19 Best Ad Networks for Bloggers to Make 6 Figures

Ads are my favourite way to monetize a blog because they’re an almost passive way to make money.

In 2023, I made over $50k just from ads on 1 of my sites (it varied from $2,300 in the lowest month to $7,800 in the highest month).

I’ve used a variety of ad networks since starting my first blog in 2018, so I can tell you what’s worth your time and what’s going to crash your site for $10 a month.

1. Raptive (formerly AdThrive)

Raptive is the top-tier of premium ad networks for most bloggers. You’ve probably heard it talked about as “AdThrive” before, and it’s where most top traffic blogs end up. They have the highest requirement (100,000+ page views in 30 days), and their premium RPM payouts are reflective of that.

While there’s no guarantee of what you’ll be able to make with the platform, if you have the traffic, you’ll likely be looking at $2,000+ per month (depending on your niche). And the more traffic you get, the more you’ll be able to earn!

My largest blog is currently on the network and so far, I’m having a swell experience. I’ve had my first $7k+ ads-only month, and it’s just the beginning. When you get there, I HIGHLY recommend you apply, it’s well worth it.

She Knows SEO is also on this network and at 30k pageviews a month makes over $1,000 USD.

Traffic Requirement: 100,000+ page views in the past 30 days (confirmable by Google Analytics)

Minimum Payout: $25

Payment Schedule: Net45

Best For: Advanced Bloggers 

2. Mediavine

Most bloggers aim for Mediavine, it’s probably the most touted ad network out there. For most bloggers it’s their first (and sometimes only) foray into a premium ad network where you start to see actual money coming your way.

The requirements to get into Mediavine are high, but they’re not impossible – I got in after 6 months of an SEO strategy I developed. My 6 Months to 50k Sessions Masterclass walks you through the process that I used to get my site on there month-by-month.

Prior to being on Mediavine, I was with SheMedia (see below), and the income jump was significant.

My first month, I was on it for 3 weeks and made $1,580 USD. At my best, I hit $100 a day.

For most bloggers, unless you really need the money, I recommend foregoing ads until you’re at Mediavine/Raptive levels.

Traffic Requirement: 50,000+ sessions in the past 30 days (confirmable by Google Analytics) 

Minimum Payout: $25+ 

Payment Schedule: Net65

Best For: Advanced Bloggers

3. SheMedia

SheMedia is the in-between option between Google AdSense and Mediavine. The requirements are pretty much smack-in-the-middle, which they say they do on purpose – the company’s goal is to work with small businesses to help them earn more money.

Prior to getting my blog on Mediavine, I had it on SheMedia. While it was an OK introduction to ad networks and the overall ad game, I really didn’t make much. I found that my site to be slower overall, and the pennies that I got in return really weren’t worth it.

My best month was almost 30k pageviews during Q4 (from Facebook swaps, so low quality but avg 2 mins per page which is pretty high), and I only made $600 USD.

However, I think my biggest complaint with SheMedia is the mandatory one-year contract. They’re the only platform that requires it, and it makes it hard to switch to a new platform when you have more traffic unless you time it right or pay them out.

They also auto renew without warning, which is really shady in my opinion.

Traffic Requirement: 20,000+ pageviews (but I applied recently with a site with 4k pageviews and it got in, so I don’t think they’re standing by this)

Minimum Payout: $50 

Payment Schedule: Net35

Best For: Newer bloggers with more traffic who expect it to take more than a year to get to Mediavine.

4. Monumetric

Monumetric is a tiered advertising network that allows sites as low as 10,000 pageviews to sign up and start earning. Your site will need to be on WordPress or Blogger, and 50% of the traffic needs to be from Tier 1 countries (United States, Canada, etc.).

Plus bloggers in their smallest program need to commit to a minimum of 6 ad spots per page/post.

It’s worth pointing out that Monumetric charges a $99 set-up fee for smaller blogs, and they’re the ONLY company that does this. It’s unclear whether this fee applies to larger blogs, but it seems like maybe not.

However, Monumetric does have some futuristic-feeling technology. For larger publishers, they offer a program that essentially “fills in the gaps” allowing you to earn more money without necessarily giving them all your ad space.

This might be a great option for bigger sites to earn more money ON TOP of what they already have.

Traffic Requirement: 10,000 pageviews

Minimum Payout: N/A 

Payment Schedule: Net60

Best For: Larger blogs looking to “fill the gap” or blogs under 50k sessions.

5. Ezoic

Ezoic is the new kid on the block, over the last few years it’s really shot up in popularity with newer bloggers. While the fact that almost anyone can join it, I would highly recommend that you hold out for the larger payout.

I tested Ezoic on one of my smaller blogs and decided it really isn’t for me. Unless you’re in their premium tier their support system isn’t available and the payout really isn’t worth the speed sacrifice. 

