Google AdSense is one of the most popular and high-performing ad networks available, launched in 2003. For website owners looking to monetize their site, it’s often the go-to choice.
But AdSense isn’t the only advertising network, and depending on your site, it might not even be the most suitable option.
Here are the top 5 reasons site owners look for alternatives to Google AdSense.
5 Reasons To Find an Alternative to Google AdSense
- Your account was rejected (most commonly due to operating in a niche that’s not permitted)
- You want to diversify your income streams (just watch whether running other ads breaches AdSense policy)
- Your site was banned for breaching one of their numerous rules
- The website is too new (anything under 6 months old is likely to be rejected)
- CPC is too low
Whether AdSense isn’t an option for you or you’re looking to diversify your income stream, there’s an alternative advertising network to suit you.
Let’s take a look at 15 other advertising networks to monetize your site.
1. Raptive (formely AdThrive)
Raptive, previously known as AdThrive, is a premium ad network dedicated to bloggers and content creators. It works closely with site owners to develop monetization strategies that maximize revenue.
Operating on a cost-per-impression basis, it coordinates with both publishers and advertisers to ensure high-quality ads are shown on high-quality sites.
One of the ad networks’ biggest draws for bloggers is its payment guarantee. Not only do publishers receive a 75% payout, but AdThrive promises to deliver payments on time and in full even if advertisers are late paying.
One of the most popular alternatives to Google AdSense for blogging sites, it maintains some seriously high standards. Sites must receive a minimum of 100,000 monthly pageviews and have traffic coming from primarily the US.
You’ll also need Google Analytics installed on your site but really that’s just good practice anyway!
With a minimum payout of $25 via PayPal, for established sites, it’s an excellent option.
Minimum Payout: $25 via PayPal
Requirements: 100,000 monthly pageviews, primarily U.S. traffic
2. Ezoic
Ezoic is an ideal choice for sites with diversified global traffic, especially those that do not meet the U.S.-centric traffic requirements of networks like Raptive. Ezoic uses machine learning to optimize ad placements and, as of 2024, no longer imposes a minimum traffic requirement for new sign-ups. This change makes it even more accessible for newer or smaller sites looking to monetize. The minimum payout remains $20.
It uses machine learning to find the highest-earning ad configurations and allows you to choose goals and set up testing locations for more control.
While many consider it the stepping stone to Adthrive, Ezoic is also a solid standalone solution for sites looking to monetize thanks to its global advertiser network, easy-to-use dashboard, and helpful customer service.
Minimum Payout: $20
Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements as of 2024
3. Mediavine
Mediavine still offers a 75% revenue share, but recent reports indicate that it has expanded its focus on video content and other advanced ad formats, which could be relevant for site owners in 2024.
One of the biggest differences is that Mediavine only requires 50k monthly page views compared to AdThrive (100,000 page views). For smaller but still established sites, Mediavine is a strong contender.
The ad network primarily works with a large pool of lifestyle advertisers so, for content sites operating lifestyle-related niches, Mediavine takes the edge over its competitors.
Founded by bloggers, the ad network prides itself on bringing transparency and quality to its service.
With a minimum payout of $25 via PayPal and direct deposit (increasing to $200 for international direct debits), Mediavine is a good choice for lifestyle content sites with a steady stream of traffic.
- Minimum Payout: $25 via PayPal or direct deposit ($200 for international direct debits)
- Requirements: 50,000 monthly sessions, which is about 60,000 to 80,000 pageviews
4. Media.net
Media.net remains a direct competitor to AdSense and continues to be powered by the Yahoo! Bing Network. However, it’s important to note that the landscape of contextual advertising has evolved, with Media.net increasingly focusing on mobile and native ads, which should be mentioned for current relevance.
Used by household names around the world (Forbes, NY Times, WebMD, etc), Media.net runs contextual ads so only those related to your content will appear.
One of the main benefits they offer is the range of customizable ad layouts giving you the opportunity to improve the overall user experience by blending them into your site.
