Hi
@susu,
Yes, you need the Admob account.
Let me please briefly explain why Admob is required.
The main reason is we are NOT ad network.
Appodeal is a monetization tool. We analyze the traffic and suggest those networks which provide you the highest revenue.
All networks involved into out mediation have high bids and are very efficient. Admob is one of the networks. Besides that
Appodeal does not only ad mediation but optimizes the traffic. Thus Admob revenue within
Appodeal mediation is usually higher than revenue received working with Admob directly.
Last but not the least, we do NOT accept apps without Admob because otherwise we will violate the partners agreement. Mediation is impossible without good relationship with all partner networks.