Link-Out Monetization Is Powering the Next Phase of Publisher Growth

Recent regulatory tailwinds are reshaping the balance between in-app and out-of-app payments & purchases. Exactly half a year after the Epic v. Apple landmark ruling, the same level of in-app monetization freedom and flexibility that was introduced for iOS app publishers have now been extended to Android app publishers as well. 

Similarly, around the world, policies are shifting to favor direct-to-consumer (D2C) monetization via link-outs, giving developers and publishers the freedom to connect with users directly and retain more control over their revenue.

In this article, we’ll explore what this global shift means and how to capitalize on the growing opportunity.

Key recent rulings and regulatory shifts include:

These shifts signal the beginning of the end of the gatekeeper era where platforms charged up to 30% in fees and tightly controlled how publishers reached paying users. Now, developers and publishers in the US have greater autonomy to define their own monetization strategies, and many more countries are expected to follow suit.

From Clicks to Conversions: Turning Link-Out Traffic into Growth

Access to link-outs is only the first step. The real challenge lies in eliminating friction and optimizing conversion once users move from app to web. Success depends on creating a seamless bridge between in-app engagement and external transactions.

1. Frictionless Transitions

The first critical drop-off point is often the transition itself, when users must manually sign in, re-enter payment details, or navigate through multiple pages. The most effective strategies employ deep linking: a link or button within the app that automatically authenticates the user and brings them directly to a secure, pre-filled checkout page.

Coda Link can enable these experiences by passing player IDs, preselecting payment methods, and auto-filling SKUs. This drastically reduces friction, especially at the player ID entry stage, historically a key point of user drop-off.

2. Driving High-Intent Traffic

Developers are also reimagining their in-app spaces to drive traffic to web stores:

• Targeted messaging through inbox announcements or push notifications to spotlight exclusive web-only offers.
• Persistent call-to-action elements, such as floating icons or banners, on home or catalog screens.
• Free-to-paid funnels, where users claim a free item that directs them to the web store.

With Coda’s marketing expertise, we can help support your traffic driving efforts and improve your conversion rates.

Why This Matters to Publishers

The shift toward open monetization isn’t just a regulatory milestone, it’s a turning point for growth. For over a decade, publishers have operated within app store limits: capped margins, limited data visibility, and little flexibility to innovate. Link-outs are changing that balance of power.

With Coda Link, publishers can:

• Reclaim margin by bypassing fees that once cut up to 30% of every transaction.
• Own the customer relationship by gathering first-party data that fuels retention, personalization, and lifetime value.
• Fast-track operations with pricing, promotions, and offers, while avoiding long platform approval.

Strengthen brand trust with checkout experiences that feel native, secure, and localized.

Coda Link: Powering the Future of Direct Monetization

Coda supports partners across every stage of link-out monetization. From your own D2C store to Codashop integrations or bespoke Coda Commerce builds, we help you turn engagement into revenue, more effectively, compliantly, globally, and at scale. Talk to us to learn how Coda Link can power your link-out strategy and unlock your next stage of growth.

Curious how leading publishers are scaling with Coda? Read our earlier piece:

Go All In on Out-of-App — How Coda’s Solutions Drive Global Growth