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Rewarded Ads Gone Wrong: Avoid These Disallowed Implementations

November 10, 2023

In the dynamic landscape of mobile applications, advertising has become a pivotal element in the revenue model for many developers. One particular ad format, rewarded ads, stands out for its popularity, offering a non-intrusive way to engage users while providing valuable incentives. However, as with any advertising strategy, we developers must navigate potential pitfalls to ensure a positive user experience and compliance with platform guidelines.

Rewarded ads serve as an effective means to incentivize users to watch ads in exchange for rewards like in-game currency, power-ups, or exclusive content. Despite their advantages, developers need to exercise caution to avoid violating Google’s AdMob policies, which could result in account suspension or even a ban.

This blog post is dedicated to exploring common issues associated with rewarded ad implementations that can lead to disapproval or removal from app stores. By examining these instances, my goal is to provide developers with insights on avoiding these pitfalls and maintaining a seamless integration of rewarded ads within their applications.

Here, we’ll take a look at some of the most common disallowed implementations of rewarded ads, and how to avoid them.

1. Showing rewarded ads without user consent

One of the most important rules of rewarded ads is that you must always obtain user consent before showing them. This means that you should never show a rewarded ad automatically, or without the user having a clear understanding of what they’re getting into.

Here are some examples of disallowed implementations:

Showing a rewarded ad when the user opens your app for the first time.
Showing a rewarded ad when the user is in the middle of a game or other activity.
Showing a rewarded ad without a clear “Watch Ad” button or other call to action.
Misrepresenting the reward that the user will receive.

2. Showing rewarded ads that are not relevant to your app

Another important rule is that you should only show rewarded ads that are relevant to your app and its target audience. This means that you should avoid showing ads for products or services that are unrelated to your app, or that are not appropriate for your users.

Examples of disallowed implementations:

Showing rewarded ads for adult products or services in a children’s app.
Showing rewarded ads for gambling or other high-risk activities in an app that is not targeted at adults.
Showing rewarded ads for products or services that are not available in the user’s country or region.

3. Requiring users to watch a rewarded ad in order to progress in the game or app

Rewarded ads should always be optional. You should never require users to watch a rewarded ad in order to progress in your game or app. This includes features such as unlocking new levels, characters, or items.

Examples of disallowed implementations:

Requiring users to watch a rewarded ad in order to unlock a new level in a game.
Requiring users to watch a rewarded ad in order to continue playing after they lose.
Requiring users to watch a rewarded ad in order to access certain features of your app.

4. Incentivizing users to watch rewarded ads repeatedly

You should not incentivize users to watch rewarded ads repeatedly in a short period of time. This means that you should avoid giving users rewards for watching multiple rewarded ads in a row, or for watching rewarded ads more than a certain number of times per day.

Examples of disallowed implementations:

Giving users a reward for watching 5 ads in a row.
Giving users a bonus reward for watching 10 ads per day.
Giving users a reward for watching the same rewarded ad multiple times.

5. Using rewarded ads to promote deceptive or misleading content

Rewarded ads should not be used to promote deceptive or misleading content. This includes content that makes false claims about products or services, or that is intended to trick users into doing something they don’t want to do.

Examples of disallowed implementations:

Promoting a weight loss product that claims to guarantee results.
Promoting a fake mobile game that is actually a scam.
Promoting a phishing website that is designed to steal users’ personal information.

How to Avoid Disallowed Implementations of Rewarded Ads

Reasons and solutions for Disallowed Rewarded Implementation

1. Policy Violations:

Ad networks often have stringent policies regarding the content and presentation of rewarded ads. Violations of these policies can lead to disallowed implementations.
Solution: Thoroughly review the policies of the ad network you are working with and ensure that your rewarded ads comply with all guidelines. Regularly update your creative content to align with evolving policies.

The best way to avoid disallowed implementations of rewarded ads is to follow Google’s AdMob policies. These policies are designed to protect users and ensure that rewarded ads are implemented in a fair and ethical way.

2. User Experience Concerns:

If the rewarded ads disrupt the user experience by being intrusive or misleading, platforms may disallow their implementation.
Solution: Prioritize user experience by creating non-intrusive, relevant, and engaging rewarded ad experiences. Conduct user testing to gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.

