Developers building applications for LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, and Android TV platforms often face substantial difficulties when attempting to generate revenue without using intrusive ad formats. Traditional display advertising on connected TV (CTV) platforms typically delivers low eCPMs ($1–3), while video ads disrupt user engagement, degrade the lean-back experience, and reduce retention. Subscription models, while offering predictable recurring revenue, suffer from high churn rates, long ramp-up periods, and expensive user acquisition.
As reported by TechCrunch and other industry publications, user resistance to CTV advertising is accelerating, prompting developers to seek non-ad-based revenue solutions. This has catalyzed interest in silent, background monetization models that do not depend on user behavior tracking or in-app purchase conversion funnels.
CTV platforms are also constrained by OS-level limitations: unlike mobile, there is no centralized push notification layer, limited access to background services, and often no in-app web browser. This makes ad retargeting and behavioral analytics less effective, further reducing the appeal of ad-driven models on smart TVs.
This guide outlines a proven approach to CTV monetization using bandwidth-sharing SDKs that operate under a peer-to-business model. These SDKs allow developers to increase ARPDAU and LTV without negatively impacting performance, battery usage, or compliance. According to a 2025 forecast from AppsFlyer, privacy-compliant, passive monetization models are expected to outperform ad-centric models by 2026 across both mature and emerging CTV markets.
Step-by-Step: CTV Monetization Without Ads
A structured, platform-agnostic approach to SDK-based monetization includes the following 7 stages:
- Audience Profiling: Identify device-level attributes (e.g., screen resolution, CPU class, playback time, network stability).
- Model Evaluation: Select a bandwidth-sharing SDK compatible with CTV OS constraints, resource caps, and background thread models.
- SDK Integration: Integrate the SDK at compile-time using WebAssembly, JNI, or direct native embedding depending on platform.
- Pilot Deployment: Launch to a test cohort (~25% MAU) to observe telemetry including CPU usage, session time, bandwidth metrics, and opt-out behavior.
- Cohort-Based Analytics: Track revenue attribution via Sub-ID logic, segment by region, acquisition channel, and device model. Align with retention metrics.
- ARPU Optimization: Use time-window constraints (e.g. 12h idle window) and frequency capping to maximize yield without impacting QoS or device temperature thresholds.
- Geographic Scaling: Expand rollout to MAUs in low-CPM but high-volume regions (LATAM, APAC, Eastern Europe). Consider bandwidth cost benchmarks in each market.
Many smart TV apps underutilize telemetry. Developers should consider adding custom event tracking for SDK status codes, opt-in/opt-out timestamps, bandwidth peaks, and region-specific CPU stats. These metrics help detect underperforming device classes (e.g., low-end Tizen TVs with 512MB RAM) that might require throttling or SDK disablement.
Example: A puzzle game on LG webOS and Android TV increased ARPDAU from $0.03 to $0.042 (+40%), doubled RPM, and improved 30-day LTV by 52%. Integration costs were recovered in under 6 weeks. These metrics align with broader 2025 trends: according to Statista, non-ad monetization on CTV rose from 4% in 2022 to 17% in mid-2025, particularly in casual game and video utility categories.
How Infatica SDK Solves the Problem
The Infatica SDK provides low-friction monetization through secure bandwidth sharing. Designed for Android TV, Samsung Tizen, and LG webOS, it uses WebAssembly and binary-level embedding for compatibility and minimal resource usage. The SDK supports silent operation and complies with Google Play’s emerging background behavior standards.
- CPU usage remains under 1% — no interference with video decoding, UI threads, or input listeners.
- No personally identifiable information is collected. All bandwidth is anonymized and routed only to verified clients using TLS 1.3 encryption.
- Fully compliant with GDPR, CCPA, DMA — with built-in audit support for data regulators.
- Includes Sub-ID and cohort analytics export in CSV or JSON — compatible with Mixpanel, Amplitude, and GA4.
- Invisible to the user — no banners, popups, background ads, or local UI elements. Opt-out is available via system settings or in-app switch.
Advanced use cases include SDK monetization in offline-first apps, where user interaction is low, but device uptime is high (e.g. digital signage, ambient apps, slow-TV channels). The SDK functions independently of foreground activity, making it ideal for idle-time monetization.
eCPM Benchmarks vs SDK Revenue
SDK-based revenue is linear to active users and session duration. Unlike ad impressions, it is not subject to fill rate, ad budget seasonality, or auction volatility.
| Metric | Banner Ads (CTV) | Bandwidth SDK (Infatica) |
|---|---|---|
| eCPM | $1.80 – $2.50 | n/a |
| RPM per user | $0.01 – $0.05 | $0.20 – $0.35 |
| Revenue volatility | High | Low |
| UX impact | Moderate | None |
| Geo-dependence | High | Low |
Comparison: Bandwidth SDK Options for CTV
| SDK Name | Supported Platforms | Revenue Transparency | UX Impact | Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infatica | Android TV, webOS, Tizen, Desktop, Browser | Full (Sub-ID export, cohort analysis) | Invisible | GDPR / CCPA / DMA |
| Honeygain | Desktop only | Basic (monthly summaries) | Tray icon visible | User opt-in |
| Proxyrack | Desktop only | Partial (proxy logs only) | Routing visible | Limited auditability |
Google Play 2025 Policy Compliance
Infatica SDK meets all requirements for compliant SDK operation under upcoming Play Store and DMA regulations:
- No collection of personal or sensitive data
- No use of behavioral ads, tracking pixels, or device fingerprinting
- Clear documentation of SDK activity in app privacy policy
- User opt-out control via system-level toggle or app settings
- DMA compliance — no use of privileged OS access or non-consensual API use
Developer Insights & Lessons
- Start with Sub-ID tagging: Enables downstream LTV tracking by country, channel, and platform.
- Launch across all OS platforms: Tizen + Android TV + LG webOS gives complete telemetry and avoids platform bias.
- SDK + subscription hybrid: Enables freemium trials with background monetization during inactive states. A/B tests show 10–15% trial-to-paid uplift.
- Detect low-capacity devices: Throttle SDK on devices with high temperature or low RAM to avoid UX issues.
Ready to monetize CTV without ads?
Smart TV monetization doesn’t have to depend on ads. By integrating Infatica SDK, developers unlock a compliant, silent revenue stream that scales with users—not impressions. In a policy-sensitive world, background monetization is no longer just an option—it’s an edge.