The one thing that I do like about Ezoic is the accessibility for all levels of bloggers. You can experience ads with low traffic – though the payout will be pennies. It also has a low minimum payout threshold and Net30 terms.

However, if you read my in depth review, you’ll see why I really dislike them.

Traffic Requirement: None 

Minimum Payout: $20+

Payment Schedule: Net30

Best For: Beginner Bloggers or International Traffic 

6. Media.net

Media.net focuses on content quality, not traffic. But you’ll need some traffic, even if it’s not required, otherwise you won’t make any money. 

What Media.net aims to do to set themselves apart is using contextual advertising – that is, they analyze a site and page’s content to deliver ads that make sense. These ads then have a better click through rate because they’re contextually targeted. 

Even though they are one of the largest contextual ad networks out there, their reported payouts are pretty low. You also need to have tier 1 traffic (US, UK, Canada) to earn with them. 

Traffic Requirement: Not Disclosed 

Minimum Payout: $100+ 

Payment Schedule: Net30

Best For: Those who want spot-on ads targeted to their audience

7. Propeller Ads

Propeller Ads offers a variety of ad styles from pop-ups to push-style ads. There is no traffic requirement for this network, which makes it great for beginners. Plus, the company says that they have fairly high conversion rates.

While there are no traffic requirements, Propeller Ads offers weekly payouts for any publisher that has a verified 10,000 page views of traffic (via Google Analytics). Plus, you’ll need some traffic if you’re going to make money from them (or ANY ad network).

Traffic Requirement: None

Minimum Payout: $5+ 

Payment Schedule: 4 days

Best For: Beginner bloggers who don’t mind more intrusive methods of advertising

8. Google AdSense

Google AdSense tends to be what first comes to mind when bloggers start thinking about display ads. However, I truly wouldn’t recommend going the Google AdSense route. Not only is the payout going to be pennies, but the threshold is high so you won’t see those pennies for a while. 

It’s worth noting that while there is not a disclosed amount of traffic required to apply, I have heard as high as 10,000 page views – though it likely depends on your site, as content is king. I got on it with about 2,000 pageviews but long form quality content.

Google AdSense also tends to be heavy code that will weigh down your site – ultimately, the cost versus reward isn’t there for me.

I joined Adsense in 2018 when I first started my blog and after a year in it, I made a total of about $60. It’s still stuck in there because you have to hit $100 for a payout.

Traffic Requirement: Not Disclosed

Minimum Payout: $100 

Payment Schedule: Net30

Best For: Beginner bloggers 

9. Taboola

Taboola touts itself as the “world’s largest discovery platform” powering those “other stories to read” style widgets at the bottom of some of the largest websites in the world.

They use advanced matching techniques to make sure that their advertisers are placed on sites that make sense, where the audience will be interested – which ultimately can help increase the CTR.

Traffic Requirement: 500,000 page views 

Minimum Payout: $50 

Payment Schedule: Net45

Best For: Large Publishers

10. Sovrn

Sovrn is a multi-faceted company that offers publishers the opportunity to build affiliate links AND display ads.

To clarify: these are NOT the same functions as the platform, however they do not have a minimum pageviews so you might be able to apply. What’s nifty about this is you could, theoretically, manage affiliates and ads from one centralized platform. 

Traffic Requirement: No minimum pageviews, but you need traffic that lands on your site organically

Minimum Payout: $25 

Payment Schedule: Net30+ a few processing days

Best For: Bloggers not connected to another ad network or who want to manage everything in one place

11. Popads

Popads is a premium pop-under ad network that has an easy and quick approval process. They offer a unique CPC/CPV model – while viewers don’t need to click ON the ad, they just need to click around it and they get paid.

They also serve what are called “pop-under” ads, these don’t require space on your website. Instead, you add in a code and the ads popup in a separate browser or tab. You can also use your earnings to buy traffic to your site.

Traffic Requirement: None

Minimum Payout: $5 

Payment Schedule: N/A

Best For: Bloggers that want more control 

12. Adsterra

Adsterra was founded by affiliate marketers as an alternative to Adsense. It has no minimum traffic requirement to join and pays net15, so you get your money faster.

They specialize in popunder ads (ads that open in a new tab), and boast a nearly 100% fill rate for ad slots.

They also offer direct link ads and the opportunity to monetize Facebook pages with their code.

Traffic Requirement: No minimum traffic requirement

Minimum Payout: $5

Payment Schedule: Net15

Best For: People looking to monetize Facebook.

13. Network-N

Network-N connects gaming companies with content creators to sell premium ad space.

Not only do they do display ads, but they also offer sponsorships and influencer deals.

Traffic Requirement: None, but you must be in the gaming niche and “hare a commitment to quality and passion” 

Minimum Payout: Not stated

Payment Schedule: Not stated

Best For: Gaming niche sites

14. AnytimeAd

The only option on this list that integrates with apps as well as websites.

