This is an article about how to identify the source of an image ad. It discusses what file formats are supported, how to block certain ads, and shows the limitations.
Some important points are that an original PNG file must be uploaded in order to see matches from Open Bidding ad sources. Described are how certain Open Bidding ad sources can be identified using image search. This article provides step by step instructions on how to save a screenshot as a PNG on an iOS device.
On this page
- Find ad sources supported
- Use PNGs to identify the ad source
- Identify Open Bidding ad sources with image search
Find ad sources supported
When an ad match is found using image search in the Ad review center (ARC), the source of the ad is listed in the search results. Sources can be:
- Select Open Bidding ad sources
- Ad Exchange
- Campaigns
- SDK Bidding ad sources
Review the following table for details on each supported identifiable source.
| Supported file formats | How to block | Limitations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDK Bidding ad sources |
PNG only You must upload an original PNG if you want to see matches from SDK Bidding ad sources. |
Click You can also see more details about the ad match, including what network served the ad, by clicking on the ad in the results. |
Review PNG guidelines. |
| Open Bidding ad source |
PNG only You must upload an original PNG if you want to see matches from Open Bidding ad sources. |
Click You can also see more details about the ad match, including what network served the ad, by clicking on the ad in the results. |
|
| Ad Exchange |
PNG only You must upload an original PNG if you want to see matches from Ad Exchange. |
Click You can also see more details about the ad match, including what network served the ad, by clicking on the ad in the results. |
Review PNG guidelines. |
| Campaigns |
PNG only You must upload an original PNG if you want to see matches from campaigns. |
You can't block ads from campaigns in the ARC. | Review PNG guidelines. |
to block this ad match instance.Use PNGs to identify the ad source
Use the following guidelines to ensure that your image can be used to accurately identify ad sources:
- Upload an original PNG file.
- Don’t modify the screenshot after it was taken. However, you can crop the screenshot to the ad as long as the entire ad is still visible.
- Don’t convert an image to PNG (for example, saving a JPG as a PNG).
Note: Screenshots taken on Android devices are automatically saved as a PNG.
Note: For screenshots taken on iOS devices, follow these steps to save as a PNG:
-
Take a screenshot.
- Click Save to photos.
- Open the Photos app and click on the screenshot.
- On the screenshot, click
.
- Select the mail app.
- Send the image to yourself and select Actual Size for the image size, which will send the image as a PNG. Sending sizes other than Actual Size will send as JPG.
Identify Open Bidding ad sources with image search
The following Open Bidding ad sources can be identified with image search in the ARC:
- Meta Audience Network.
- Any Open Bidding ad source that renders using the Google Mobile Ads SDK.
- SDK Bidding ad sources.
