IronSource Ads Not Loading: “Empty Waterfall”
Encountering an “empty waterfall” error with IronSource ads means your app is not receiving any ad units, resulting in blank ad spaces. This article dives into common causes and troubleshooting steps to address this issue.
Common Causes of Empty Waterfall
1. Network Connectivity
- Weak or unstable internet connection.
- Network firewalls blocking ad requests.
2. Integration Issues
- Incorrect IronSource SDK setup or integration.
- Missing or incorrect ad unit IDs.
- Outdated IronSource SDK.
3. Ad Server Configuration
- Insufficient ad supply for your targeting parameters.
- Low eCPM (effective cost per mille) causing ads to be filtered out.
- Ad units disabled or paused on the IronSource dashboard.
4. User Factors
- Ad blockers enabled in the user’s browser or device.
- Limited ad inventory for specific user demographics or locations.
Troubleshooting Steps
1. Verify Network Connectivity
- Check internet connection stability.
- Ensure the device is not behind a firewall that might be blocking ad requests.
2. Review Integration
- Confirm correct IronSource SDK version and integration steps.
- Verify that all required ad units are included with valid IDs.
- Update the IronSource SDK to the latest version if necessary.
3. Inspect Ad Server Configuration
- Review ad unit settings in the IronSource dashboard for availability and active status.
- Adjust targeting parameters or increase eCPM thresholds if applicable.
- Contact IronSource support if you suspect ad supply issues.
4. Analyze User Behavior
- Consider the user’s demographics, location, and device settings.
- Check for potential ad blockers or privacy settings.
Example Code: Verifying Integration
// Load IronSource SDK
IronSource.init(
"YOUR_APP_KEY", // Replace with your App Key
IronSource.AD_UNIT_REWARDED_VIDEO,
IronSource.AD_UNIT_INTERSTITIAL,
IronSource.AD_UNIT_BANNER
);
// Load ad unit
IronSource.loadRewardedVideo(
"YOUR_REWARDED_VIDEO_UNIT_ID" // Replace with your Rewarded Video Unit ID
);
// Show rewarded video ad
IronSource.showRewardedVideo();
Debugging Tips
- Utilize the IronSource debug logs for detailed information about ad requests and responses.
- Enable logging and test in various environments and device configurations.
Summary
The “empty waterfall” error in IronSource ads can be caused by various factors. By systematically addressing network issues, reviewing integration, inspecting ad server configuration, and analyzing user behavior, you can effectively diagnose and resolve this issue.