Traffic Requirement: [# required here. Or if no traffic, there’s some other massive requirement they have to consider] 

Minimum Payout: $20

Payment Schedule: Not states

Best For: App developers

15. Publift

Publift is a unique advertising network that works with high-earning, high traffic sites to tailor the ads displayed on their sites to help them earn more income. Unlike most of the ad networks on this list, Publift’s main admittance requirement is a minimum income of $2,000+ USD per month. 

They give their publishers 80% of the income that they make from the advertisers – which is higher than most other display advertising networks. Your CPMs will vary based on many factors, with one of the largest being the region your traffic is coming from.

If you’re looking for more customization in what your ads deliver to your audience, then this might be an ad network to aim for.

Traffic Requirement: 500,000+ page views per 30 days 

Minimum Payout: $100+ 

Payment Schedule: Net30 to 90

Best For: Professional Bloggers with LARGE audiences

Other CPC-Style Networks to Monetize Your Blog

16. Infolinks

Infolinks has an undisclosed but “modest” requirement for traffic, making it ideal for smaller bloggers. More importantly, they’re looking for quality content that doesn’t violate their (fairly basic) terms of service.

It’s important to note that they payout on a CPC basis – so your traffic will need to convert (and actually click on their stuff) for you to earn money. 

Traffic Requirement: “Modest” requirements as per their official documentation

Minimum Payout: $50 

Payment Schedule: Net45

17. Amazon Associates Native Shopping Ads

Most bloggers, beginner to experienced, have heard of Amazon Associates – their easy to access, open to almost anyone, affiliate program.

But what many don’t know is that you can integrate native shopping ads into your post too. While this could be great news, you need to manually add them into the individual posts so it’s a lot of extra work.

Traffic Requirement: None

Minimum Payout: $10+

Payment Schedule: Net6

18. Outbrain

Custom build your ads with their Smartfeed, where you can include your own products in the native ads on your site.

Their Keystone feature seems the coolest. It changes ad placements per user based on their interests, experience, and way of moving through your site.

Traffic Requirement: None

Minimum Payout: $50+

Payment Schedule: Net30 to 60

19. RevContent

Built for blogs of all sizes, RevContent is a CPC-driven advertising network that has no (known) traffic requirement. To use it, you’ll need to use a lightweight widget that helps you build a personalized experience for your readers.

They offer a less disruptive ad experience, and promise that you can build a consistent, predictable advertising revenue. 

Traffic Requirement: None

Minimum Payout: $50+

Payment Schedule: Net30 to 60

What is an ad network?

Ad networks act as an intermediary between publishers (i.e. bloggers) and advertisers (companies wanting to promote/sell their products and/or services). They essentially provide a meeting place for the two to and the hardware to get the advertisers ad in front of the publisher’s readers.

When you sign up with an ad network, they put their ad frames (banners, video feeds, etc.) on your site, then connect the advertiser’s content to those frames where it’s displayed as readers browse through your content.

It makes it easy for you as a small publisher to get ad money from large companies that want your space. The downside is that while you can request your ad network doesn’t display certain types of content on your site, you ultimately have no control what ends up there. 

How do you make money from display ads?

When you sign up with an ad network you essentially rent out space for them to display ads on your blog. The ad networks then turn around and make deals with advertisers to get paid a certain amount of money per metric (i.e. mile, click, install, etc.), then you make a percentage of that income based on your site’s traffic performance. 

The benefit of premium networks like Mediavine or Raptive is that they tend to negotiate considerably higher CPMs than other networks. Google AdSense, for example, tends to have a considerably lower ad payout for publishers.

Make sure you dig into any contracts BEFORE you sign so you understand how both the ad network AND you will make money. It’s impossible to predict how much you’ll make, but you want to have a general understanding of HOW you’ll make it.

Things to Consider When Picking the Best Ad Network for You

Ad Quality and Relevance

Not all display ads are created equally. You’ll want to work with an ad network that published quality content that matters to your readers. While gambling ads pay well, there are really only a fraction of audiences that they’ll fit for. Make sure that you carefully consider user experience.

Contract Length

Most ad networks don’t have a mandatory contract length. However, SheMedia, one of the most popular “starter” networks for bloggers does. They require that you agree to a one-year contract that automatically renews two months before your end date. In blogging, one year can change everything, so that’s a long commitment. Make sure to read the fine print and make sure that you’re comfortable committing to a contract IF the network requires it.

Notability of the Network

Not EVERY network is known as a “good” network. While you certainly don’t have to be on the hottest platform, it’s worth taking into consideration whether or not you’ve heard about the network from your blogging peers. If you haven’t, why not? Is it a niche-specific network that might not be covered by the big blogging educators? Is it a newer option? Not being well-known isn’t always a bad thing, but it helps to understand why.