With reports of excellent customer service and higher RPM than Google AdSense, Media.net is a popular alternative for those looking to target a wider search volume than Google alone.
For lower trafficked sites it’s worth noting that the minimum payout is $100 via Payoneer.
Minimum Payout: $100 via Payoneer
Requirements: No specific traffic requirement, but higher traffic improves performance
5. Infolinks
Infolinks is a well-established advertising platform known for its unique ad formats, such as in-text and in-fold ads, designed to be less intrusive and more engaging. It’s popular among publishers for its real-time, intent-driven ads that offer excellent CTR. Infolinks requires no setup fees or minimum traffic, making it accessible to a wide range of publishers.
For content sites, it is a solid option offering various ad types that help to preserve the integrity and overall look of the site.
Ad types include:
- InText
- InFold
- InScreen
- InTag
- InFrame
With a low minimum payout ($50), no set-up fees, and no minimum traffic requirements it’s an accessible and effective alternative to AdSense.
Minimum Payout: $50
Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements
6. Revcontent
Founded in 2013, RevContent was ranked #215 on the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America.
Revcontent is known for its high-quality native ads, making it making it a popular Google AdSense alternative. Revcontent requires a minimum of 50,000 monthly pageviews and offers a relatively low minimum payout of $50.
Running native ads (the sponsored stories at the bottom of news articles), it’s a good option for sites publishing regular news content as it allows you to maintain the overall look and feel of the site.
To sign up with RevConten, publishers have to have a minimum traffic of 50,000 visitors per month, and that make it an unsuitable option for new or smaller sites. But if you fit their criteria you can benefit from access to a wide network of advertisers and good CPCs (between 1-10 cents per click).
With a relatively low minimum payout ($50) and the flexibility to pick which ads to display, for the right sites, Revcontent is a good option.
Minimum Payout: $50
Requirements: 50,000 monthly pageviews
7. Sovrn (formally VigLink)
Sovrn allows website owners to generate passive revenue by converting regular links into affiliate links. This method puts you in demand as advertisers compete for your traffic so there’s potential for better prices than other ad networks.
With access to in-depth insights via the dashboard, it’s easy to determine which products/advertisers earn you the most money so you can optimize accordingly. An automated process, you’re free to focus on producing high-quality content instead.
It’s a multi-network platform so there’s an opportunity to connect with thousands of affiliate programs at once.
With pretty low minimum payout and no traffic requirements, it’s a good option for those getting started.
Minimum Payout: $25 ($50 for wire transfer)
Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements
8. Skimlinks
Similar to Sovrn, Skimlinks automates the affiliation process so website owners can focus on creating content. It’s one of the leading content monetization platforms available for web publishers.
With access to over 48,500 merchants and 50 exclusive partners, you’re tapping into a global network with Skimlinks.
For those in the VIP and Preferred Partner Program, there’s a chance to earn higher commission rates too.
Sites must meet the publisher’s network requirements and have no fraud or spam flags to qualify.
With minimum payouts set at $10 and available via PayPal, bank deposits, or cheques, for those looking to automate their affiliate linking it’s a good option.
Just note that the relationship is dissolved and payments canceled if there’s ever a case (or suspected case) of fraud.
Minimum Payout: $10 via PayPal, bank deposits, or checks
Requirements: Must meet quality standards
9. Adversal
With a good record of CTR and compatibility across several languages, Adversal is a serious competitor to Google Adsense. The self-serve advertising platform offers both banner and pop ads.
Not the best option for smaller sites, you must have at least 50,000 page views a month to apply. But for those that meet the requirements, the smart interface makes it easy to control campaigns allowing users to start, stop and pause them for full control.
Minimum Payout: $20
Requirements: 50,000 monthly pageviews
10. Bidvertiser
For sites that failed the AdSense approval process or have been hit with a ban, Bidvertiser is the next best thing. With instant approval, it’s possible to monetize your site in minutes.
