Frequently Asked Questions

What is AdSense for Audio?

Google™ AdSense™ for Audio is an advertising program that brings new advertisers and increased revenues to partner radio stations. The program provides the automated fulfillment of ads through the Google Audio Ads™ program.

What is the AdSense for Audio API?

The Google AdSense for Audio API is a web service that enables you to programmatically integrate AdSense for Audio into a broadcast system, such as a radio automation system. From a programming standpoint, the AdSense for Audio API provides access to a single web service called the BroadcasterService.

How does it work?

The AdSense for Audio API controls the automated delivery of audio ads to a radio station. During a typical daily traffic cycle, the AdSense for Audio API is used to: notify Google about available (unsold) commercial inventory, determine which available spots Google wants to reserve for audio ads, acquire the actual audio files that will run in the spots, and report the status of ads before and after they air.

Who should use it?

The AdSense for Audio API is used primarily by broadcast system manufacturers, including OEM system manufacturers, independent software firms, and some broadcast company IT departments, to enhance the systems they offer to radio stations. This API is not intended for radio stations that are interested in joining the AdSense for Audio program. Radio stations that want to join the AdSense for Audio program can click here for more information.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. There is no charge for using the AdSense for Audio API.

Do I need any special programming skills?

You should be familiar with web programming technologies, including Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), web services, Web Services Description Language (WSDL), and XML. You do not need any special skills in a particular programming language.

Why should I use the AdSense for Audio API?

There are several reasons. By incorporating the AdSense for Audio API into your broadcast system you gain:

• Customer satisfaction. AdSense is a proven advertising model and has millions of satisfied customers. AdSense for Audio uses the same advertising model and provides the same high level of customer satisfaction.
• Competitive advantage. AdSense for Audio can help differentiate your broadcast system from competing products that do not support Google audio ads.
• Marketing leverage. AdSense for Audio transforms your broadcast system from a perceived cost center into a real revenue center. It also helps expand your customer's advertiser base and helps increase their revenue streams.
• Technical innovation. AdSense for Audio is relatively new and is powered by Google's industry-proven and trusted AdSense technology.

In addition, the AdSense for Audio API is the only programming interface that enables you to integrate AdSense for Audio support into your broadcast system.

Is there a certification process?

Yes. After you implement the AdSense for Audio API in your broadcast system you will need to implement and pass the AdSense for Audio API test criteria. During this test our API development team will evaluate your implementation to determine whether you are correctly sending, receiving, and processing AdSense for Audio messages according to the required operational timeline. When the development team determines that you have passed the necessary tests you will be able to market your product as being AdSense for Audio compatible.

Will anyone at Google help me with my implementation planning and design?

Yes. You can sign up for the AdSense for Audio API group, which is a great place to learn how fellow developers are implementing the AdSense for Audio API. The group is moderated by Google engineers, so you can be sure that the information you glean from the group is accurate and timely. In addition, our API development team has helped several organizations integrate the AdSense for Audio API into broadcast systems and we'd be happy to help you. The Getting Started Guide tells you how to contact the development team.

How do I get started?

First, read the AdSense for Audio Overview. This document provides background information about the AdSense for Audio program as well as an introduction to the AdSense for Audio API. When you are ready to start writing code, read the Getting Started Guide. This document helps you register as a development partner and provides information about the certification process and the development tools you need to implement the AdSense for Audio API.

Can I market my audio broadcast system as being AdSense for Audio compatible?

Yes. Once your API implementation has been certified, you gain the right to market your product as being AdSense for Audio compatible, which means you can display the AdSense for Audio compatibility badge in your marketing material. Google will provide you with artwork for the badge as well as instructions for submitting communication material for trademark review.

Can I charge my customers for AdSense for Audio support?

No. If you are certified as AdSense for Audio compatible, you cannot incrementally charge your customers for this feature individually. To the extent that a customer must upgrade their software and/or hardware to a new version to gain access to AdSense for Audio, your customary policy for upgrades should apply.

How will my customers (radio stations) sign up to become an AdSense for Audio partner?

The Google AdSense for Audio Affiliate Sales Team can help explain the benefits of becoming an AdSense for Audio partner to interested broadcasters. This team will work with your internal sales force to best position AdSense for Audio while ensuring your customer relationships are respected.

How will my station customers sign up to become an AdSense for Audio partner?

When a station signs an AdSense for Audio agreement, Google will activate their AdSense for Audio account. Also, as part of your AdSense for Audio certification process you will be expected to provide your customers with a Getting Started Guide or a User Guide that explains how your broadcast system must be configured to enable AdSense for Audio.

Who's using the AdSense for Audio API?

Leading radio automation system providers Broadcast Electronics, Inc. (BE) and ENCO Systems, Inc. publicly support the AdSense for Audio API. LAN International's VIERO RMS™ revenue management (T&B) also offers support for the API when used with a supported radio automation system. And of course, Google's own third-generation radio automation system—known as Google Radio Automation—has the AdSense for Audio API at its core.