Google has implemented strict Video Publisher Policies that apply to AdSense publishers and Google Ad Manager Partners using Google Monetization. These policies aim to create a safe and advertiser-friendly ecosystem for video ad placements across various platforms and formats, including in-stream content, audio content, and non-in-stream video placements. Before diving into this article, read about our previous article here.
Key Principles and Policy Requirements
The Video Publisher Policies revolve around several key principles. Let’s explore them:
1. Use Supported Implementations
Publishers must utilize Google’s supported video implementations to optimize user experience, support brand measurement, and protect against invalid traffic. The Google Interactive Media Ads SDK and the Google Mobile Ads SDK should be used for in-stream ad placements unless participating in an official Google Beta program. For non-in-stream ads, such as in-banner, native, interstitial, rewarded, and app open video ads, Google-provided solutions like Google Publisher Tags or the Google Mobile Ads SDK should be used.
2. Accurately Describe Inventory
Publishers must provide accurate metadata and description URLs to inform advertisers about where their ads will run. Proper declarations of video ad placements’ audibility and size are necessary. In-stream video ads should not be served in invalid placements, such as video slideshows without original video content, display banner ads, or non-video placements that cycle between display and video ads.
3. Protect Advertiser Value
Video ad placements should adhere to standard aspect ratios and avoid obscuring or altering the rendering of ad content or controls. Advertisements should not interfere with game or video player controls. Ads must be displayed until the user navigates away from the content unless otherwise specified for specific ad formats.
4. Respect the User
Video ads must be served in an environment that respects the user’s experience and time. In-stream ads should have a cumulative duration shorter than that of the video content. Autoplay is only permitted when a significant portion of the ad unit is visible, and multiple video ad placements in view simultaneously are prohibited.
Additional Requirements and Formats
Specific ad formats have additional policies to ensure compliance and provide a positive user experience:
1. TrueView and Skippable Video Ads
Video ad placements for TrueView and skippable ads require audibility by default, and scroll-to-play ads are not allowed. For mid-rolls, the video content’s duration must be at least 10 minutes.
2. Non-In-Stream Video Ads
Non-in-stream ad formats, including in-banner, native, interstitial, rewarded, and app open video ads, must be clearly identified as advertisements. Autoplay should be muted by default, unless the user explicitly enables sound. These ads should play when a significant portion of the player is visible and stop when fewer than 50% of the pixels are visible.
Google’s Video Publisher Policies aim to create a secure and advertiser-friendly environment for video ad placements. By adhering to these policies, publishers can ensure the quality, appropriateness, and optimal user experience of video ads across various platforms and formats. Google’s strict enforcement of these policies helps maintain a trustworthy ecosystem for publishers, advertisers, and users, fostering a positive advertising experience for all parties involved. If you want to talk more about this topic, reach us out here.
Sources: Google’s Video Publisher Policies