App X, a popular casual puzzle game distributed across multiple platforms, including as a desktop application (Windows/macOS) and a browser extension, was facing significant challenges with stagnant monetization metrics. Despite an impressive Monthly Active User (MAU) base of around 200,000 users, the ad-based and in-app purchase (IAP) models were not producing satisfactory results. Specifically, the ARPDAU was stagnating at approximately $0.05, and the 30-day LTV hovered around $0.30. This lack of growth was a direct result of rising user acquisition costs, which were becoming increasingly difficult to cover, and tightening platform policies, particularly those enforced by app stores like Google Play.
With these constraints in mind, the development team at App X realized they needed to rethink their monetization strategy. They needed a solution that was more sustainable, could provide passive revenue, and avoid the pitfalls associated with traditional advertising and IAP-based models. What they needed was a solution that offered more resilience, scalability, and adaptability, especially in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
Method: From Selection to Scale
To address these monetization challenges, the App X team began evaluating alternative monetization models. They looked into several SDK providers, including Honeygain and Proxyrack, but ultimately decided on Infatica SDK. Several factors influenced this decision, including Infatica’s background peer-to-business model, its ability to work seamlessly across platforms (Windows/macOS and browser extensions), and its full compliance with GDPR/CCPA privacy regulations.
A phased integration process was set up to ensure minimal disruption to the user experience. Initially, the SDK was tested in a sandbox environment. After ensuring that everything was functioning as expected, the team began a four-week A/B test with a sample of around 25% of the user base. Performance metrics like ARPDAU, RPM, and LTV were tracked, using Sub-ID tags to isolate and measure the impact of the Infatica SDK.
Once the results of the A/B test were verified and proved to be positive, the SDK was rolled out to the entire user base. By week 8, App X saw significant improvements in its monetization metrics. ARPDAU grew by 42%, from $0.05 to $0.071, RPM doubled, and the 30-day LTV saw a remarkable 50%+ improvement. The return on investment (ROI) was realized in just six weeks, a period far shorter than the team had initially anticipated. Infatica’s silent SDK monetization enabled the team to scale their revenue without introducing UI friction or violating new data-use disclosures under the EU Digital Markets Act.
Why Infatica SDK Proved the Right Fit
Infatica SDK’s key differentiator lies in its ability to silently monetize idle bandwidth in the background, without interrupting the user experience. Unlike traditional ad-monetization SDKs that rely on viewability and user consent, Infatica’s approach requires no visible ads and does not consume significant system resources. It operates with less than 1% CPU usage, has virtually no impact on battery life, and remains invisible to the gameplay or UX. This was particularly valuable for App X, as their user base spanned multiple devices and regions, many of which had low ARPU or could not afford any visible interruptions to their gameplay experience.
One of the most significant advantages of using Infatica SDK is that it provides a separate revenue stream alongside traditional ads and IAPs. This additional income stream allows developers to maintain clean financial reporting and to easily integrate the revenue into their broader monetization strategy. Additionally, Infatica SDK anonymizes user traffic and features strong compliance mechanisms, such as opt-out options, data logs, and legally compliant audit trails. This helped App X navigate the complexities of global privacy laws, including GDPR and CCPA, and align with tightening store policies.
Monetization Results: Metrics Before and After
The App X team tracked key performance improvements both before and after integrating the Infatica SDK. Some of the most notable changes include:
- ARPDAU: Increased from $0.05 to $0.071 (+42%)
- RPM: Doubled from approximately $0.15 to $0.30
- 30-day LTV: Grew from ~$0.30 to ~$0.45 (+50%)
- Payback Period: Achieved in just six weeks
These improvements were validated using Sub-ID analytics. By isolating high-session cohorts, the team found that these users exhibited the largest increases in LTV, a key indicator of sustained engagement and profitability.
Based on the projected market trends for 2025 from AppsFlyer, it was evident that SDK-based monetization solutions like Infatica align well with current industry trajectories: rising user acquisition costs, declining ad fill rates, and the looming regulatory shifts that require more transparency in data usage and monetization models.
Case: Browser Puzzle Game Integration
In App X’s browser-based puzzle game, Infatica SDK enabled the monetization of previously non-monetized sessions. This had a direct impact on the overall revenue generation. Additionally, subscription conversions increased by 15%, thanks to a more flexible pricing strategy made possible by the extra revenue from the SDK. Over the span of 90 days, SDK-enabled users showed a 60% higher LTV compared to those who were not using the SDK. This demonstrates how the passive revenue generated by the Infatica SDK provides a buffer that can be reinvested into other areas of the game’s economy, such as flexible pricing or offering more premium content.
Comparison with Other SDK Monetizers
When App X compared Infatica SDK to other monetization SDKs like Honeygain and Proxyrack, several factors set Infatica apart:
- Platform Coverage: Infatica SDK works across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and browser extensions. This ensures maximum reach across devices, which is particularly important for cross-platform games like App X.
- GDPR-Ready Passive Monetization: Unlike some other SDK providers, Infatica ensures that all user data is anonymized, and it provides developers with the tools they need to comply with privacy regulations.
- Transparent Revenue Attribution via Sub-IDs: Infatica’s use of Sub-IDs allows developers to track the source of monetization revenue in detail, offering clear visibility into how each cohort or segment of users is performing.
In addition to these benefits, Infatica’s peer-to-business architecture ensures a low-risk profile. This avoids potential pitfalls associated with peer-to-peer or mining-based monetization models, which are sometimes seen as controversial or risky.
Addressing Common Objections
One common objection developers have when implementing SDK-based monetization solutions is the potential for battery drain, network overhead, or performance degradation. The App X team was concerned about this during the pilot phase but found that Infatica SDK’s background traffic prioritization ensured that no user-reported performance degradation occurred. In fact, telemetry data showed no noticeable impact on CPU or network performance.
This model also fully complies with Google’s Ads Transparency requirements for 2025, which demand clearer data-use disclosures and opt-out mechanisms. Infatica SDK does not interfere with existing ad SDKs, does not require intrusive permissions, and provides users with the option to disable it via the app’s settings to meet opt-out mandates.
Google Play 2025 Compliance: Infatica SDK
As app stores like Google Play continue to impose stricter regulations on data usage, Infatica SDK ensures developers remain compliant with upcoming 2025 changes. New rules require clear data-use disclosures, ad labeling, and the implementation of opt-out options for users. The Infatica SDK’s non-intrusive, background monetization method helps reduce dependence on fragile ad ecosystems, while also simplifying audits and transparency processes.
Lessons Learned
App X’s team initially overlooked the importance of segmenting ARPU by cohort, which delayed their ability to fully understand the impact of the SDK. They only realized the SDK’s effectiveness after integrating Sub-ID and cohort-based dashboards. Additionally, the team postponed the macOS rollout, even though the Infatica SDK was stable and effective on both Windows and macOS. Future developers integrating Infatica SDK should prioritize cross-platform compatibility and cohort analytics from the start to streamline the rollout and maximize effectiveness.
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Infatica SDK empowers developers to monetize every user silently, passively, and in full compliance with modern app store regulations. As traditional ads become riskier and more regulated, SDK-based models represent a future-proof alternative for scaling ARPU.
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