Top push ad networks

mVAS or Mobile Content Offers

Anna Mardas
25 October 2024

The mobile subscription industry is celebrating its second birthday in 2024. It was over 10 years ago when their popularity first soared. This sector is gaining traction again – learn the mVAS definition in detail to stay tuned.

What is mVAS?

mVAS meaning is “Mobile Value-Added Services”. Simply put, mVAS is all about mobile subscriptions. Users opt-in to get access to mobile content: games, horoscopes, recipes, video, dating, courses and much more – the mVAS niche encompasses various areas, which allows for generating traffic across many verticals.  

Numerous verticals inside the mVAS niche enable affiliate marketers to target any GEO and both categories Mainstream or Adult. Newbies, who are afraid of ad restrictions, can start with promoting white-hat offers. At the same time, there’s no need to fear Adult or Gambling because of known restrictions. Unlike other verticals, mVAS isn’t subject to strict limits. The niche is mainly regulated by mobile operators, not by the government.

The best part for advertisers, users turn into leads instantly thanks to easy conversion flows. Customers don’t have to pay by card or, even worse, cash at the delivery counter. They’re charged for the subscription on their mobile account. The DCB (Direct Carrier Billing) technology makes this possible. In this way, all users need to do is perform simple actions, for example, clicking the button to subscribe or sending an SMS. 

Let’s sum up why mVAS offers can be a great promotion tool:

  • No holds. To illustrate, the user clicks a call-to-action button, and the lead is counted;
  • Wide target audience. MVAS offers provide the potential to reach a vast and diverse audience, as mobile devices have become an integral part of people’s lives worldwide.
  • Smooth transition to conversion. There is a tendency for many people to avoid paying by card on unfamiliar websites. Sending an SMS or entering a code on a smartphone is less intimidating for people. This explains why mobile subscriptions are thriving;
  • Available traffic across any vertical. The mVAS niche encompasses a wide range of verticals, from Sweepstakes to Dating;
  • Niche-specific approaches are applicable to creatives. Marketers can leverage their expertise in other verticals to craft compelling campaigns for promoting mobile subscriptions;
  • Adult offers are available. When dealing with mobile subscriptions, affiliates can promote adult content more easily than ever. Fewer restrictions, low subscription costs, and many similar offers worldwide are the reasons for this success;
  • Minimal restrictions. While some niches face strict government regulations, mVAS is primarily regulated by mobile operators, offering more flexibility and fewer hurdles.

Finally, what about payouts? Typically, payouts are based on CPA, CPL, and RevShare models. On average, commissions aren’t too high, because the ordinary mobile subscription is cheap. However, if you target a tier-1 country, choose a cost-effective traffic channel and invest heavily, you can make a difference.

Conversion Flows in MVAS

Let’s break down these different flows in the context of mobile value-added services (mVAS) in a casual but informative manner.

1 click flow

Let’s picture this: your users see an enticing offer, and with just one click, they’re in. That’s the beauty of a 1 Click Flow. It’s all about simplicity and speed. Users click on an offer, and without any additional steps, they’re subscribed or get access to the content or service. Affiliate marketers appreciate this because it minimizes hassle, making it more likely for users to convert.

2 click flow

The 2-click flow is next. It’s a bit more interactive than the 1 click flow. Users click on an offer, and then they’re prompted for a second click or confirmation before they’re subscribed or gain access. This adds a layer of assurance for users and can be an effective way for affiliate marketers to drive conversions.

PIN Submit (Prefilled and Wi-Fi)

When it comes to PIN submits, “prefilled” is the magic word. Thanks to prefilled PIN submit flows, users often see a form with their mobile number already filled in. All they need to do is confirm or enter a PIN code they receive via SMS. It’s a streamlined process that reduces user effort, and affiliate marketers can promote these offers to encourage quick sign-ups.

Now, let’s look at another type of conversion flow – PIN submit (Wi-Fi). This flow is slightly different from the prefilled PIN submission. In this case, the phone number isn’t detected due to the lack of a 3G/4G connection. So, users input their phone number and PIN sent to their device on their own. 

Premium SMS (Click2SMS, MT/MO)

Premium SMS, also known as Click2SMS, MT (Mobile Terminated), or MO (Mobile Originated), is a versatile flow in terms of user connection type. Users send an SMS to a designated short code. They might request information, subscribe to services, or make purchases via SMS. 

