Best traffic sources 2025

Traffic arbitrage is an incredibly dynamic field where trends change not every few years, but every few months. Your job as a media buyer isn't just to keep up — ideally, it's to stay ahead. What worked yesterday might be dead tomorrow. So if you want to stay relevant in 2025, you need a fresh look at what traffic sources actually work today.

Here’s a list of the most effective traffic sources — from the timeless classics to niche platforms that could become mainstream (or not, who knows).

Let’s start with the giants: Google vs Meta. Who’s winning?

1. Google Ads

The absolute giant in the world of arbitrage. Users literally type what they want into Google — and we show them ads that solve exactly that. What are the odds that your lead is using Google to search? Over 90%, since it’s the default browser for most people. No need to explain further — this is plug-and-play.

2. Facebook / Instagram (Meta Ads)

The second giant, and probably the first ad platform most affiliates ever used. Compared to Google, Meta isn’t about intent — it’s about emotion and interests. You catch users not when they’re searching, but when you make them feel like they need your offer. The biggest upside of Meta Ads in 2025? Flexibility — it works for almost any vertical. The downside? Bans. Lots of them. But if you're okay with farming accounts and rotating setups — the scale and ROI are still worth it.

3. TikTok Ads

TikTok is no longer just for memes and dances — it’s the new gold mine. If Facebook was the place to be in 2017, TikTok owns that title in 2025. Sure, moderation can be tough, especially with grey verticals — but if you get through, the ROI is insane. What works here? Emotional creatives that hook in the first 2–3 seconds. And don’t assume it’s only Gen Z — TikTok’s business push is pulling in an older, wealthier audience fast.

In many GEOs, TikTok Shop is already live — users can buy without leaving the app. That makes TikTok the most interactive and impulse-driven platform today.

4. Push + Popunder Traffic

Yes, push and pop are still alive. Why wouldn’t they be? Push is browser notification traffic — users allow it on random sites, then get hit with your ad later. Popunder is when a site auto-opens your landing in a new tab.

Why are these still relevant? Two reasons. First — dirt cheap traffic. Second — they work for anything: sweeps, antivirus, even malware. This isn’t newbie-friendly though. You’ll need sharp creatives, solid prelanding flows, and good tech skills. Still, for veterans, this is a profitable evergreen source.

5. Native Ads (Taboola, Outbrain, Yahoo, etc.)

Native ads blend into website content — they look like “recommended articles” under news or blog posts. Users don’t perceive them as ads — they trust them as suggestions. This boosts CTR and conversions. Best used for nutra and crypto offers.

Why isn’t everyone doing this then? Because it’s hard. Native requires real marketing skills, not just affiliate tricks. But that also means lower competition and higher returns — if you know what you’re doing.

6. Telegram

Telegram came late to the paid traffic party, but it’s picking up fast. It’s always had unofficial options: buying posts on channels, bots, etc. Now there’s official Telegram Ads. Yes, targeting is still limited, but the ads look organic and people trust them more. If you start now and master it — you’ll be way ahead once the platform matures.

7. X Ads (Twitter)

Twitter (now X) is criminally underrated in 2025.

It’s a platform full of memes, hot takes, provocation, and ultra-online users. The ad system works similarly to Meta (geo, interests, etc.), but the audience is way more engaged. They’re not just scrolling — they live online. If you nail the creatives and tone, you’ll scale easily while no one’s looking. We're actually building a separate channel just for Twitter Ads — hit us up before it goes mainstream.

8. In-App Traffic (Unity Ads, etc.)

In-app means showing ads inside mobile games or apps. Like when you finish a level and it says “Watch an ad to get a bonus” — boom, that’s us. Why is this great? Because you have the user’s attention. They’re motivated to engage — and the ad feels like part of the game. This isn’t for beginners — but the scale and quality are insane.

We run a full channel on Unity Ads alone (link) — if you’re curious, join and level up.

9. Reddit

Reddit’s been around forever — and affiliates still ignore it. Huge mistake.

It’s part forum, part social network, full of hardcore users who speak their mind. Ads here work only if they’re perfectly native, posted in the right subreddit, and speak directly to user pain points. No fake hype. No BS landers. Just value. Volume isn’t huge — but if you win over a community, the conversions are pure gold.

Traffic arbitrage never stops evolving — and neither should you.

There’s no “best” source — only the one you learn to master better than anyone else.