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Exclusive Q&A with Si Crowhurst, VP Vungle Creative Labs
Reading Time: 5 minutes
We usually start with a brief introduction. Could you tell us about yourself and your current role in your organization?
S.C.: At Vungle, we strive to transform how people discover and experience mobile apps. Our goal is to be the trusted guide for growth and engagement, helping our clients optimise ad performance by creating and rapidly adapting ads that maintain user experience. As the VP of Vungle Creative Labs, I lead the charge on creating data-optimised content to drive engagement and increase returns for publishers and advertisers, ranging from indie studios to powerhouse brands.
Vungle Creative Labs’ secret to success is the multidisciplinary DNA of the team that combines creatives, technologists and data analysts. We’re constantly advancing our creativity and automation platform for custom creative, using data and machine learning to ensure our clients are on the leading edge of mobile advertising.
The main focus of this interview is Vungle’s joint initiative with the WHO/UN Call Out to Creatives to Help initiative – for creating ads and in-app advertising for public health awareness. How did this project come up? Who made the first moves?
S.C.: At the height of the pandemic, the United Nations/World Health Organization launched its first ever “call out to creatives to help” and we simply felt that it was an opportunity to create some really impactful work and really live up to our values. In short, we wanted to do our bit.
The focus of the brief was for designers to create visual content explaining what steps people can take to slow the COVID-19 pandemic and tackle harmful misinformation campaigns. In a modern-day ‘Rosie the Riveter’ effort, we pooled our design talent, data analytics and gaming expertise and set to work creating a series of playable ads (i.e. interactive ads). Drilling into the principles of gamification, we created ads to drive user engagement around the key WHO messages of maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.
Tell us a bit more about the whole thing. Basically, you send health awareness messages just like in-app advertisements. Tell us more about the processes involved?
S.C.: The campaign strategy we developed and sent into the WHO/UN focused on delivering playable or interactive ads that carried a public health message instead of a consumer brand performance ad. The design process was also similar. We know from our wider work that gamification works in in-app advertising because it triggers powerful human emotions – think: the need for achievement, competition and status; the desire for reward etc. – so we applied the same thinking to this context. In one design, people interacting with the ads had to interact with the screen, swiping back and forth for the duration of time it takes to wash your hands before they could continue in their given app.
What is exactly Vungle’s role in it? Do you use your data, testing and research insights to create, place and run the health awareness in-app ads, just like you do in the case of usual commercial ads?
S.C.: After reviewing the UN/WHO’s main goals and objectives, we selected the playable ad format as the most effective creative medium. Playable ads are dynamic, non-verbal ads that can transcend language and cultural barriers that could otherwise mean that certain messages don’t carry or fall flat. Visual language is a powerful way to drive home messages and encourage positive behaviour. We knew as the weeks of lockdown passed, there had been a significant uplift in mobile app downloads, so this format was really useful given the context.
The team developed several creative options, choosing to capture the key messages of physical distancing and personal hygiene; some of the most salient health messages that many governments have advocated as fundamentally necessary to the emergency response. We then applied creative testing to learn, scale and adapt the ads at rapid speed to enhance user experience while still achieving engagement goals.
How are the users reacting to these health messages through in-app ads. Are their responses in similar lines as towards the commercial ads?
S.C.: We’re delighted to say that the ads have attracted over 36,771,804 million viewers so far, reaching both Apple and Android users in over a dozen countries. Excitingly, the work now also sits in a WHO library of artwork that will be used to educate individuals and communities all across the world as we pass through this global crisis and, hopefully, learn from it for next time. You see the library here: UN COVID-19 Creative Content Hub. In terms of the comparison to commercial ads, the click through rate has been impressive – 55 percent higher than the average click rate for advertising campaigns in apps –, but given the variables involved in the ad content and aims, you can’t really compare apples with oranges!
You recently wrote about monetization strategies for in-app adds during COVID-19 outbreak. How are things going in the in-app monetization front over the last two months? Are the ad engagement and the revenues from in-app monetization going up or down? Would love to hear some stats and observations on this topic.
S.C.: As with every major crisis, the public turns to news and online platforms for information. With school closures and mandatory work-from-home policies, many of us in the industry expected some uptick in the number of mobile games being downloaded, and the initial upsurge post-lockdown was pretty massive. While entertainment advertisers are seeking to leverage this increase in demand and garner extra conversions as a result, it still feels too early to speculate on how things are going in monetisation and how resilient companies will be as we navigate these unchartered waters.
That said, as time goes on, we’re likely to see more and more people turning to apps that run on freemium models. This is what happened in China during the lockdown there. With users flocking to apps, it’s a good time for mobile marketers to strategically optimise their in-app spend, but we recommend engaging with partners who can really help them navigate this uncertain terrain.
We focus on the gaming and gambling sector. The real world of sports has come to a standstill, with all the major sporting events getting cancelled. How did that affect the mobile advertising sector? Is there being a case of another door opening when one door is shut?
