App-ads.txt is an extension of the IAB ads.txt initiative specifically designed for mobile apps. Let’s break it down:
- What is App-ads.txt?
- App-ads.txt stands for Authorized Digital Sellers for Mobile Apps.
- It serves a similar purpose to regular txt, which is used for websites. However, app-ads.txt is tailored for mobile apps and mobile OTT (over-the-top) players.
- Just like ads.txt, it provides a mechanism for publishers (app developers) to declare the specific advertising systems that are authorized to sell their digital advertising inventory.
- How Does App-ads.txt Work for Mobile Apps?
- App-ads.txt is a plain text file hosted on the domain of the app developer’s website.
- In this file, app developers identify the authorized digital sellers who are allowed to sell their app inventory.
- By using app-ads.txt, advertisers can trust that they are buying authentic app inventory from legitimate sources.
- Do App Developers Need a Domain or Hosting Service?
- Yes, app developers need a domain or hosting service to host their app-ads.txt file.
- However, there’s good news! App-ads-txt.com has been created specifically to enable mobile app developers to host their app-ads.txt for free, without the need for any additional domain or website.
- Why Is App-ads.txt Important?
- Transparency: It ensures transparency by allowing app developers to declare authorized sellers.
- Fraud Prevention: By listing authorized sellers, it helps prevent unauthorized reselling and fraud in the mobile app advertising ecosystem.
- Verification: Buyers (advertisers) can use the app-ads.txt declared by the app developer to verify that their impressions come from legitimate and authorized sellers.
In summary, app-ads.txt is a valuable tool for maintaining trust and transparency in the mobile app advertising space, benefiting both publishers and advertisers.