Here is the difference between MT (Mobile Terminated) and MO (Mobile Originated): 

  • MO. The SMS message originates from a mobile user and is sent to a designated short code or a special number provided by a mobile carrier or service provider. User-initiated MO messages are sent via SMS to a short code to request information, subscribe to a service, or perform some action.
  • MT. The SMS message is sent to the user’s mobile phone from the mobile carrier or service provider. A system provides a service or information through MT messages, not the user. These messages are sent in response to MO requests or for notifications.

USSD

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is like a secret code for accessing services. Users enter a specific code on their mobile devices to interact with a service provider’s platform. USSD can be used for various purposes, like checking balances, subscribing to content, or even conducting surveys. Affiliate marketers can promote USSD-based offers, making it easy for users to engage with services using these unique codes.

MVAS Traffic Sources

If you go to a mVAS affiliate network on the lookout for offers, you will discover most of them don’t have traffic restrictions. There is only one requirement: no scam traffic. As a result, affiliates have great room to promote their offers in terms of traffic sources, and they are willing to take advantage of it.

Common traffic sources for mVAS:

  • Social media;
  • Push and pops;
  • In-page ads;
  • YouTube;
  • Domain redirect (direct click);
  • Native;
  • In-app;
  • Google UAC;
  • Banners;
  • Email, etc. 

Despite the diversity of permitted mVAS traffic sources, we recommend focusing on those that first allow carrier targeting. There is no need to add an explanation here because it’s the key targeting for such offers. According to this principle, you would shut down Facebook immediately. If you aim to drive social media traffic, it’s better to go with TikTok here. Nevertheless, many keep driving Facebook traffic, and it’s not the worst strategy. You can follow other affiliates’ leads or choose an alternative route – mobile ad networks.

Best Ad Formats for Driving mVAS Traffic 

Mobile targeting, coupled with cost-effective ad formats can help you achieve unparalleled success in mVAS advertising. 

  • Push. Brief, attention-grabbing push notifications that appear on users’ devices to promote mVAS offers with a catchy title, offer description and CTA button. Once an individual opts in, such notifications are sent to them. As a disadvantage, iOS device users are not covered by the format;
  • In-page. It’s a similar format to push ads, but the technology is another. In-page push ads are displayed within the web pages or apps, thereby reaching the iOS audience as well;
  • Popunder. Ads that open in a new browser tab behind the current one when a user interacts with a website or app, often featuring compelling visuals and content;
  • In-app and webwiew. Ads displayed within mobile apps or app webviews, offering a user-friendly experience by aligning with the app’s design, ideal for capturing engaged users. Top app categories by consumer spent in Google Play and iOS App Store include Games and Entertainment.

Top GEOs for Advertising Mobile Content Offers

The following are some of the key insights we uncovered from Digital 2023: Global Overview Report:

  • South Africa is the top country by mobile penetration. It is a tier-3 GEO with high traffic at low costs. You can enter this target smoothly, but payouts are not so promising. Eastern Europe is the second most mobile-penetrated geo. If you are up for the challenge, choose solvent countries of Eastern Europe: Czechia, Slovakia, and Estonia;
  • The most engaged users with the greatest mobile activity are located in Indonesia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Singapore;
  • By the number of cellular connections, the following GEOs dominate: Hong Kong, United Arabian Emirates, South Africa and Portugal;
  • The most profitable countries for generating in-app traffic are China, the USA and Japan. If you partner with the affiliate network based on the CPI model, choose GEOs with the highest number of downloads: China or India; 
  • These countries have the lowest mobile data rates for 1GB: Israel, France, Italy, India, Thailand and Turkey. The residents pay less than $0,5 for 1GB there. This suggests that people in these countries are more likely to be inclined to subscribe to mobile services, as mobile data is available at a more affordable price.

Related Posts:

Anna Mardas
Anna Mardas brought together her background as a copywriter in digital marketing. Now, she's got a solid grasp on affiliate marketing, especially when it comes to understanding the following niches: Gambling, Adult, Dating, Sweepstakes and Crypto. Anna stands out for her thorough research and insightful reviews of ad networks, offering her readers valuable knowledge.

