Use AdSense with Google Ad Manager

Google Ad Manager makes it easy to give AdSense buyers access to your inventory to optimize every impression. This guide will help you understand how AdSense ads serve through Ad Manager and what steps are required to get started.

Set up AdSense in Google Ad Manager

In Ad Manager, AdSense can be toggled on and off at both the network and ad unit levels.

  • If you enable AdSense at the network level, this setting will be applied to all ad units by default unless you manually override it.
  • Ad unit-level settings for AdSense take precedence over network settings.

When AdSense is enabled, ad units will automatically serve all relevant ad types and use the optimal styles. If you want to fully control the rendering of these creatives, you can use native ads.

     

Yes AdSense can serve

  • AdSense is enabled for the ad unit, even if it's disabled for the network.
  • The competing line item's type is network, bulk, price priority or house. Learn more
  • The CPM of the AdSense ad is higher than the alternatives.
  • The inventory is not placed on a mobile app.
      

No AdSense cannot serve

  • AdSense is disabled for the ad unit, even if it's enabled for the network.
  • The competing line item's type is sponsorship or standard. Learn more
  • The CPM of the AdSense ad is lower than the alternatives.
  • The inventory is placed on a mobile app.
      
Don't see the options described below?
Your network might be enabled for AdSense line items.

Enable AdSense for your Google Ad Manager network

  1. Sign in to Google Ad Manager.
  2. Click Inventory and then Network settings.
  3. Select the the Maximize revenue of unsold and remnant inventory with AdSense checkbox.
  4. Click Save.

Enable AdSense for a specific ad unit

  1. Sign in to Google Ad Manager.
  2. Click Inventory and then Ad units.
  3. Click the ad unit you want to edit, or create a new ad unit.
  4. Click override next to "AdSense inventory settings".
  5. Select the the Maximize revenue of unsold and remnant inventory with AdSense checkbox.
  6. Click Save.

Set up AdSense in Google Ad Manager

Use the AdSense line item type to specify where AdSense can access your inventory.

Linking a separate AdSense account to Ad Manager is not necessary
You only need to link an AdSense account to Ad Manager if you plan to traffic multiple AdSense properties in your network. Learn more about linking accounts

Common questions

Will third-party ads behave differently than AdSense ads?

Not usually. All third-party ads, including ads served to AdSense publishers through Google certified ad networks, must abide by Google's image ad and content policies.

Third-party ads can differ from AdSense ads in the following ways:

  • Third-party ads won't always include the 'Ads by Google' text.
  • Some third-party ads may be served by Google but will include third-party tagging or cookies provided by the advertiser or ad network.

How do I disable all third-party ad serving on my site?

If you disable image ads, third-party ads will no longer appear on your site. Disabling image ads also disables gadget ads.

Was this article helpful?
How can we improve it?