Both Google (for Android apps) and Apple (for iOS apps) have expressed support for the app-ads.txt standard as a means of increasing transparency and reducing ad fraud in the mobile advertising ecosystem.
Google Play Store (Android Apps):
- Manual Implementation:
- Google does not provide an integrated tool within the play Store for managing app-ads.txt files. App developers need to manually create and host their app-ads.txt files on their web servers.
- Implementation Steps:
- To implement app-ads.txt for your android app, follow these general steps:
- Create a text file named “app-ads.txt” with the list of authorized sellers.
- Host the file on your web server at the root level (e.g.,
https://example.com/app-ads.txt).
- To implement app-ads.txt for your android app, follow these general steps:
- Verification and Compliance:
- Google uses the app-ads.txt data to verify the authenticity of ad inventory. Advertisers using Google AdMob or other Google platforms can check the app-ads.txt files to ensure they are purchasing inventory from authorized sellers.
- Finding an App’s app-ads.txt File:
- To find an app’s app-ads.txt file, you can visit the developer’s website or use online tools that check for the presence of app-ads.txt files on specific domains.
Apple App Store (iOS Apps):
- Manual Implementation:
- Apple does not provide an integrated tool within the App Store for managing app-ads.txt files. App developers need to manually create and host their app-ads.txt files on their web servers.
- Implementation Steps:
- To implement app-ads.txt for your iOS app, follow these general steps:
- Create a text file named “app-ads.txt” with the list of authorized sellers.
- Host the file on your web server at the root level (e.g.,
https://example.com/app-ads.txt).
- To implement app-ads.txt for your iOS app, follow these general steps:
- Verification and Compliance:
- Advertisers using Apple’s advertising platforms can check the app-ads.txt files to verify the authenticity of the inventory.
- Finding an App’s app-ads.txt File:
- To find an app’s app-ads.txt file, you can check the developer’s website or use online tools that check for the presence of app-ads.txt files on specific domains.
Finding an App’s app-ads.txt File:
To find an app’s app-ads.txt file, you can follow these general steps:
- Visit the Developer’s Website:
- Many app developers include a link to their app-ads.txt file on their official websites. Look for a “Privacy” or “Advertise with Us” section.
- Use Online Tools:
- Online tools, such as adstxt.vip or other app-ads.txt validators, allow you to check whether a specific domain has an app-ads.txt file. Enter the app developer’s domain to see if they have implemented app-ads.txt.
Remember that the implementation and support for app-ads.txt may vary among app developers, so it’s important for advertisers and DSPs to check the app-ads.txt files for compliance with the standard.