Ad Formats Available

If you specifically don’t want pop-ups on your blog, but the ad network you’re looking at specializes in them – chances are it’s not a great match. You’ll want to take a look at what kind of formats the network serves up and decide whether or not they’re the right match for your blog.

Payment Models

When it comes you signing up with an advertising network, you want to make sure that you fully understand the payment model(s) offered. These are typically one of the following:

• CPM (cost per mile) is the BEST choice because you get paid based on impressions – that is how many thousands (mile) of people see the ad. They don’t need to click on anything or take action, they just need to see it.
• CPC (cost per click) means that you get paid only when a reader actually CLICKS on the ad.
• CAP (cost per action) primarily used with in-app display ads, advertisers are charged when ANY action takes place, such as an in-app purchase or sign up.
• CPV (cost per view) is a metric that works best for video advertising as the advertiser pays when someone views content (not simply impressions).
• CPI (cost per install) is primarily used when advertising an app, it’s when an advertiser pays when an app is installed based on an app.

Ideally, your blog will be making income on with a CPM model. This will likely be the best benefit for you.

Minimum Payout

The minimum payout for ad networks (and affiliate programs) is often overlooked, but it plays a vital role in making your blog a functioning asset for you.

While it’s great to see the dollars and cents add up in your dashboard, if you must wait until the number gets to $2,500, and you’re only at $11.93, it’s going to be a LONG wait.

Ideally, your network of choice will have a payout of NET30 to NET90. This way you’ll get paid somewhere between 30 to 90 days after the money has been confirmed. 

Payout Methods

If direct bank transfer, US-to-US account is the ONLY option available for payout, and you don’t have an American bank account – that’s not going to be the right network for you.

You want to make sure that the payment methods that the ad network offers – like PayPal, Stripe, ACH – work for you. Making ad money isn’t worth anything if it doesn’t make it into your bank account. 

Control

Its your website, so you want to have full control about what goes where. However, most of us want to be as hands-off as possible.

You’ll want to weigh how much control you have over ads to how much work you WANT to do when picking the right partner.

Site Speed 

Any ad network is going to bump your speed up a bit (they do have to load), but some are considerably better than others.

Networks like Raptive have put a lot of work into making their equipment lightweight, whereas something like Google AdSense tends to slow your site down. Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

Support 

Support is a BIG consideration, especially if it’s your first foray into working with an ad network. Y

ou want to be able to access their support if you have problems or questions. Also make note of ad networks, like Ezoic, that have their support assets paywalled or “saved” for their high-income publishers.

Unless you bring in considerable money or you pay for their pro version, you’ll find it hard to connect with their people.

Best Ad Networks for New Bloggers 

1. Monumetric (10k Pageviews)
2. She Media (5k Pageviews-ish)
3. Google Adsense (0 Pageviews)
4. Ezoic (0 Pageviews)

FAQs

Conclusion

There are so many possible ad networks but the first 6 on this list as the most popular in the blogging world. I’ve tried 5 of them so far, and Raptive has outperformed all of the others in terms of speed, customization, and RPMs.

If you’re not near Mediavine or Raptive yet, I recommend going with Monumetric. They’re the best network for newer bloggers.

I know it’s tempting to sign up to an ad network immediately, but you’re better off waiting to get to a premium network that will pay more. Ads naturally slow down your site a little bit, and that can reduce rankings, which will slow your organic traffic growth to even get into a premium network.

The second I removed SheMedia ads from my site, I saw a jump in traffic. Same for removing Ezoic ads.

If you’re looking to monetize before Mediavine or Raptive, start with affiliate marketing. I would start once you hit your first 1k pageviews.

I’ve gathered the top affiliates for travel bloggers to help you get started here.

Read More About Monetizing Your Blog

• 60 Best Travel Affiliate Programs for Bloggers
• How to Make Money as a Travel Blogger: 15 Ways I Made $30k
• Ezoic Review: Will it Increase Your Blog Revenue?
• Mediavine Requirements (And How to Reach Them)
• Travelpayouts Review: 6 Figure Travel Blogger Weighs In
• How I Made $26.5k on Black Friday by Blogging & What I Learned Along the Way
• Blog Business Planning Workshop: Setting Profitable and Achievable Goals
• How I Made $110k in a Month in June 2023 👀
• 19 Best Ad Networks for Bloggers to Make 6 Figures
• How to Make $6k on a Digital Product Flash Sale
• I Sold a Starter Site For $2k. Here’s Exactly What I Did!
• How to Use Link Whisper to Increase Affiliate Conversions
• Selling Digital Products with Email Marketing for Beginners ft. Kate Doster
• Growing a Niche Site to $50k Series
• How to Make Your First $10 From Affiliate Sales in 7 Steps
• Are ConvertKit Email Ads Worth It? 6 Week Case Study Review

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