The mobile subscription industry is celebrating its second birthday in 2024. It was over 10 years ago when their popularity first soared. This sector is gaining traction again – learn the mVAS definition in detail to stay tuned.

What is mVAS?

mVAS meaning is “Mobile Value-Added Services”. Simply put, mVAS is all about mobile subscriptions. Users opt-in to get access to mobile content: games, horoscopes, recipes, video, dating, courses and much more – the mVAS niche encompasses various areas, which allows for generating traffic across many verticals.  

Numerous verticals inside the mVAS niche enable affiliate marketers to target any GEO and both categories Mainstream or Adult. Newbies, who are afraid of ad restrictions, can start with promoting white-hat offers. At the same time, there’s no need to fear Adult or Gambling because of known restrictions. Unlike other verticals, mVAS isn’t subject to strict limits. The niche is mainly regulated by mobile operators, not by the government.

The best part for advertisers, users turn into leads instantly thanks to easy conversion flows. Customers don’t have to pay by card or, even worse, cash at the delivery counter. They’re charged for the subscription on their mobile account. The DCB (Direct Carrier Billing) technology makes this possible. In this way, all users need to do is perform simple actions, for example, clicking the button to subscribe or sending an SMS. 

Let’s sum up why mVAS offers can be a great promotion tool:

  • No holds. To illustrate, the user clicks a call-to-action button, and the lead is counted;
  • Wide target audience. MVAS offers provide the potential to reach a vast and diverse audience, as mobile devices have become an integral part of people’s lives worldwide.
  • Smooth transition to conversion. There is a tendency for many people to avoid paying by card on unfamiliar websites. Sending an SMS or entering a code on a smartphone is less intimidating for people. This explains why mobile subscriptions are thriving;
  • Available traffic across any vertical. The mVAS niche encompasses a wide range of verticals, from Sweepstakes to Dating;
  • Niche-specific approaches are applicable to creatives. Marketers can leverage their expertise in other verticals to craft compelling campaigns for promoting mobile subscriptions;
  • Adult offers are available. When dealing with mobile subscriptions, affiliates can promote adult content more easily than ever. Fewer restrictions, low subscription costs, and many similar offers worldwide are the reasons for this success;
  • Minimal restrictions. While some niches face strict government regulations, mVAS is primarily regulated by mobile operators, offering more flexibility and fewer hurdles.

Finally, what about payouts? Typically, payouts are based on CPA, CPL, and RevShare models. On average, commissions aren’t too high, because the ordinary mobile subscription is cheap. However, if you target a tier-1 country, choose a cost-effective traffic channel and invest heavily, you can make a difference.

Conversion Flows in MVAS

Let’s break down these different flows in the context of mobile value-added services (mVAS) in a casual but informative manner.

1 click flow

Let’s picture this: your users see an enticing offer, and with just one click, they’re in. That’s the beauty of a 1 Click Flow. It’s all about simplicity and speed. Users click on an offer, and without any additional steps, they’re subscribed or get access to the content or service. Affiliate marketers appreciate this because it minimizes hassle, making it more likely for users to convert.

2 click flow

The 2-click flow is next. It’s a bit more interactive than the 1 click flow. Users click on an offer, and then they’re prompted for a second click or confirmation before they’re subscribed or gain access. This adds a layer of assurance for users and can be an effective way for affiliate marketers to drive conversions.

PIN Submit (Prefilled and Wi-Fi)

When it comes to PIN submits, “prefilled” is the magic word. Thanks to prefilled PIN submit flows, users often see a form with their mobile number already filled in. All they need to do is confirm or enter a PIN code they receive via SMS. It’s a streamlined process that reduces user effort, and affiliate marketers can promote these offers to encourage quick sign-ups.

Now, let’s look at another type of conversion flow – PIN submit (Wi-Fi). This flow is slightly different from the prefilled PIN submission. In this case, the phone number isn’t detected due to the lack of a 3G/4G connection. So, users input their phone number and PIN sent to their device on their own. 

Premium SMS (Click2SMS, MT/MO)

Premium SMS, also known as Click2SMS, MT (Mobile Terminated), or MO (Mobile Originated), is a versatile flow in terms of user connection type. Users send an SMS to a designated short code. They might request information, subscribe to services, or make purchases via SMS. 

