Anyone know how to pick the right hookup ad network?

I’ve been running dating and hookup ads for a while, but choosing the right ad network was honestly one of the trickiest parts when I started. It’s not just about finding a platform that accepts hookup content; it’s about finding one that actually delivers. I went through a few trial-and-error phases before figuring out what really matters. Thought I’d share what I’ve learned in case anyone else is stuck trying to figure out the same thing.

When I first started promoting hookup offers, I assumed any adult-friendly ad network would do. Big mistake. Some networks promise “huge traffic,” but most of it turns out to be bots or low-quality clicks. Others have strict rules that make it almost impossible to get your creative approved. I once spent hours editing images and headlines to fit their guidelines, only for the campaign to get rejected anyway. That’s when I realized not all networks are built the same—even if they claim to specialize in adult or dating traffic.

The biggest challenge for me was understanding what kind of audience each network actually has. Some are better for mainstream dating, while others lean more toward casual or niche traffic. Hookup ads, in particular, need placements where users are in the right mindset—people browsing casual dating or adult chat sites, not just general entertainment content. If your ad lands in the wrong space, you’re basically wasting impressions.

I also noticed that some networks are great at desktop traffic but terrible for mobile conversions. Since most hookup app users browse on mobile, that mismatch can seriously hurt your ROI. I learned the hard way after running a mobile campaign on a desktop-heavy network. Clicks came in, but barely anyone converted. It took me a while to realize the traffic source was the problem, not my creatives or landing page.

Another thing to watch is how transparent the ad network is about their sources. Some will tell you exactly which sites your ads are showing on, while others just give you vague “vertical” categories. I personally prefer networks that let you whitelist or blacklist placements. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference in filtering out junk traffic. If a site isn’t performing, you can cut it off immediately instead of burning through your budget.

I tried a few popular options—some well-known ones and a couple of niche adult ad networks. What worked best for me wasn’t necessarily the biggest name, but the one that offered decent targeting options and responsive support. Having a rep who actually replies when your campaign is stuck in review is underrated. I once had a campaign on hold for two days because of a creative approval issue. When I finally got in touch with support, they helped me fix the ad copy and push it live the same day. Since then, I’ve stuck with networks that actually talk to you.

If you’re new to this, I’d say don’t focus too much on flashy traffic numbers. Instead, pay attention to the type of offers that perform well on each network. Most platforms have case studies or traffic breakdowns. Read those carefully. They give you a sense of whether hookup campaigns even make sense there.

You can also test small. Start with a small daily budget and run different creatives or geo-targets. If you get decent CTRs but low conversions, it might not be your ad—it might be the audience mismatch. That’s why I recommend testing a few networks in parallel. Just keep your tests clean (same ad creative, same landing page) so you can actually tell which platform performs better.

After some experimentation, I came across this article that really helped me understand how to Choose the Right Ad Network for Hookup Ads. It breaks down what to look for in terms of compliance, audience fit, and payment models. The points about network reliability and creative flexibility really hit home for me because those were the exact pain points I’d been struggling with.

These days, I’ve narrowed it down to two main networks that consistently bring good leads without too many headaches. I still test new ones occasionally, but I’m way pickier now. I check reviews, see what verticals other advertisers are using, and never jump in just because the traffic volume looks impressive.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say choosing the right hookup ad network is less about finding “the best” one and more about finding your best fit. Look for networks that understand your vertical, offer good targeting control, and are transparent about their traffic sources. The rest—like tweaking creatives or improving landing pages—you can adjust as you go.

Would love to hear what networks have worked for others here. Anyone found one that balances good traffic with reasonable moderation?