S.C.: While in-app advertising for sporting and gambling apps has taken a hit, users have transferred their attention to other apps that help tackle boredom, find some fun or, in many cases, manage their anxieties – for example, anecdotally we know that people have been trying to “upskill” with language apps like Memrise or Duolingo. So, the users are still there, but their allegiance to which apps has simply changed. When sporting events start up again (and as we’ve seen with Premier League football recently restarting), we can expect the sector to see a change in their fortunes.
We shall conclude with a look into the future. What are the major changes, if any, that we could see in mobile advertising? Our readers appreciate your insights on this.
S.C.: AI continues to shape the future of mobile advertising, with the continued proliferation of machine learning algorithmic and automated bidding products from the likes of Facebook and Google having a strong influence. These technologies are taking control away from advertisers with respect to which target levers to pull in their campaigns and instead decisions are being made based on data. This data includes aggregated intelligence from different industries and markets, as well as billions of consumer data points like key words and searches, device types, and geographic locations – all of which will inform what works best in terms of ad spend and budget allocation.
“Seed” audience data – consisting of users who have already shown their interest by taking actions like clicking an ad or purchasing a product – and creative remain the two most impactful levers for a marketer to influence performance and scale. This has led to considerable investment in creative studios and technology that support the ability to produce massive amounts of creative variants, which can be piped into campaigns for testing. Creative that is adaptive and responsive to user preferences will continue to grow.
Finally. short-form, video-sharing apps are a huge trend, and have enormous potential to reshape mobile advertising. Because this type of content feels more native – its users self-describe as creators rather than “influencers,” developing ways to draft behind it is exciting new territory we need to explore.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Exclusive Q&A with Si Crowhurst, VP Vungle Creative Labs
Latest News
LoopMe research: Increasing GenAI adoption paves the way for an explosion in mobile gaming ad potential
New research from LoopMe, the global leader in brand performance, reveals that consumers are twice as likely to use GenAI for search (x2 in the US and x2.2 in the UK), while it’s nearly three times in Australia (x2.7).
As AI redefines online behaviour, and the enormous implications this has for brand visibility and advertising, the solution may lie in mobile gaming. While the adoption of AI tools is leading to a decline in clicks and associated site traffic, the story is different in gaming. This channel is on the rise, offering a scale that encompasses all demographics, alongside engaged and receptive audiences.
LoopMe surveyed 66,819 consumers across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to gauge GenAI usage. The data shows the majority are now using these tools daily or at least several times a week (US: 56%, UK: 55%, Australia: 57%). For those using tools daily, similar patterns emerge, with approximately three in ten adopters falling into this group (Australia: 27%, UK: 29%, US: 30%).
Nearly one-fifth of GenAI users across all three markets report spending less time browsing the web because of AI tools (US: 19%, UK: 20%, and Australia: 22%). Even among infrequent GenAI users, there’s a move away from traditional search, resulting in web browsing falling by 19%-50% across the markets. This shift isn’t limited to specific demographics but plays out across all age groups, indicating a move towards embracing AI and a corresponding reduction in browsing time to varying degrees.
Nearly a third of users (28% in the US and 30% in Australia and the UK) across all three countries cite ‘getting answers faster’ as the number one benefit of GenAI. This reduction in browsing time online is freeing them up for other pursuits. And one of these appears to be more time for gaming: In Australia, 18% cited that they are spending more time on mobile gaming, while in the US, it’s 19% and rising to 21% in the UK.
Again, this is a trend across all age groups and markets. While the greatest shift in the UK is seen among 18-24-year-olds, with 62% spending more time on mobile gaming rather than less, in the US it’s the 25-34-year-olds (40%). Meanwhile, for Australians, it’s the 35-44-year-old demographic (58%). However, growth is being experienced across all age bands, with all three countries seeing strong mobile gaming growth even among the 55–64-year-olds.
This growth can also be seen among infrequent GenAI users too. In the US, there is a 40% net difference between those casual GenAI users who spend more time gaming and those who spend less, rising to 55% in Australia and 71% in the UK.
When asked about streaming games, there is more preference among younger age groups. While there are country variations, the 18-24 and 25-34-year-old age groups are the heaviest users of streaming games, and these groups will likely drive its future potential.
“What the research highlights is the advertising opportunities opening for brands as gaming becomes a key route to market. This is a medium that’s being embraced by all age groups and all demographics. And it’s increasing among frequent AI users as well as more casual ones, offering brands the potential to get in front of audiences that other channels might not serve well,” commented Stephen Upstone, CEO & Founder at LoopMe.
“We’ve found that gamers are more than three times as likely to be receptive to advertising in this environment compared to the mobile web. And because audience value and the opportunities gaming offers are out of alignment with current advertising investment in the channel, this lack of competition only adds to its attractiveness. As digital advertising adjusts to this era of AI, mobile gaming is shedding its bit player role and moving centre stage, delivering scale and reach that competes with traditional broadcast channels.“
The post LoopMe research: Increasing GenAI adoption paves the way for an explosion in mobile gaming ad potential appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global Affiliate Gambling & Betting Marketing Agency, starts 2026 with participation in the largest industry awards. The company has been included in the shortlists of several prestigious nominations, notably the International Gaming Awards (IGA), European iGaming Awards, and Global Gaming Awards EMEA. Winners will be announced during the iGB and ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibitions, which will take place from January 19 to 21. Boomerang Partners will participate in the event with its booth, 81-L10.
