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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 that 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
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
- Assets that depict or reference gambling-related content, including offline gambling, online gambling, online non-casino games and social casino games
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:
|
No pixelation |
PNG or 72dpi |
16:9 ratio |
Video quality
Your video assets must meet the following requirements:
|
No pixelation |
Minimum of 1080p |
16:9 ratio |
Prohibited categories
Alcohol
Healthcare and medicines
Gambling
Consumer electronics