3. Frequency and Timing Issues:

Bombarding users with too many rewarded ads or displaying them at inconvenient times can lead to disallowed implementations.
Solution: Implement frequency capping to control the number of rewarded ads a user sees within a specific time frame. Additionally, carefully choose the timing of ad placements to avoid disrupting critical user interactions.

4. Technical Glitches:

Technical issues, such as bugs or glitches in the rewarded ad implementation, can trigger disallowances.
Solution: Regularly audit your ad implementation for technical issues. Work closely with your development team to resolve any bugs promptly. Keep your SDKs and APIs up to date to ensure smooth functioning.

5. Non-Compliance with Platform Guidelines:

Different platforms may have specific guidelines for rewarded ads. Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in disallowed implementations.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines of the platforms you are targeting. Customize your rewarded ad strategy accordingly to meet the requirements of each platform.

6. Inadequate Disclosure:

Lack of clear and conspicuous disclosure regarding the incentivized nature of the ads can lead to disallowances.
Solution: Clearly communicate to users that they are engaging with rewarded content. Use prominent visual cues and concise text to disclose the incentive.

Conclusion

While rewarded ads can be a lucrative revenue stream for developers, it’s essential to implement them responsibly and in accordance with Google’s AdMob policies and guidelines. Striking the right balance between user engagement and monetization is key to building a successful and sustainable app. By avoiding the common pitfalls discussed in this blog post, we developers can create a positive user experience, maintain compliance with platform policies, and foster long-term success in the competitive world of mobile applications.

Master AdMob CMP Success: Your Complete Guide to Google-Certified CMP for Android App Notifications”

October 17, 2023

On January 16, 2024, Google will implement a significant change in its advertising policy, affecting publishers who serve ads to users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom (UK). This new policy requires all publishers to utilize a Google-certified Consent Management Platform (CMP) when displaying ads to these users. Google’s aim is to enhance data privacy and ensure that publishers comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. This blog will provide a detailed overview of this policy change, focusing on its implications for Android app developers who use AdMob for monetization.

What is a Consent Management Platform (CMP)?

Before diving into the specifics of Google’s new policy, it’s essential to comprehend what Consent Management Platforms are and why they are necessary.

Consent Management Platforms, or CMPs, are tools that enable website and app developers to collect and manage user consent regarding data processing activities, including targeted advertising. Under the GDPR and other privacy regulations, user consent is critical, and publishers are required to provide users with clear and transparent information about data collection and processing. Users must have the option to opt in or out of these activities.

Google’s New Requirement

Starting January 16, 2024, Google has mandated that publishers serving ads to users in the EEA and the UK must use a Google-certified Consent Management Platform. This requirement applies to Android app developers who monetize their applications through Google’s AdMob platform.

It is important to note that you have the freedom to choose any Google-certified CMP that suits your needs, including Google’s own consent management solution.

Why is Google requiring publishers to use a CMP?

Google is requiring publishers to use a CMP to ensure that users in the EEA and UK have control over their privacy. By using a CMP, publishers can give users a clear and transparent choice about how their personal data is used.

Setting Up Google’s Consent Management Solution

For Android app developers looking to implement Google’s consent management solution, the following steps need to be taken:

Accessing UMP SDK: First, you need to access Google’s User Messaging Platform (UMP) SDK, which is designed to handle user consent requests and manage ad-related data privacy features. The UMP SDK simplifies the implementation process and ensures compliance with GDPR requirements.
GDPR Message Setup: With the UMP SDK, you can create and customize a GDPR message that will be displayed to users. This message should provide clear and concise information about data collection and processing activities and include options for users to give or deny consent.
Implement the SDK: You’ll need to integrate the UMP SDK into your Android app. Google provides detailed documentation and resources to help with this integration, making it easier for developers to implement the solution successfully.
Testing and Compliance: After integration, thoroughly test your app to ensure the GDPR message is displayed correctly, and user consent is being handled as expected. Ensure that your app’s ad-related data processing activities align with the user’s consent choices.

For more information on how to use Google’s consent management solution, please see the Google AdMob documentation

Benefits of Using Google’s CMP

Implementing Google’s Consent Management Solution offers several advantages:

Simplified Compliance: Google’s solution is designed to ensure GDPR compliance, saving you the effort of creating a CMP from scratch.
Seamless Integration: The UMP SDK provides a seamless way to integrate the GDPR message into your app.
Trust and Transparency: By using Google’s solution, you signal to users that their data privacy and choices are respected, enhancing trust and transparency.
Consistent User Experience: Using Google’s CMP helps create a consistent user experience for users across apps using the same platform.

