UnityExch (UnityExchange): Overview, API Integration, and System Architecture
UnityExch (commonly referred to as UnityExchange or Unity Exchange) is the core programmatic monetization and exchange framework built into the Unity ecosystem. It enables real-time bidding (RTB), unified auctions, and yield management across mobile application inventory and ad demand networks.
This reference guide covers the system architecture, authentication credentials, API endpoints, and account security best practices required to operate and integrate with UnityExch.
1. System Architecture & Functionality
UnityExch operates as a high-throughput bridge connecting supply-side ad inventory (mobile app developers and publishers) with demand-side platforms (DSPs, ad networks, and agency trading desks).
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Unified First-Price Auction: Evaluates all demand partner bid responses simultaneously in a single, transparent first-price auction to maximize overall eCPM while eliminating sequential waterfall latency.
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Server-to-Server (S2S) RTB Integration: Adheres to standardized OpenRTB protocols to communicate bid requests, return ad markups, and trigger impression notifications in real time.
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Granular Asset Hierarchy: Connects organizational profiles, tax profiles, apps (games), and ad placement units within a single centralized dashboard.
2. Core Operational Credentials
Configuring and interacting with UnityExch via SDK or REST APIs requires managing three distinct identifiers:
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Organization ID: The top-level account credential representing your developer or corporate entity. It controls billing, global team access, payout profiles, and API secret keys.
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Game ID / App Identifier: A platform-specific identifier (assigned separately for iOS and Android) that routes ad calls and telemetry to a specific mobile app build.
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API Access Key / Secret Token: A secure token used to authenticate server-to-server REST requests, manage programmatic floor prices, and extract reporting metrics.
3. Account Setup and API Credential Retrieval
Step 1: Account Access & Identity Verification
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Log into the Unity Dashboard.
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Navigate to Monetization > Payout Settings.
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Complete tax documentation (e.g., W-8BEN/W-9) and submit Know Your Customer (KYC) identity verification to enable automated clearing and payouts.
Step 2: Locating Identifiers and API Tokens
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Go to Monetization > Settings.
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Locate and store your Organization ID.
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Under Ad Units, set up placement IDs for specific ad formats (e.g., Rewarded Video, Interstitial, Banner).
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Navigate to Organization Settings > API Access to generate your API Access Token.
4. Security & Compliance Standards
| Security Focus | Operational Requirement |
| Credential Protection | Always load API keys from server-side environment variables (.env). Never hardcode secret keys in client-side app binaries or public code repositories. |
| Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) | Restrict organizational privileges by assigning scoped user roles (Viewer, Manager, Admin) instead of sharing primary root credentials. |
| Session & Token Auditing | Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) across all team accounts and periodically audit active sessions and API service tokens. |
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