However, revenue might be a little slower coming in as Bidvertiser operates a bidding system (hence the name!) and it may take time for your site to be found by the highest bidders. If you’re willing to wait, it’s a good option and has a minimum payout of $10.
Minimum Payout: $10
Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements
11. ylliX
For those looking for slightly better pay rates than Google AdSense, ylliX could be a good option. An advertising network offering various ad types, its biggest selling point is the instant account approval process.
Offering a 100% fill rate, detailed reports, and daily payment options, yilliX gives you complete control over campaigns via the self-service platform. Unlike with some ad networks, traffic comes only from verified sources to increase the chances of conversion.
There’s also a pretty hefty referral program that pays out $100 for each new publisher or advertiser you refer and gives you 2% of their lifetime earnings or spend. It’s not just your site that earns you money.
- Minimum Payout: $1
- Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements
12. Adsterra
A premium ad network for both publishers and advertisers, Adsterra offers some of the highest CPM rates and is one of the best alternatives to Google AdSense available.
Ad types include
- Display banners
- Popunders
- Direct links
- Sliders
- Push up ads
One of the few ad networks to offer payouts via Bitcoin alongside the standard methods, minimum payouts are $100 ($5 for Paxum) making it less accessible for smaller sites.
For those with high traffic numbers, it’s an excellent option and gives you global coverage and ad formats compatible with multiple devices.
- Minimum Payout: $100 ($5 for Paxum)
- Requirements: No specific traffic requirement, but higher traffic improves performance
13. Amazon Native Ads
Amazon Affiliates is one of the most recognized affiliate programs in the world but the Amazon Native Shopping Ads are another good option.
Operating in a similar way to AdSense, it shows ads of relevant products that match to keywords on the page.
Easy to implement, ads are split into three categories
- Recommendation ads
- Search ads
- Custom ads
Revenue is earned from purchases made via the link, there are no minimum traffic requirements to get approved, and the minimum payout is $25 making it’s a great option for smaller sites.
- Minimum Payout: $25
- Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements
14. Monumetric
Monumetric (formally The Blogger Network) is a full-service ad revenue partner.
If you’re looking for a way to monetize your site but want to maintain UX, this could be the option for you.
Unlike some alternatives to Google AdSense, Monumetric uses CPM not CPC so every impression counts. Supposedly offering some of the best CPM campaign pay rates, some users report earning more than with Google AdSense.
However, minimum traffic requirements are set at 10k monthly views and there’s a 99% setup fee for anything between 10k–80k so you need to be sure of your numbers before getting on board.
- Minimum Payout: $10
- Requirements: 10,000 monthly pageviews, $99 setup fee for 10k-80k views
15. Evadav
The last on our list of alternatives to Google AdSense, Evadav is an ad network that primarily focuses on push notifications (they also offer banners, video sliders, and native ads for both desktop and mobile).
Daily income is earned from each sign-up as users remain connected to your account so income is consistent.
With brand-safe ads and high-quality traffic, Evadav offers a relatively hands-off approach to advertising. Ad units can be customized to fit your site’s design and the weekly payment schedule is particularly helpful for publishers with low traffic.
Minimum Payout: $25
Requirements: No minimum traffic requirements
Whatever monetization methods you use, if you’re looking to sell your site Investors Club can help. We charge the lowest seller fees in the industry so your hard work is rewarded with more money in your pocket. Discover how Investors Club can take the hassle out of selling your website today.
Content Marketing Specialist
Hannah is a content marketing specialist at Investors Club and a freelance copywriter. When she’s not busy behind the keyboard, you’ll find her baking her signature salted caramel brownies or trying to sink that elusive hole-in-one.
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Comments (2)
Jonah
June 17, 2021 at 5:01 pmI have a news site I want to sell. Can you help me sell it please?
Hannah Beazley
June 18, 2021 at 5:52 pmOf course! To get started you’ll need to fill out our website submission form. This gives our team of expert analysts the information they need to assess your site and start drawing up your custom listing and due diligence report.
Follow this link and select “sell my business” to get started.