# Set up the app-ads.txt file

> Placeholder

To set up the `app-ads.txt`  to your developer website for the first time, follow these steps:

### Find your app’s listed website URL

Locate the website associated with your app in its app store listing. For example, on Google Play, open your app’s store page and find the Developer Website field. This is the root domain you’ll use (for example, `https://www.example-app-name.com`). Your `app-ads.txt` file must be placed at this exact domain.

### Get your app-ads.txt content from the Unity dashboard

From the [Unity Monetization dashboard](http://cloud.unity.com/monetization), follow these steps:

1. Go to the **Monetization** menu > **Settings** > **Organization**. This opens the **Organization settings** page.
2. 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](https://www.seobility.net/en/wiki/Root_Directory) for more information.
3. Select **Show full list** to view all the values for your `app-ads.txt` file, then copy this list.

### Create and upload the app-ads.txt file

Once you have the list, create your app-ads.txt file and upload it to your website's root directory:

1. Use a text editor to create an `app-ads.txt` and paste the list from the Monetization dashboard into the file.
2. Copy the `app-ads.txt` file into the root of the developer website so that it’s accessible at the location listed in the app-ads URL field. For example, `https://www.example-app-name.com/app-ads.txt`.

### Set your Developer website URL in Unity

With your file uploaded, register your developer website URL in the Unity dashboard so Unity can verify your `app-ads.txt` file:

1. In the **Organization info section**, locate the **Developer Website** field  and select the edit icon.
2. 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](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 your Apple store Settings.

If the `app-ads.text` file is configured correctly, a message will display to inform you that no action is needed at this time.

> **Important:**
>
> The list of verified ad sellers can change over time. Check the settings page monthly, or whenever you are notified.

## Publisher transparency with OwnerDomain

As part of the `ads.txt` framework, you must include the `OwnerDomain` field in your `app-ads.txt` file.

### Purpose of the OwnerDomain field

The IAB's `OwnerDomain` 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.

The `OwnerDomain` field identifies the business domain of the publisher that owns the media property, establishing a direct link between the `ads.txt` and `sellers.json` files.

### Implement OwnerDomain in your ads.txt file

To support `OwnerDomain`, ensure your app-ads.txt or ads.txt files include the following required variable:

| **Type**      | **Variable**                 | **Description**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     |
| ------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `OwnerDomain` | `ownerdomain=yourdomain.com` | For publishers, an `OwnerDomain` entry must be added to `ads.txt` to specify the business domain of the site owner. The domain must align with the seller’s domain in `sellers.json` files and resolve in a browser without redirects. If no business domain exists, the site’s domain can be used. |

For more information, refer to the [IAB documentation](https://iabtechlab.com/why-ownerdomain-managerdomain-fields-are-important-additions-to-ads-txt/) or the IAB standard [implementation guide](https://iabtechlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Ads.txt-1.1-Implementation-Guide.pdf).