Conclusion

Google’s new requirement for publishers serving ads to EEA and UK users underscores the importance of user consent and data privacy. By using a Google-certified Consent Management Platform, Android app developers can ensure compliance with GDPR and provide users with a transparent choice regarding data processing. Google’s own solution, combined with the UMP SDK, offers a straightforward and effective way to meet these requirements, enhancing trust and transparency in the digital advertising ecosystem. As a responsible developer, it’s crucial to adapt to these changes and prioritize user privacy in your Android apps.

Android 13 Advertising ID Unleashed: Pro Strategies for Swift Issue Resolution and Optimization Triumph

October 6, 2023

Android 13 brings several changes and updates to enhance user privacy and security. One significant change is the way advertising identifiers (Ad IDs) are handled. Ad IDs, also known as Google Advertising IDs (GAID), are unique identifiers associated with Android devices that help advertisers track user activity for personalized advertising. However, with growing concerns about user privacy, Android 13 introduces a new Advertising ID declaration requirement and offers ways to control Ad ID access. In this blog post, we’ll explore these changes and provide guidance on resolving any issues that may arise.

What is the Advertising ID Declaration?

The Advertising ID Declaration is a new privacy measure introduced in Android 13 to give users more control over their advertising identifiers. It requires apps to declare their intended use of Ad IDs, such as for advertising or analytics purposes, during the installation process. Users can then choose to grant or deny apps access to their Ad IDs, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their data privacy.

Why is the Advertising ID Declaration Important?

The Advertising ID (AAID) is a unique identifier that Google assigns to each Android device. It is used by advertisers to track users across different apps and devices and to serve more targeted ads.

In Android 13, Google is making changes to the way the AAID is used. Apps that target Android 13 or higher will need to declare whether they use the AAID and, if so, how they use it. This declaration is necessary to ensure that users have control over how their data is used and to prevent advertisers from tracking users without their consent.

The Advertising ID Declaration is important for several reasons:

Enhanced User Privacy: It empowers users by giving them greater control over their data. They can now make informed decisions about which apps can access their Ad ID for personalized advertising.
Reduced Tracking: Users can deny Ad ID access to apps that they do not trust or find intrusive, reducing the extent of tracking by advertisers and third-party companies.
Compliance with Regulations: It aligns Android app development with privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which require explicit user consent for data collection.

How to Complete the Advertising ID Declaration

To fulfill the Advertising ID declaration, follow these steps:

1. Manifest File Modification

If your app contains ads, add the following permission to your app’s manifest file:

XML

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" />

If your app doesn’t include ads, use the following manifest file declaration:

XML

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" tools:node="remove"/>

2. Google Play Console Form

You will also need to complete the Advertising ID declaration form in the Google Play Console. This form requests information about how your app utilizes the AAID, including whether you use it for ad targeting, ad performance measurement, or sharing with third-party SDKs.

How to resolve the “You must complete the advertising ID declaration before you can release an app that targets Android 13 (API 33) or higher” issue

**Google Play Console Release Time Issue**

If you are trying to release an app that targets Android 13 and you are seeing the “You must complete the advertising ID declaration before you can release an app that targets Android 13 (API 33) or higher” issue, you need to complete the Advertising ID declaration form in the Google Play Console.

To do this, follow these steps:

Go to the Google Play Console.
Select the app that you are trying to release.
Click Policy and programs > App content.
Click the Actioned tab.
Scroll down to the Advertising ID section and click Manage.
Complete the Advertising ID declaration form and click Submit.

Once you have submitted the form, it will be reviewed by Google. Once your declaration is approved, you will be able to release your app to Android 13 or higher devices.

Conclusion

The Advertising ID declaration is a new requirement for apps that target Android 13 or higher. By completing the declaration, you can help to ensure that users have control over how their data is used and prevent advertisers from tracking users without their consent.

I personally believe Android 13’s Advertising ID Declaration requirement is a significant step toward enhancing user privacy and transparency in mobile app advertising. By allowing users to control access to their Ad IDs, Android empowers users to make informed choices about their data. App developers must adapt to these changes by correctly implementing the declaration and respecting user decisions. By doing so, developers can build trust with their users and ensure compliance with privacy regulations, ultimately creating a safer and more user-centric app ecosystem.