How much should I expect to spend on an adult ad network?

The cost of advertising on adult ad networks can vary widely based on several factors, including the network you choose, your target audience, the type of ad format, and the competition within your niche. However, here are general cost expectations you can consider when planning a campaign on an adult ad network.

1. Cost Per Mille (CPM): Cost per 1,000 impressions

Adult ad networks typically use CPM pricing for display ads, meaning you pay for every 1,000 times your ad is shown (impressions). CPM rates for adult ads are generally lower than mainstream networks, but the specific cost depends on factors like geography and ad placement.

Typical CPM Rates:

$0.10 to $3 for lower-tier GEOs (developing countries)

$3 to $10 for higher-tier GEOs (U.S., U.K., Canada, etc.)

Premium placements (top banners, homepage slots) may cost more, with CPMs ranging from $10 to $50 or higher, depending on the network and traffic quality.

2. Cost Per Click (CPC)

CPC pricing means you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This is common for text or banner ads on adult ad networks. CPC rates for adult ads are generally higher than CPM rates due to the more direct interaction.

Typical CPC Rates:

$0.05 to $0.50 for low-competition keywords or niches

$0.50 to $2.00 for more competitive niches (e.g., dating, webcams)

Higher CPCs for premium placements or competitive markets

3. Cost Per Acquisition (CPA)

CPA pricing is used when you only pay for a conversion, such as a sign-up, lead, or sale. CPA campaigns can often be more cost-efficient, as you only pay for successful actions.

Typical CPA Rates:

$1 to $5 for simple conversions (e.g., email sign-ups)

$5 to $20+ for more valuable conversions (e.g., subscriptions, memberships)

Some networks offer SmartCPA (or Auto-CPA) models that automatically adjust the cost based on your campaign’s performance, helping you optimize for the best cost per action.

4. Minimum Daily Budget

Most adult ad networks have minimum daily spending requirements, especially if you’re running a programmatic campaign.

Typical Minimum Spend:

$10 to $50 per day on smaller networks (e.g., JuicyAds, AdXpansion)

$50 to $100+ per day on larger networks (e.g., ExoClick, TrafficJunky)

Some networks, like ExoClick, allow you to set a daily budget cap, giving you more control over how much you spend each day.

5. Ad Formats and Their Costs

Different ad formats come with varying costs. For example:

Banner Ads: Often the cheapest option, with CPMs starting at $0.10.

Pop-Under Ads: Higher engagement rates but also higher costs, with CPMs ranging from $1 to $5+.

Native Ads: Typically more expensive than banner ads but often have better performance due to their less intrusive nature. CPMs range from $0.50 to $5.

Video Ads: Usually have the highest CPMs, with rates between $3 and $10, depending on the length and quality of the video and targeting options.

6. Targeting and GEO Costs

The cost of your campaign can also vary significantly based on the geographic targeting of your audience:

Tier 1 Countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia): Higher CPM/CPC rates due to more competition. Expect $3 to $10 CPM.

Tier 2/3 Countries (Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia): Lower costs, with CPMs from $0.10 to $3.

If you use additional targeting (e.g., device, browser, gender, or interests), it can increase the cost, especially for more specific or niche audiences.