Methods and systems for managing distribution and retrieval of data (for example advertising content and viewing statistics) and insertion of control logic (for example display of advertising content) into pre-existing mobile applications. In some arrangements the method includes analyzing the pre-existing application in the context of the target platform and the desired placement of new content, and instrumenting the application to support the addition of the new content. The instrumenting process can include modification of the application to support one or more of features selected from a group comprising user identification, usage tracking, bi-directional communication with an advertising server, and displaying advertising content. The analysis and instrumenting process can be applied in a just-in-time fashion during application download. In some arrangements, a portal application can be provided to reside on the mobile device for managing communications with an advertising server.