For Boomerang Partners, this marks a record number of nominations that the company has been included in. Here are the awards it’s competing for:
International Gaming Awards:
- Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Charitable Community Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
European iGaming Awards:
- Charity Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
- Affiliate Company Of The Year
- Best Live Event Marketing Campaign (Golden Boomerang Awards)
Global Gaming Awards – EMEA 2026:
- Affiliate Program of the Year
What’s next
Boomerang Partners will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026. The company is approaching this date at the peak of its effectiveness. Its inclusion on shortlists of prestigious awards is a testament to its recognition in the market. Experts have noticed Boomerang’s successes and recognize the contribution the company makes to the industry’s development. It feels strong enough to win most awards and is focused on achieving new milestones on the path to becoming the best sports-focused affiliate program in the world.
Currently, Boomerang Partners has over 3,000 affiliate partners and 13+ brands in its client portfolio. The company is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, and the second year of collaboration began in the summer of 2025. In 2024 and 2025, it held a global annual tournament for affiliate teams, the Golden Boomerang Awards. In fall 2025, the Golden Boomerang League, its first sports traffic tournament, took place. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in industry events, showcasing its booth and receiving prestigious awards. Over four years, the company has won 10 awards, including in 2025:
- ‘Unique Gaming Company of the Year’ at the International Gaming Awards 2025
- ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the SBC Awards 2025
- ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting’ (Operator) at the SBC Awards 2025
And Boomerang Partners affiliate team lead, Kristina Shkredova, won the award for Best Affiliate Manager AskGamblers 2025.
How many awards will Boomerang Partners win in January? – Follow the official website and social media of the company, so as not to miss anything.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
The post Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Latest News
Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026
Boomerang Partners, a global Affiliate Gambling & Betting Marketing Agency, starts 2026 with participation in the largest industry awards. The company has been included in the shortlists of several prestigious nominations, notably the International Gaming Awards (IGA), European iGaming Awards, and Global Gaming Awards EMEA. Winners will be announced during the iGB and ICE Barcelona 2026 exhibitions, which will take place from January 19 to 21. Boomerang Partners will participate in the event with its booth, 81-L10.
For Boomerang Partners, this marks a record number of nominations that the company has been included in. Here are the awards it’s competing for:
International Gaming Awards:
- Affiliate Marketing Campaign of the Year
- Charitable Community Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
European iGaming Awards:
- Charity Award (Golden Boomerang Awards – Charity)
- Affiliate Company Of The Year
- Best Live Event Marketing Campaign (Golden Boomerang Awards)
Global Gaming Awards – EMEA 2026:
- Affiliate Program of the Year
What’s next
Boomerang Partners will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2026. The company is approaching this date at the peak of its effectiveness. Its inclusion on shortlists of prestigious awards is a testament to its recognition in the market. Experts have noticed Boomerang’s successes and recognize the contribution the company makes to the industry’s development. It feels strong enough to win most awards and is focused on achieving new milestones on the path to becoming the best sports-focused affiliate program in the world.
Currently, Boomerang Partners has over 3,000 affiliate partners and 13+ brands in its client portfolio. The company is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan, and the second year of collaboration began in the summer of 2025. In 2024 and 2025, it held a global annual tournament for affiliate teams, the Golden Boomerang Awards. In fall 2025, the Golden Boomerang League, its first sports traffic tournament, took place. Boomerang Partners regularly participates in industry events, showcasing its booth and receiving prestigious awards. Over four years, the company has won 10 awards, including in 2025:
- ‘Unique Gaming Company of the Year’ at the International Gaming Awards 2025
- ‘Social Media Campaign of the Year’ at the SBC Awards 2025
- ‘Rising Star in Sports Betting’ (Operator) at the SBC Awards 2025
And Boomerang Partners affiliate team lead, Kristina Shkredova, won the award for Best Affiliate Manager AskGamblers 2025.
How many awards will Boomerang Partners win in January? – Follow the official website and social media of the company, so as not to miss anything.
About Boomerang
Boomerang Partners is a rapidly growing global marketing agency offering a wide range of services. Boomerang Partners is the Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. In 2024, it launched the inaugural Golden Boomerang Awards — a global tournament for affiliate teams. More than 400 affiliate teams participated in the second season of the tournament in 2025. The agency launched six new products in 2024-2025, contributing to a nearly 1.5-fold increase in product users.
The agency’s client portfolio contains 13+ brands offering affiliate and entertainment services across 40+ markets in compliance with local regulations. These products provide personalized bonuses and 24/7 multilingual support.
LoopMe research: Increasing GenAI adoption paves the way for an explosion in mobile gaming ad potential
Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026
Boomerang Partners has been included in 3 prestigious industry Awards, which will be presented in January 2026
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