Ads.txt: what is it and why do I need it?

In a world of increased indirect relationships between sellers and buyers, media owners and advertisers are looking for ways to increase trust and transparency. “Ads.txt” is an integral part of these efforts.

The ads.txt is a small text file that is publicly accessible on the domain level (like publisher.com/ads.txt) and contains all companies that are allowed to sell the media owners inventory. This allows buyers to validate the inventory they are bidding on.

If an advertiser would like to bid on your inventory, but does not find the right advertiser relationship listed in the ads.txt, the advertiser will not bid and you have lost an opportunity to monetize your inventory.

That’s why it is crucial to keep the ads.txt file updated to guarantee the best RPM at all times.

To check how to easily track the adoption of your ads.txt, please read this article.