CPI Rates by App Category (Gaming, Finance, etc.)
📲 CPI Rates by App Category (Gaming, Finance, etc.) 🎮 Introduction: The Price of a Tap
If you’ve ever wondered why one app pays $3 per install while another barely hits $0.30, welcome to the wild world of CPI (Cost Per Install) rates.
CPI marketing is simple on paper — promote an app, get paid for every install. But here’s the catch: not all installs are created equal. The value of a single tap depends on what kind of app you’re promoting and where your users come from.
In 2025, CPI rates are shifting faster than a mobile gamer’s thumb. AI-driven ad bidding, privacy updates, and category competition are all changing how much affiliates earn per install.
So, if you’re a beginner CPI affiliate ready to turn clicks into cash, this guide will help you decode which app categories pay best — and how to position yourself for success.
💡 What Affects CPI Rates in 2025?
Before diving into numbers, let’s quickly cover the key factors that shape CPI rates today:
App Category – Finance and iGaming apps usually pay more because user value is higher.
Platform – iOS traffic tends to cost more than Android because iPhone users spend more.
Region – Tier 1 countries (U.S., Canada, UK) have higher rates than Tier 3 (India, Brazil).
User Intent – Organic and engaged installs pay more than incentivized traffic.
Ad Format – Video and influencer installs convert better than static banners.
🟢 Pro Tip: As a new affiliate, start small with a few categories before chasing high-paying verticals. Focus on traffic quality — networks reward consistency over volume.
🎯 CPI Rates by App Category (2025 Overview)
Let’s break down the most popular app categories for CPI affiliates and what you can expect in terms of average payouts in 2025.
App Category Average CPI Rate (USD) Best Platforms Difficulty Level Gaming $0.50 – $3.00 Android, iOS Easy Finance / Fintech $2.50 – $6.00 iOS, Android Hard E-commerce / Shopping $0.70 – $2.00 Android, iOS Medium Lifestyle & Dating $1.00 – $4.00 iOS, Android Medium Entertainment / Streaming $0.40 – $1.50 Android, Smart TV Easy Utilities & Productivity $0.30 – $1.20 Android, Desktop Easy Health & Fitness $1.20 – $3.50 iOS, Android Medium 🎮 1. Gaming Apps – The CPI Playground
Gaming is the bread and butter of CPI marketing. It’s fast-moving, creative-friendly, and perfect for beginners.
Why It Pays:
Huge user base and impulse installs.
Low entry barriers for affiliates.
Easy to test creatives with gameplay teasers or rewards.
2025 Trend:
Hyper-casual and simulation games are trending, while AR and VR titles see spikes in high-tier markets.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: Join a trusted CPI affiliate network like ClickDealer or AdAction, which specialize in mobile gaming campaigns. They offer pre-verified creatives and payout models optimized for retention, not just installs.
Pro Tip: Test short-form video ads on TikTok or Instagram Reels — gaming CPI offers love attention-grabbing visuals.
💰 2. Finance Apps – The High-Risk, High-Reward Zone
Finance apps — think banking, investing, and crypto wallets — pay the highest CPI rates in 2025. But they also demand the highest-quality traffic.
Why It Pays:
High customer lifetime value (LTV).
Advertisers pay more for serious, verified users.
Often exclusive to Tier 1 countries.
2025 Trend:
Neo-banking and stock trading apps are booming, while crypto wallet apps are tightening verification standards.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: Networks like Mobvista and AppSamurai partner with top fintech advertisers. Their compliance support helps beginners avoid policy violations while promoting high-paying offers.
Pro Tip: Use ad copy that builds trust — finance users want security, not hype.
🛍️ 3. E-commerce Apps – Steady and Scalable
If gaming is the fun zone and finance is the high-stakes table, e-commerce is the steady earner. From Amazon-like marketplaces to coupon apps, installs are consistent and easy to scale.
Why It Pays:
Steady year-round traffic.
Strong conversion during sales seasons.
Easier to target via social media and search.
