Ads.txt overview

What is ads.txt?

Ads.txt is a simple, flexible, and secure method for publishers and distributors to declare who is authorized to sell their inventory, improving transparency for programmatic buyers.

Please find IAB description and specification.

How does it work?

Publishers drop a text file on their web servers that contains a list of companies that are authorized to sell their inventory. Similarly, programmatic platforms also integrate ads.txt files to confirm which publishers’ inventory they are authorized to sell. This allows buyers to check the validity of the inventory they purchase.

If ad exchanges and the publishers they represent adopt ads.txt, bidders can check the presence of an ads.txt file in their tags to verify that the exchange and the publisher have a legitimate connection between them.

Why is it important for your site?

By making public the names of your authorized sellers, ads.txt certifies your inventory as authentic and gives it the value it deserves.

Many DSPs restrict their ad purchases to websites that provide ads.txt files. Therefore, if your website does not provide one, it could be excluded by a growing number of potential buyers, with possible negative consequences on ad revenue.

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