Hey folks! I’m excited to walk you through a proven classic that continues to deliver — the pairing of iOS utility offers with Popunder and Social Bar formats. This case study highlights how a simple yet strategic approach using Adsterra’s traffic and TrafficShark’s offers drove over 57% ROI in just a few weeks. Whether you're new to utility offers or looking to scale your campaigns, this combo deserves your attention.
Let’s start with the basics. Utility offers are a goldmine — especially those targeting iPhone users. They’re not flashy, but they consistently convert, particularly for CPI (Cost Per Install) models.
In this campaign, we selected a high-performing VPN app offer: InfinityVPN, restricted to iOS devices only. The payout was modest per install, but volume and conversion rates more than made up for it.
We kicked off the campaign with Popunder traffic to gauge the offer’s strength. Popunder is perfect for utility verticals — low friction, high exposure, and a great fit for “one-click” install behaviors. After running the Popunder campaign for two days, we observed promising conversion rates and a healthy CPI.
Encouraged by the performance, we introduced Social Bar into the mix. This format is incredibly versatile, with customizable templates that blend smoothly into user experience without being disruptive. The idea was to capture even more attention — but gently.
Creatives were kept clean. No clickbait. Just concise copy highlighting the benefits of using the VPN app. One variation focused on "secure browsing," while another pushed the "free unlimited access" angle. The built-in ad constructor made setting up multiple versions fast and easy.
To enhance the user journey, we incorporated classic pre-landers. These pre-landers mimicked a simple “video upload” page or “processing request” design — essentially mimicking real app experiences. Users were naturally guided to the app store or installation page without resistance.
Throughout the test period, we optimized placements, tweaked the angles slightly, and stayed clear of aggressive tactics to maintain compliance and avoid traffic rejections.
This campaign ran for about 18 days, and the results spoke volumes:
GEO performance:
Clearly, Tier-1 countries, especially the US, proved most lucrative for this vertical.
Sometimes the classics really are the best. Popunder + Social Bar might not be the newest tactic in the affiliate playbook, but when combined with a strong utility offer and proper targeting, they still pack a punch.
This campaign was a reminder that you don’t always need ultra-complicated funnels or risky creatives to win. A clean setup, the right GEOs, a product with everyday value, and reliable formats can generate serious returns.
If you're considering utility offers or testing iOS CPI flows, don’t overlook the power of combining Popunder and Social Bar. It's a timeless duo that continues to deliver — especially when executed with precision.
Happy optimizing!
Step 1: Choosing the Offer and Strategy
Let’s start with the basics. Utility offers are a goldmine — especially those targeting iPhone users. They’re not flashy, but they consistently convert, particularly for CPI (Cost Per Install) models.
In this campaign, we selected a high-performing VPN app offer: InfinityVPN, restricted to iOS devices only. The payout was modest per install, but volume and conversion rates more than made up for it.
- Offer Type: Utility (VPN)
- Conversion Type: CPI
- Device Focus: iPhones
- Traffic Formats: Popunder + Social Bar
- Ad Creatives: Informative, non-aggressive
- GEOs Targeted: US, UK, CA, AU
Step 2: Launch Strategy
We kicked off the campaign with Popunder traffic to gauge the offer’s strength. Popunder is perfect for utility verticals — low friction, high exposure, and a great fit for “one-click” install behaviors. After running the Popunder campaign for two days, we observed promising conversion rates and a healthy CPI.
Encouraged by the performance, we introduced Social Bar into the mix. This format is incredibly versatile, with customizable templates that blend smoothly into user experience without being disruptive. The idea was to capture even more attention — but gently.
Creatives were kept clean. No clickbait. Just concise copy highlighting the benefits of using the VPN app. One variation focused on "secure browsing," while another pushed the "free unlimited access" angle. The built-in ad constructor made setting up multiple versions fast and easy.
Step 3: Prelanders and Optimization
To enhance the user journey, we incorporated classic pre-landers. These pre-landers mimicked a simple “video upload” page or “processing request” design — essentially mimicking real app experiences. Users were naturally guided to the app store or installation page without resistance.
Throughout the test period, we optimized placements, tweaked the angles slightly, and stayed clear of aggressive tactics to maintain compliance and avoid traffic rejections.
Step 4: GEO Breakdown and Results
This campaign ran for about 18 days, and the results spoke volumes:
- Total Spend: $52,785
- Total Revenue: $92,043
- Profit: $39,258
- ROI: 57.34%
GEO performance:
- United States: 81% of the total revenue
- United Kingdom: 11%
- Australia: 5%
- Canada: 3%
Clearly, Tier-1 countries, especially the US, proved most lucrative for this vertical.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes the classics really are the best. Popunder + Social Bar might not be the newest tactic in the affiliate playbook, but when combined with a strong utility offer and proper targeting, they still pack a punch.
This campaign was a reminder that you don’t always need ultra-complicated funnels or risky creatives to win. A clean setup, the right GEOs, a product with everyday value, and reliable formats can generate serious returns.
If you're considering utility offers or testing iOS CPI flows, don’t overlook the power of combining Popunder and Social Bar. It's a timeless duo that continues to deliver — especially when executed with precision.
Happy optimizing!