Here is the difference between MT (Mobile Terminated) and MO (Mobile Originated): 

  • MO. The SMS message originates from a mobile user and is sent to a designated short code or a special number provided by a mobile carrier or service provider. User-initiated MO messages are sent via SMS to a short code to request information, subscribe to a service, or perform some action.
  • MT. The SMS message is sent to the user’s mobile phone from the mobile carrier or service provider. A system provides a service or information through MT messages, not the user. These messages are sent in response to MO requests or for notifications.

USSD

USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) is like a secret code for accessing services. Users enter a specific code on their mobile devices to interact with a service provider’s platform. USSD can be used for various purposes, like checking balances, subscribing to content, or even conducting surveys. Affiliate marketers can promote USSD-based offers, making it easy for users to engage with services using these unique codes.

MVAS Traffic Sources

If you go to a mVAS affiliate network on the lookout for offers, you will discover most of them don’t have traffic restrictions. There is only one requirement: no scam traffic. As a result, affiliates have great room to promote their offers in terms of traffic sources, and they are willing to take advantage of it.

Common traffic sources for mVAS:

  • Social media;
  • Push and pops;
  • In-page ads;
  • YouTube;
  • Domain redirect (direct click);
  • Native;
  • In-app;
  • Google UAC;
  • Banners;
  • Email, etc. 

Despite the diversity of permitted mVAS traffic sources, we recommend focusing on those that first allow carrier targeting. There is no need to add an explanation here because it’s the key targeting for such offers. According to this principle, you would shut down Facebook immediately. If you aim to drive social media traffic, it’s better to go with TikTok here. Nevertheless, many keep driving Facebook traffic, and it’s not the worst strategy. You can follow other affiliates’ leads or choose an alternative route – mobile ad networks.

Best Ad Formats for Driving mVAS Traffic 

Mobile targeting, coupled with cost-effective ad formats can help you achieve unparalleled success in mVAS advertising. 

  • Push. Brief, attention-grabbing push notifications that appear on users’ devices to promote mVAS offers with a catchy title, offer description and CTA button. Once an individual opts in, such notifications are sent to them. As a disadvantage, iOS device users are not covered by the format;
  • In-page. It’s a similar format to push ads, but the technology is another. In-page push ads are displayed within the web pages or apps, thereby reaching the iOS audience as well;
  • Popunder. Ads that open in a new browser tab behind the current one when a user interacts with a website or app, often featuring compelling visuals and content;
  • In-app and webwiew. Ads displayed within mobile apps or app webviews, offering a user-friendly experience by aligning with the app’s design, ideal for capturing engaged users. Top app categories by consumer spent in Google Play and iOS App Store include Games and Entertainment.

Top GEOs for Advertising Mobile Content Offers

The following are some of the key insights we uncovered from Digital 2023: Global Overview Report:

  • South Africa is the top country by mobile penetration. It is a tier-3 GEO with high traffic at low costs. You can enter this target smoothly, but payouts are not so promising. Eastern Europe is the second most mobile-penetrated geo. If you are up for the challenge, choose solvent countries of Eastern Europe: Czechia, Slovakia, and Estonia;
  • The most engaged users with the greatest mobile activity are located in Indonesia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Singapore;
  • By the number of cellular connections, the following GEOs dominate: Hong Kong, United Arabian Emirates, South Africa and Portugal;
  • The most profitable countries for generating in-app traffic are China, the USA and Japan. If you partner with the affiliate network based on the CPI model, choose GEOs with the highest number of downloads: China or India; 
  • These countries have the lowest mobile data rates for 1GB: Israel, France, Italy, India, Thailand and Turkey. The residents pay less than $0,5 for 1GB there. This suggests that people in these countries are more likely to be inclined to subscribe to mobile services, as mobile data is available at a more affordable price.

Related Posts:

Anna Mardas
Anna Mardas brought together her background as a copywriter in digital marketing. Now, she's got a solid grasp on affiliate marketing, especially when it comes to understanding the following niches: Gambling, Adult, Dating, Sweepstakes and Crypto. Anna stands out for her thorough research and insightful reviews of ad networks, offering her readers valuable knowledge.