How to know if you as a seller can advertise in a specific app?

If you are an advertiser or seller looking to advertise within a specific mobile app, you can check whether you are authorized to do so by referring to the app’s app-ads.txt file. The app-ads.txt file is a publicly accessible text file hosted on the developer’s server, and it lists the authorized sellers for that particular app.

Here are the steps to determine if you can advertise in a specific app:

1. Locate the app-ads.txt File:
   • Visit the developer’s website or server. The app-ads.txt file is typically located at the root level, and the URL would look like https://example.com/app-ads.txt, where “example.com” is the domain of the app developer.
2. Check the Authorized Sellers List:
   • Open the app-ads.txt file. It is a plain text file that contains lines of information specifying authorized sellers. Look for your company’s name or identifier to see if it is listed as an authorized seller for the app.
3. Verify the Information:
   • Ensure that the information in the app-ads.txt file is accurate and up-to-date. Confirm that your company’s name, domain, or identifier matches the information in the file.
4. Use Online Validators or Tools:
   • Some online tools and validators allow you to check whether a specific domain is listed in an app-ads.txt file. You can enter your domain to verify if you are authorized to sell ad inventory for a particular app.
5. Contact the App Developer or Publisher:
   • If you are unable to find the information in the app-ads.txt file or have questions about advertising in a specific app, consider reaching out to the app developer or publisher directly. They may provide additional details or guidance on their advertising policies.

It’s important to note that the app-ads.txt standard relies on the transparency of app developers and publishers to accurately list their authorized sellers. Advertisers and DSPs are encouraged to regularly check and verify the information in app-ads.txt files to ensure compliance with industry standards and to prevent unauthorized resale of ad inventory.

If your company is not listed as an authorized seller in the app-ads.txt file, you should refrain from advertising within that app to maintain transparency and compliance with industry practices.