App-Ads.txt
App-ads.txt is a text file app developers upload to their developer website, which lists the ad sources authorized to sell that developer’s inventory. Just like on web, the IAB created a system which allows buyers to know who is authorized to buy and sell specific in-app ad inventory, and who isn’t. This is an important step towards eliminating certain types of fraud, and improving the transparency and efficiency of the overall ecosystem. Most savvy brand marketers and demand side platforms won’t buy inventory that doesn’t have ads.txt implemented.
How app-ads.txt works for mobile apps
A DSP looking to bid on app inventory scans the app-ads.txt file on a developer’s website to verify which ad sources are authorized to sell that app’s inventory. The DSP will only accept bid requests from ad sources listed on the file and authorized by the app developer.
Note: If you own more than one domain, make sure all relevant domains are updated.
How app-ads.txt can benefit your mobile app
- Capture brand budgets
Major brands and agencies are more likely to purchase app inventory via DSPs that verify authorized ad sources. By implementing app-ads.txt, developers signal to DSPs that their inventory is safe. Developers who don’t implement app-ads.txt are likely to be removed from DSPs’ pool of targeted media. - Fight ad fraud
Bad actors may forge apps that impersonate legitimate apps, and mislead DSPs to spend brand budgets on their forged inventory. Legitimate developers end up losing out on ad revenue that was originally intended for them. App-ads.txt blocks unauthorized developer impersonations and minimizes instances of fraud that ultimately hurt developers’ bottom line.
App-ads.txt implementation
Here’s how you can make sure your inventory is covered by app-ads.txt:
Step 1. Provide the developer website URL in your app listing
Ensure that your developer website is updated in the app stores. This website will be used by advertising platforms to verify the app-ads.txt file.
Step 2. Reach out to all ad sources (direct, resellers)
Get in touch with your direct ad sources and ask for their app-ads.txt line, according to the following IAB structure:
‘Ad source domain, your publisher ID, type of relationship (direct or reseller), ad source ID’
App-ads.txt example: ironsrc.com, 1234, DIRECT
Your direct demand partners should be listed as “direct.” If your partners are using third-party resellers to sell your inventory, such providers should be listed as “reseller.” In any case, you should not add any provider to your app-ads.txt file unless you or your partner have a direct relationship with them.
We’ve made it easier for you to include ironSource’s list of entries so that you will never miss any budgets from ironSource’s top brands partners. Copy and paste the following text block and include it in your txt file. Don’t forget to keep track of the list since it is updated from time to time.
ironSource authorized resellers
ironsrc.com, [yourironSourcePublisherAccountID], Direct
Remember to replace [yourironSourcePublisherAccountID] with your account ID, which you can get from your account manager.
adbility-media.
Step 3. Publish an app-ads.txt file
Create an app-ads.txt file in Notepad listing out all the lines you received, and save.
Step 4. Upload
Upload the file in the root of your domain website (example: www.example.com/app-ads.txt).