Requirements
Tracking Requirements
To be eligible to run Referral Traffic to parked domains through Ads.com, you must meet all of the following tracking requirements. Failure to do so may result in traffic being rejected or your account being suspended.
Required Tracking URL Parameters
All Referral Traffic must include the following parameters in the destination URL:
ref_keyword- the headline of the creative, along with any additional text or audio transcription shown or heard in the ad.ref_adnetwork- the name of the Referral Source Provider (e.g., Facebook, Outbrain, Taboola).ref_pubsite- the Referral Source Publisher Site, i.e., the actual site, app, or placement where the ad creative appears.
These parameters are mandatory for all Referral Sources. Traffic missing any of these fields will not render a proper landing experience and may be blocked or rejected.
Parameter Details & Examples
1. ref_keyword – Creative Headline and Text
This parameter must include:
The headline of the creative (title shown in the ad),
Any on-screen text, and
A transcription of any spoken audio used in the creative.
✅ Example URL:
https://cardomain.com/?ref_keyword=New%20Electric%20Cars%20in%202021%20-%20Must%20See
2. ref_adnetwork – Referral Source Provider
This should reflect the name of the ad network where the traffic is being purchased.
✅ Example URL:
https://cardomain.com/?ref_adnetwork=facebook
3. ref_pubsite – Referral Source Publisher Site
This must capture the exact site or app where the Referral Source appears:
For networks other than Facebook, this should be the full domain or app name where the ad was served.
For traffic from Facebook or similar platforms, you may use
"facebook"or"none"if the exact placement isn’t accessible.
✅ Example URL:
https://cardomain.com/?ref_pubsite=somesite.com
Full Example With All Parameters
https://cardomain.com/?ref_keyword=New%20Electric%20Cars%20in%202021%20-%20Must%20See&ref_adnetwork=facebook&ref_pubsite=somesite.com
✅ Be sure to properly URL encode all values (e.g., replace spaces with %20).
Referral URL Builder (Optional Tool)
To simplify proper formatting and encoding, we recommend using the Referral URL Builder available in your Ads.com dashboard. This tool automatically generates valid URLs with all required parameters.
🔒 Note: You must be logged in to access the builder.
Approval Required
Your Ads.com account must be approved for referral traffic before starting with written consent from the Ads.com team. Please refer to our Terms for more information.
Follow Best Practices
Before launching any campaigns:
Review our Getting Started Guide
Understand all creative, tracking, and compliance requirements
Ensure your Referral Source Providers and Referral Source Publishers follow our policy.
Additional Requirements
In addition to all requirements outlined in this policy, you are also required to comply with any other requirements found at: