22 Comments

February 19, 2014 ,

 Updated December 5, 2018

Having trouble with getting approved for Google AdSense, or not making the revenue you were expecting? Then you will need alternative avenues of revenue to either supplement your AdSense earnings or replace them altogether. In this article, we’re going to look at the top 25 Google AdSense alternatives. They consist of great display advertising, affiliate marketing, and content monetization networks that will help you earn more revenue.

Display Ad Networks for Small Publishers

Google AdSense Alternatives

Just starting out, or have a medium-sized audience? These display networks beyond AdSense can help you monetize.

  1. Advertising.com — Advertising.com combines the industry’s most advanced technology, precise targeting and a quality network to deliver results for advertisers & publishers. Publishers using this network include Boston.com, Laptopmag.com, and DIYnetwork.com. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Advertising.com.
  2. Ad.Style – They are a native advertising network that has been around since 2015. If you are looking for an ad network with great support, potentially high earnings and top of the line metrics then they are a good pick for you. You can read our full review of Ad.style by clicking here.
  3. BuySellAds — BuySellAds allows publishers to list their ad inventory on their network to be discovered by advertiser in their niche. Publishers using this network include 9to5google.com, RunBlogger.com, and 1keydata.com. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of BuySellAds.
  4. Chitika — Chitika sets itself apart with their pledge to only show ads to users when and where they want to see them. Publishers using this network include Used-Cars.info, Freebies4mom.com, and Binatani.com. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Chitika.
  5. IndustryBrains — IndustryBrains allows publishers to leverage their premium online content to generate additional revenue from contextually targeted ads that are consistent with your brand. Publishers using this network include Telecomsemea.net.
  6. Kontera — Kontera provides publishers with incremental advertising revenues and premium content syndication for their mobile or PC web pages. Publishers using this network include MajorGeeks.com, PracticalMachinist.com, and EventGuide.com. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Kontera.
  7. Media.net — Media.net brings contextual ads program from Yahoo! and Bing to publishers so they can create and customize ad units that display relevant text ads consisting of sponsored links and ad topics. This network is currently invite only. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Media.net.
  8. PulsePoint — PulsePoint owns one of the largest independent and fully transparent ad exchanges in the industry, allowing quality publishers to reveal and monetize the true value of their inventory. Publishers using this network include Gameshok.com, Salary.com, and FlashDriven.com.
  9. Conversant (tied) — Conversant (formerly ValueClick Media) helps publishers maximize profits while keeping their costs down. Publishers using this network include Phys.org, AccessAtlanta.com, and Huffingtonpost.co.uk. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Conversant.

Display Ad Networks for Large Publishers

Google AdSense Alternatives

Got a significant-sized audience? These display networks can help you earn even more revenue from them.

  1. Adblade (tied) — Adblade’s full suite of monetization solutions will help you grow revenue by attracting top advertisers, as well as help monetize inventory that’s not currently generating revenue. Publishers using this network include LAtimes.com, Audible.com, and AutoAnything.com. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Adblade.
  2. Tribal Fusion — Publishers who meet Tribal Fusion’s rigorous standards can expect to discover the benefits of partnering with them and maximize the value of their highly targeted content. Publishers using their network include Ranker.com, Cheapoair.com, and CDW.com.
  3. Vibrant Media — Increase incremental revenue with Vibrant’s native advertising placements. Publishers using their network include SparkPeople.com, NBCMiami.com, and Computing.net.

Content Monetization Networks

Google AdSense Alternatives

In addition to display ads, you can also monetize your content by simply recommending your audience visit other high-quality publications and products via text links. Here are a few networks that allow you to do this.

  1. Disqus — Disqus, the popular commenting platform, is working on Promoted Discovery, which will allow publishers using their comment platform to monetize their content as well.
  2. Outbrain — For publishers with high amounts of traffic, Outbrain allows you to generate revenue with links to high quality third-party content below the fold. Publishers using this network include CNN.com, DailyCurrant.com, and LAweekly.com. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Outbrain.
  3. Tabooola — Similar to Outbrain, Taboola targets publishers with high traffic to monetize with third-party links to high-quality content. Publishers using this network include Dumpaday.com, WickedLocal.com, and HeraldNews.com.
  4. VigLink — VigLink automatically pays you when people buy the brands and products you write about by automatically converting regular links into paid ones. Publishers using this network include Makeuseof.com, Rumorfix.com, and HypeLifeMagazine.com.

Email Monetization Networks

Google AdSense Alternatives

Have a huge mailing list and a high-quality newsletter? These networks will help you monetize it!

  1. LiveIntent — LiveIntent allows you to monetize your valuable newsletter inventory with offers and content in real-time. Publishers using this network include The Weather Channel, AOL, and The Wall Street Journal. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of LiveIntent.
  2. NewsletterDirectory.co — Membership in NewsletterDirectory.co can help you monetize your email list by finding the right sponsors. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of NewsletterDirectory.co.

Video Monetization Networks

Google AdSense Alternatives

Are you a video publisher? While Google AdSense has cornered the market in YouTube revenue generation, there are other networks that allow you to monetize other types of videos. Here are a few to get you started.

  1. Adap.TV — Adap.tv allows you to open your inventory up to new sources of revenue by ensuring the highest possible CPMs for every impression.
  2. YouTube Partner Program — YouTube video creators can monetize their videos by joining the YouTube Partner Program, which offers CPC and CPM monetization with pre-roll video ads as well as in-video overlays. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of the YouTube Partner Program.
  3. Videology — The Videology Addressable Media Platform enhances the yield on a publisher’s ad inventory by connecting the world’s leading marketers with your audience. Publishers using this network include Fool.com, Activebeat.co, and Gamewise.co. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Videology.

Affiliate Networks

Google AdSense Alternatives

Affiliate networks allow you to find products that your audience will enjoy, promote them, and earn a commission off of them. When done the right way, you can earn significantly more with affiliate marketing than Google AdSense.

  1. Amazon Associates — Amazon Associates allows you to earn up to 10% commission by simply referring people to products you recommend on Amazon. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Amazon Associates.
  2. ClickBank — As an affiliate on Clickbank, you will be able to promote downloadable products you’ve picked out from their extensive marketplace for your audience based on their interests.
  3. CJ Affiliate by Conversant (Formerly Commission Junction) — Whether you are looking to make money online by monetizing your website or want to grow your existing affiliate business, CJ’s robust technology platform and proven expertise drive results. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of CJ Affiliate by Conversant.
  4. Rakuten LinkShare — Regardless of what type of site you have in mind (or already have in place!) as you build a loyal following you have an opportunity to monetize your website and start earning commissions. Click here to read MonetizePros’ in-depth review of Rakuten LinkShare.
  5. ShareASale — ShareASale hosts 3,900+ affiliate programs across 40 different countries in a wide range of categories of products beyond online or downloadable only.

In Conclusion

As you can see, Google AdSense is not the end-all when it comes to monetizing your website. Based on your niche and audience size, you can increase your online income using multiple avenues, from display ads to video monetization. Which Google AdSense alternatives do you use? Please share in the comments!

  • Hey, this is Itai from Infolinks. I just came across your
    posting and wanted to share with you on of the leading Adsense alternatives –
    Infolinks. We guarantee the highest payouts in the industry to our more than
    100K publishers. Send us an email if you have any questions –
    [email protected].

  • This is a great article Kristi. Certainly adds value to the conversation we had earlier this week.

  • Very well written article with good research from marketing perspective. But I think Google is the popular and most trusted one, also you don’t need to worry about the Quality Rating Guidelines of Google.

    The main thing is, it is made for beginners and secondly with just one AdSense account you are able to connect several websites.

  • I’m guessing because there was only room for 25 🙂

    Infolinks is OK, but i agree with Kristi’s assessment that the ones listed here are better options…

  • YouTube Partner Program is the same as Google AdSense – it is NOT an “alternative” to it.

  • well.. I just hope that these ad netdwork are not scam. Yes, Google Adsense is the best for advertising our website but the problem is in “approval”. I’m glad to be partner GA althouhg not PO yet 🙂

  • nice alternatives of google adsense thank you for sharing, I have a lot of work you will find a lovely support thanks ones again

  • Hi,

    For me Google Adsense have been the easy one. But, it is always good to know about other great alternatives.

    I have used many of it as trials, and top three are Infolinks, Viglink and RevenueHits.

    Nice list. 🙂

  • I have tried a few alternative solutions, but none of the support https for ad serving. So I’m kinda stuck with adsense for now. If you guys know of any trustworthy adsense alternative that supports https then please let me know.

  • Thanks Ajay!
    Remember to sign up to our newsletter for regular updates from MonetizePros.

  • they banned me from adsense and I goomito marketing registered now they pay me 800 per month I’m happy

  • Hi,
    I have Adsense, but mine is a new site and I am not making anything!.
    Will these others also drive traffic?
    Raoul

  • Awesome alternatives of google adsense thank you for sharing, and I’m sure this post is very useful to newcomers.

  • adnow ahd other like media.net, popads are good alternatives of adsense. you article is very helpful by the way…

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