, you'll need to add a line of code that specifies the Ad Review Key. This will allow AdMob to verify your app and serve ads correctly.
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Proguard Rules
ProGuard Rules are a crucial part of the AppLovin MAX SDK and adapters configuration.
If you're using ProGuard, note that the AppLovin MAX SDK and adapters come bundled with the required ProGuard rules in the AARs. This means you don't need to add any additional ProGuard rules to your project.
In fact, you can skip adding extra ProGuard rules altogether, thanks to the bundled rules in the AARs.
Sdk Configuration
The SDK configuration is a crucial step in setting up the AppLovin SDK. You can find your SDK key in the Account > General > Keys section of the AppLovin dashboard.
To initialize the SDK, you need to create an initialization configuration object. This object allows you to configure the properties that the SDK will initialize with. These properties are immutable, except for AppLovinSdkSettings, which contains mutable properties that can be changed during the app's lifetime.
It's essential to initialize the AppLovin SDK as early as possible, ideally in the onCreate() of the launch activity or Application class. This maximizes the time the SDK has to cache mediated networks' ads, resulting in a better user experience.
You can find your Ad Review Key in the Account > General > Keys section of the AppLovin dashboard, which you'll need to add to the App-Level build.gradle file.
AppLovin does not feature an app-wide adapter configuration, so you'll need to add the configuration JSON to each ad unit using the adapter. The configuration is formatted in the JSON format and is entered within the "Custom Parameters" of the custom ad network's ad unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AppLovin SDK?
The AppLovin SDK is a platform that helps maximize in-app revenue through a unified auction and various ad formats. It's a gateway to unlocking the full potential of in-app monetization.
Is AdMob better than AppLovin Max?
AdMob is ideal for developers seeking seamless integration with Google's ecosystem, while AppLovin MAX excels with its in-app bidding solution for global market targeting. The choice between the two depends on your specific app development needs and revenue goals.
How to get AppLovin SDK key?
To get your AppLovin SDK key, sign in to your AppLovin account and navigate to the AppLovin UI > Account > Keys. Your SDK key will be displayed there, along with your Report Key.
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