2025 Trend:
“Shop-and-Earn” models and cashback apps are leading CPI demand.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: AdCombo and Yeahmobi feature many e-commerce install offers with simple ad approval processes — ideal for affiliates testing multiple verticals.
Pro Tip: Focus on mobile users during major events (Black Friday, Prime Day) for bonus conversions.
❤️ 4. Lifestyle & Dating Apps – Emotional Installs, Real Results
This category is a mix of fashion, self-care, and dating — all emotional drivers. People install these apps impulsively, which means higher click-to-install ratios.
Why It Pays:
Fast install decision-making.
Global reach and strong retention.
Flexible targeting — age, interest, or relationship status.
2025 Trend:
Lifestyle apps using AI personalization (like fitness coaching or matchmaking) are booming.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: Networks like CrakRevenue and Mobidea offer lifestyle/dating CPI campaigns with creative freedom. They also guide affiliates on compliant content to avoid ad disapprovals.
Pro Tip: Use relatable storytelling creatives — “I found my fitness coach through this app” works better than salesy language.
📺 5. Entertainment & Streaming – Binge-Worthy Installs
Music, movie, and short-video apps continue to grow globally. With cheap installs and easy targeting, this category is perfect for affiliates looking for volume over margin.
Why It Pays:
Wide demographic appeal.
Easy-to-promote content formats (trailers, reviews).
Frequent app updates = recurring campaigns.
2025 Trend:
Freemium streaming platforms and regional OTT apps (especially in Asia) dominate CPI traffic.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: Join networks that specialize in media verticals like AdAction or ClickDealer to access entertainment campaigns with high engagement rates.
Pro Tip: Create curiosity-driven creatives — “This app lets you stream free indie movies” converts like crazy.
⚙️ 6. Utilities & Productivity Apps – Quiet Money Makers
They may not sound exciting, but VPNs, file managers, and note apps deliver steady CPI returns. Perfect for affiliates who prefer stable campaigns with low rejection risk.
Why It Pays:
Consistent user need.
Low creative restrictions.
Works well with incentive traffic.
2025 Trend:
Privacy tools, file compressors, and AI-based note apps are trending, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 countries.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: Mobvista and AppSamurai frequently feature these offers. They’re low-maintenance and ideal for testing ad placements.
Pro Tip: Combine banner ads with in-app promotions for long-term install growth.
🧠 Choosing the Right Category as a Beginner
If you’re just starting out, your best CPI categories are:
🎮 Gaming – fast results, easy testing.
🛍️ E-commerce – steady installs, simple creatives.
⚙️ Utilities – low cost, minimal restrictions.
As you gain experience, experiment with Finance and Lifestyle for higher payouts.
🟢 Soft Promotion Tip: Start with ClickDealer or AdCombo, known for beginner-friendly dashboards and global CPI campaigns. They offer weekly payments, real-time tracking, and onboarding help.
🔮 2025 CPI Trends You Should Watch
AI Optimization Tools: Networks now use AI to predict best-performing app categories.
Privacy-Driven Traffic: iOS 17 and Android Sandbox updates prioritize consent-driven installs.
Cross-Platform Campaigns: Mobile, desktop, and smart TV installs are blending.
Pay-for-Quality Models: Some networks now pay more for retained installs, not just raw numbers.
Tier 2 Expansion: CPI offers are growing fast in Latin America and Southeast Asia — low cost, high growth.
🎯 Conclusion: Pick Your Vertical, Play the Long Game
In CPI marketing, knowing your app category economics is half the battle.
Each niche has its own rhythm — Gaming gives quick wins, Finance offers higher stakes, and Lifestyle builds loyal users. The key is to match your traffic type, creative style, and budget with the right vertical.
👉 Ready to start earning from installs? Explore trusted CPI affiliate networks like ClickDealer, AdAction, or Mobvista today. Test, track, and scale — one install at a time.
Because in CPI marketing, it’s not just about who clicks — it’s about who installs and stays.