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Ads.txt Validator

Validate ads.txt or app-ads.txt records, find syntax errors and confirm your AdSense entry.

What is ads.txt?

Ads.txt (Authorized Digital Sellers) is a public text file in the root of a website that lists the advertising companies allowed to sell its ad space. Buyers use it to avoid counterfeit inventory, and missing entries can cost publishers revenue.

Record format

google.com, pub-0000000000000000, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0
  1. Ad system domain — the exchange or network, e.g. google.com.
  2. Publisher account ID — your ID at that system.
  3. Relationship — DIRECT if you control the account, RESELLER if a partner sells for you.
  4. Certification authority ID — optional TAG ID.

Files can also contain variables such as OWNERDOMAIN, MANAGERDOMAIN, CONTACT and SUBDOMAIN.

What the validator checks

  • The file exists and is plain text, not an HTML error page.
  • Every line has at least three fields and a valid relationship.
  • Counts of DIRECT and RESELLER records.
  • Whether a Google AdSense / Ad Manager (google.com, pub-…) entry is present.

Mobile and CTV apps use the same format in app-ads.txt on the developer's website.

Frequently asked questions

What happens without ads.txt?

Many buyers, including Google, may not bid on unauthorised inventory, which can lower your ad revenue.

What is the AdSense ads.txt line?

google.com, pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 — replace the pub ID with your own from AdSense.

How long until AdSense sees my ads.txt?

Usually a few days after the file is published and crawlable.