Masthead ads are the most prominent Google advertising placement available to advertisers. YouTube masthead ads are the ads that YouTube users see at the top of the YouTube homepage. 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.
To ensure that we provide a high-quality consumer ad experience, masthead ads must comply with our Google Ads policies, the YouTube and Discover Feed ad requirements, and the additional requirements outlined in this article. The first section of this article applies to all masthead ads, while the following section applies only to Google TV masthead ads.
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.
On this page
- General masthead format requirements
- Additional requirements applicable to Google TV masthead ads
- Related policies and common disapprovals
General masthead format requirements
Elections and political content
Assets related to elections or politics are not allowed.
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 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 YouTube and Discover Feed ad requirements, 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:
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No pixelation |
Minimum of 1080p |
16:9 Ratio |
Consumer Electronics
Other consumer electronics are permitted, including but not limited to audio equipment (headphones), gaming consoles, computers (laptops, desktops), wearables, imaging gear, smart home infrastructure (routers, thermostats), and large domestic appliances (air conditioners, washers, dryers).
Related policies and common disapprovals
Financial products and services
When promoting financial products and services, you must comply with regulations for any location that your ads target and with our policy requirements related to financial services, personal loans, and certain restricted financial products. Visit the Financial products and services policy for more information.
Insufficient original content
Google prioritizes providing a positive user experience, so ad destinations must offer unique value to users. Visit the Insufficient original content policy for more information.
Dating and Companionship
Dating and companionship ads may be restricted based on a variety of factors. Visit the Dating and Companionship policy for more information.
Destination not accessible
Google requires ads to be accessible in the location you’re targeting. This means the landing page must be crawlable by Google AdsBot. Visit the Destination not accessible policy for more information.
Shocking content
Ads must not contain violent language, gruesome or disgusting imagery, or graphic images or accounts of physical trauma. Visit the Shocking content policy for more information.