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FAQ - Policy

Do I need to call the API to generate JavaScript ad code snippets? What if I just want to change a single value, such as the publisher id or a color value?

Yes, you need to call the API for every unique piece of ad code you want to create. Modifying ad code is not allowed by the AdSense Terms & Conditions and it is no different with the AdSense API. You are required to call generateAdCode (for AdSense for Content), generateSearchBoxCode (for AdSense for Search), and getReferralData (for Referrals) to insure that the ad code you are using is correct. You should then store this snippet on your servers and retrieve it for use when your pages are actually served. Even if all you want to change is a color value, you need to use the API methods to create new code snippets.

Below are some restrictions on using the AdSense logo with your API Client. Your permission to use the logo is granted in the AdSense API Terms and is subject to these restrictions.

The AdSense API Terms are written to permit you to:

  • Resize the logo to fit your AdSense API client application as long as you maintain the aspect ratio of the logo.
  • If you are using the logo on a webpage, there must exist a minimum spacing that is no less than 1/2 the height of the logo between each side of the logo and other graphic or textual elements on your webpage. Also, the logo must appear by itself in a manner that does not in any way indicate to viewers of the webpage that Google endorses any non-Google products, services, or information provided on that webpage.
You can't (and agree not to) do any of the following:
  • Change the aspect ratio or colors of the logo in any way.
  • Display the logo as the most prominent element on your webpage.
  • Display the logo in any manner that implies a relationship or affiliation with Google or sponsorship or endorsement by Google. It can't be used in a way that can be reasonably interpreted to suggest editorial content or data analysis has been authored by or represents the views or opinions of Google or Google personnel.
  • Display the logo on your website other than as permitted by Google Permissions.
  • Display the logo on any product, book, or other material (other than what was specified as OK in the guidelines above).
  • Display the logo on any website that contains or displays adult content, promotes gambling, involves the sale of tobacco or alcohol to persons under 21 years of age, or otherwise violates applicable law or stated Google editorial policies.
  • Display the logo in a manner that is in Google's sole opinion misleading, defamatory, infringing, libelous, disparaging, obscene, or otherwise objectionable to Google.
  • Display the logo on a site that violates any law or regulation.
  • Frame or mirror any Google page (including the page that appears in response to a click on the Google logo or Google search box).
  • Remove, distort, or alter any element of the logo.
  • Display the logo so it appears larger or more prominent than your name, product, or service name, trademark or service mark, logo, or trade or company name.
  • Include the logo in your trade or business name, domain name, product or service name, logo, trade dress, design, slogan, or other trademarks.
  • Translate the logo or otherwise localized into any other language. Any translated versions of the logo must be provided by Google.
  • Display the logo as a design feature on any of your materials.
  • Imitate the logo in any manner in your materials.
  • You may not use the logo in any way other than as specified in these guidelines. Failure to comply with these instructions is a breach of the Google AdSense API Agreement.

What does the page view requirement mean to me?

On September 13, 2007 Google changed its policy on who is be able to launch a live implementation of the AdSense API. To be eligible for the AdSense API a website must have user content pages that are receiving at least one hundred thousand (100,000) page views per day. All developers will need to fill out the Developer Information Form, even if you have already done so. Filling out this form will provide you with new credentials to use in the sandbox.

I meet the traffic requirements, do I need to do anything?

Yes! You need to fill out the Developer Information Form so you can get new developer credentials for use in the AdSense API Sandbox.

My site doesn't meet the traffic requirements, can I still use the sandbox?

Yes. You can still use the sandbox, but we won't be able to approve your application to launch your implementation live. If you are a growing site, it still may be a good idea to build your implementation and then you will be ready to "flip the switch" when you hit the page view requirement.

How does Google determine my traffic?

Google will use one or more industry standard metrics to determine the amount of traffic your site receives.

Why does Google require a minimum traffic level?

We originally opened the AdSense API to anyone who wanted to use it. We were very pleased at the enthusiastic response that we received from a variety of partners, but the response was greater than anticipated. As a result, we were not been able to provide the high level of support to our developers that we would have liked to. This requirement allows us to build out our support resources and processes to handle higher volumes of developers. We hope to lower the page view requirement over time so more and more developers can take advantage of the AdSense API.

How will I answer my customers' questions about their AdSense account?

While Google will handle support issues related to publishers' AdSense accounts, you should use your existing support model to answer customer questions related to your specific implementation of the AdSense API. As customers may contact Google for concerns about your API implemetation, you must provide Google with an email address to forward publisher issues. Google will provide first-level triaging of publisher issues and will escalate those associated with implementation issues to this email address. For AdSense account-related issues, we will provide you with a URL pointing to the AdSense Help Center; you may not publish any Google email addresses on your website.