Masthead format requirements

Google provides translated versions of our Help Center, though they are not meant to change the content of our policies. The English version is the official language we use to enforce our policies. To view this article in a different language, use the language dropdown at the bottom of the page.

Masthead ads are the most prominent Google advertising placement available to advertisers. To ensure that we provide a high-quality consumer ad experience, masthead ads must comply with our Google Ads policies, the Ad requirements for YouTube, and the additional requirements outlined in this article. The first section of this article applies to all masthead ads, while the following sections apply specifically to YouTube masthead ads and Google TV masthead ads respectively.

The masthead format requirements may be more restrictive than the ad requirements for other platforms and surfaces, meaning disapproved masthead ad assets may continue to run on Google’s other owned and operated properties.

If your asset is restricted or suspended, you can find more information about how to fix a disapproved ad. If you disagree with our decision or have fixed your asset, you can appeal the policy decision directly from your Google Ads account.

General masthead format requirements

Prohibited categories

red x mark Elections and political content

  • Assets related to elections or politics

Additional requirements applicable to YouTube masthead ads

YouTube masthead ads are the ads that YouTube users see at the top of the YouTube homepage. In addition to the Google Ads policies, the Ad requirements for YouTube, and the general masthead format requirements listed above, the following additional requirements apply to YouTube masthead ads.

Prohibited categories

red x mark Gambling

  • Assets that depict or reference gambling-related content, including offline gambling, online gambling, online non-casino games, and social casino games
    An example of an ad that depicts gambling.

Exceptions:

  • Assets related to sports betting, provided they meet the requirements set out in the Gambling and games policy.
  • Assets related to Daily Fantasy Sports targeting Canada, India and The United States provided they meet the requirements set out in the Gambling and games policy.

Additional requirements applicable to Google TV masthead ads

Google TV masthead ads are the ads that Google TV users see in the first slot of the feature carousel when the user turns on or returns to the home screen of their Google TV. In addition to the Google Ads policies, the Ad requirements for YouTube, and the general masthead format requirements listed above, the following additional requirements apply to Google TV masthead ads.

Quality checks

Image Quality

Your image assets must meet the following requirements:

red x mark

No pixelation

Folder

PNG or 72dpi

16:9 Ratio

Video Quality

Your video assets must meet the following requirements:

red x mark

No pixelation

Folder

Minimum of 1080p

16:9 Ratio

Prohibited categories

Alcohol

red x mark Assets that depict or reference alcohol-related content as defined by the Alcohol policy.

Healthcare and medicines

red x mark Assets that depict or reference healthcare-related content as defined by the Healthcare and medicines policy, including pharmaceutical products.

Gambling

red x mark Assets that depict or reference gambling or games-related content as defined by the Gambling and games policy.

Consumer Electronics

red x mark Assets that depict or reference consumer electronics, including televisions, TV operating systems, phones, or other products in this category.

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