app-ads.txt support
Implement the app-ads.txt file on your developer website to declare authorized ad sellers, enhance transparency, and prevent revenue loss from unauthorized inventory.
Read time 3 minutesLast updated 3 months ago
The app-ads.txt file is an Interactive Advertising Bureau IAB standard for mobile apps designed to prevent ad fraud by verifying the legitimacy of sellers authorized to monetize a publisher's inventory.
It protects advertisers from buying invalid traffic and gives greater assurance that their purchases are legitimate impressions from authorized sellers.
The file improves publishers’ ad revenue potential since many advertisers prioritize inventory with verified files. It also helps avoid revenue loss by blocking unauthorized or misrepresented domains.
app-ads.txtapp-ads.txtThe file provides the same functionality as ads.txt, except that developers must host the file in the root of the developer website. Brand advertisers and demand-side platforms (DSPs) scrape this file and cross-reference it when they buy ad inventory programmatically by using exchanges, supply-side platforms (SSPs), and ad networks.
app-ads.txtapp-ads.txtImplement support to combat fraud and create more transparency for mobile advertising. In return, app developers connect with more premium advertisers and higher revenue.
app-ads.txtHere are additional reasons to implement app-ads.txt support in your mobile app:
- DSPs use this file to understand the supply chain of inventory they buy.
- Some DSPs and brand advertisers only buy from authorized inventories from developers who correctly implement this file.
- Developers who properly declare their authorized sellers help advertisers reduce the risk of counterfeit inventory, which directs more advertising dollars to quality developers over time.
Important
Unity Ads requires you to implement to display banner ads. If you don’t implement , banner demand is significantly decreased.
app-ads.txtapp-ads.txtFor more information, read the IAB Tech Lab spec and Unity's blog on elevating inventory quality.
Set up app-ads.txt file
To set up an file from the Unity Monetization Dashboard for the first time, follow these steps:
app-ads.txt- Select Setup > Organization Settings from the secondary navigation menu.
- Locate the Developer Website field in the Organization info and select the edit icon.
- Enter the root URL of the website where your game is listed . Ensure it matches the domain in your app store listing, for example: https://www.unity3d.com.
Note
This field must contain only the root domain without any paths. You can find this domain on your Developer page in Google Play or in the Apple store Settings.
- Go to the App-ads.txt section. The App-Ads URL field automatically displays a list of authorized digital sellers in the correct file format. If it doesn't, refer to this website root directory guide for more information.
- Select Show full list to view all the values for your file, then copy this list.
app-ads.txt - Use a text editor to create an and paste the list from the Monetization dashboard into the file.
app-ads.txt - Copy the file into the root of the developer website so that it’s findable in the location listed in the app-ads URL field.
app-ads.txt
If the file is configured correctly, a message will display to inform you that no action is needed at this time.
app-ads.textImportant
If the app-ads.text file is configured correctly, a message will display to inform you that no action is needed at this time.
Maintain your app-ads.txt file
It's important to visit the setting regularly to confirm if anything has changed, or to respond to error messages or notifications that you receive. The following are some issues that can happen, and how to fix them.
app-ads.txtMissing or incorrect website
Unity can't find your file at the given App-Ads URL.
app-ads.txtSolution: Review your Developer Website field in the Organization Info section to make sure it is accurate. Ensure that the correct root is listed as well.
Missing some app-ads.txt entries
You're missing some app-ads.txt entries.
Solution: Navigate to the App-ads.txt section in your Organization settings to refresh the list, then copy andpaste the entire updated list into your file.
Publisher transparency with OwnerDomain
As part of the framework, you must include the field in your file.
ads.txtOwnerDomainapp-ads.txtPurpose of the OwnerDomain field
The IAB's framework enhances publisher transparency and accountability in the digital advertising ecosystem. It plays a key role in clarifying the use of first-party and third-party data in programmatic advertising.
OwnerDomainThe field identifies the business domain of the publisher that owns the media property, establishing a direct link between the ads.txt and files.
OwnerDomainsellers.jsonImplement OwnerDomain in your ads.txt file
To support , ensure your or files include the following required variable:
OwnerDomainapp-ads.txtads.txtType | Variable | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ownerdomain=yourdomain.com | For publishers, an |