# Discourse Advertising Plugin (Ads)
**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734
**Category:** Plugin
**Tags:** official, advertising, included-in-core
**Created:** [September 25, 2015, 5:21am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734 "2015-09-25T05:21:36Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)
#### Post date: [September 25, 2015, 5:21am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/1 "2015-09-25T05:21:36Z")
| | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| :discourse2: | **Summary** | **Discourse Advertising** allows the set up of advertisements on Discourse |
| š | **Install Guide** | **This plugin is bundled with Discourse core**. There is no need to install the plugin separately. |
> [@](#):
>
> :discourse2: As this is an #official plugin maintained by the Discourse team, #Support, #Contribute > Bug, #Contribute > UX, and #Contribute > Feature requests can be made in the respective categories here on Meta, and tagged with the appropriate plugin tag. Click on a link below to get one started. š
>
> [ā **Support**](https://meta.discourse.org/new-topic?category_id=6&body=%3E%20Before%20asking,%20did%20you%20search%20first%3F%20Press%20%F0%9F%94%8D%20at%20the%20upper%20right%20to%20search.&tags=advertising "Ask for support on configuring and using Discourse Advertising") [š **Bug**](https://meta.discourse.org/new-topic?category_id=1&tags=advertising "A bug report means something is broken, preventing normal/typical use of the plugin") [š **UX**](https://meta.discourse.org/new-topic?category_id=9&tags=advertising "Discussion about the user interface of Discourse Advertising, and how features are presented (including language and UI elements)") [š” **Feature**](https://meta.discourse.org/new-topic?category_id=2&tags=advertising "Discussion about how existing Discourse Advertising features can be improved or enhanced, and how proposed new features could work")
> ā **AD-BLOCKERS** If you are running an ad-blocker in your browser or through a vpn, the contents of your `/admin/plugins` page may be blanked out. Disabling your adblocker, using an incognito tab, or whitelisting your site should prevent this issue.
### Features
This is the officially supported Discourse ad plugin. Install and configure it to start serving ads on your Discourse forum.
The plugin supports the following ad platforms :
- [House Ads](https://meta.discourse.org/t/house-ads-in-the-official-ad-plugin/116715): Your own ads served from Discourse
- [Google Adsense](http://www.google.com.au/adsense/start/why-adsense.html)
- DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP) (aka [Google Ad Manager](https://twitter.com/GoogleAdManager/status/1012396519016796160)) including custom targeting
- [Google Double Click for Publishers](https://www.google.com/dfp)
- [Amazon Affiliates](http://affiliate-program.amazon.com) - Banner and Product Link Ads
- [Carbon Ads](https://www.carbonads.net/)
### Configuration
#### Setting up House Ads
If you donāt want to use an external ad platform, but want to show your own ads, then House Ads are for you! Define your ads by going to the Admin section of your Discourse forum, and go to the Plugins section. On the left, you should see a link called āHouse Adsā.
Begin by creating your ads. Give each a short descriptive name and enter the html for each. Style them using a custom theme (Admin \> Customize \> Themes). Lastly, click the Settings button in the House Ads UI and choose which of your ads to show in each of the ad slots. The ads will start showing as soon as you add them to slots.
#### Configure Ads For Your Advertisement Platform
- Navigate to the Admin section in your Discourse forum.
- Click on Settings and a left vertical navigation bar should appear.
- Choose your advertisement platform.
- House Ads - if you want to create and serve ads from your Discourse instance.
- Adsense - if using Adsense as your advertisement platform.
- DFP - if using the DoubleClick for Publishers advertisement platform.
- Carbon Ads - if using the Carbon Ads advertisement platform.
- AdButler - if using the AdButler advertisement platform.
##### Input Your Details
1. Add in your publisher ID - your publisher ID can be obtained from your ad platform and can also be found in your ad tag (see pictures below).
2. Choose your trust level from the dropdown box. This will only display ads to users with a certain level of trust. For more details about trust levels go to the **Plugin Features** heading.
3. Get the Advertisement Tag from your Ad Platform - see the images below to see what a tag looks like.
4. Add parts of your ad code to Discourseās site settings for the locations you wish your ad to appear. Refer to image for your ad platform to where parts of your ad tag should go. For more detail about where the ad will appear
5. Choose Your Ad Size - this is the same size that youāve put into your ad provider to create your ad. Go to the **Plugin Features** heading to see a list of supported Ad sizes.
##### Adsense Advertisement Tag to Discourseās Site Settings
First, add the contents of your [`ads.txt` file](https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/7532444) to your Discourse `ads txt` site setting. Then copy the following values to your Discourse settings:
##### DoubleClick for Publishersā Advertisement Tag to Discourseās Site Settings
##### Amazon Affiliatesā Advertisement Tag to Discourseās Site Settings
Only for Product Link and Banner Ads.
##### Carbon Ads Script Tag to Discourseās Site Settings
##### AdButler Ads Zone URL to Discourseās Site Settings
> ā This plugin only support AdButler āStandard Zonesā. Text and VAST are not supported.
If you browse to a zone in the AdButler admin, then you can find the Publisher ID (PPPPPP) and the Zone ID (ZZZZZZ) in the URL of your browserās address bar:
`https://admin.adbutler.com/?ID=PPPPPP&p=textadzone.view&zoneID=ZZZZZZ`
Configure the ads in Admin \> Settings \> AdButler. Enter the publisher id in the āadbutler publisher idā setting, and enter the Zone IDs in the different zone id settings as desired.
By default, ads are assumed to be size 728 x 90, or 320 x 50 in mobile view. To use different size ads, customize using CSS in your siteās theme. Override the following CSS:
.adbutler-ad { width: 728px; height: 90px; } .adbutler-mobile-ad { width: 320px; height: 50px; }
#### View Your Ad
Once youāve configured your settings and your advertising platform has ads that are ready to serve, navigate to the page where youāve inputted for the location and you should see ads.
#### Plugin Features
##### Available Locations for Ad Display
The following are available locations along with a description and an image showing their location within Discourse to display ads for all platforms.
| Location Name | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Topic List Top | Ad will appear at the header of Discourse homepage |
| Topic Above Post Stream | Ad will appear in the header of all Discourse forum topics |
| Topic Above Suggested | Ad will appear in the footer above suggested topics of all Discourse forum topics |
| Post Bottom & Nth Post | Ad will appear on the stipulated nth post within a topic. So if you have 5 posts in a topic and you want the ad to display after on the 2nd post, put 2 in `ad_platform_nth_post_code` . |
##### Trust Levels
You can use the `ad_platform_through_trust_level` dropdown to disable ads for users above a certain trust levels. As a guide, choosing:
- 0 shows ads to users that are not logged in.
- 1 shows ads to users that are not logged in, and to new and basic users.
- 2 shows ads to members as well, but not to regulars and leaders.
- 3 shows ads to everyone, but not to leaders.
- 4 shows ads to everyone including leaders.
To find more about trust levels in Discourse, refer to [Discourseās posts on trust levels](https://meta.discourse.org/t/what-do-user-trust-levels-do/4924)
##### Personal messages
By default, ads wonāt be shown in personal messages. To enable ads in personal messages, use the āno ads for personal messagesā setting.
##### Groups
To give some users an ad-free experience, put the users in groups and add those groups to the āno ads for groupsā setting.
Note that the _Visibility_ in the group settings needs to be at least `Group owners, members, moderators` to ensure users who are part of the group can see that the group exists. If the _Visibility_ of the group is more restrictive, the setting āno ads for groupsā will be ignored and the ads will be visible to members of the group.
##### Categories
To disable ads in certain categories, add them to the āno ads for categoriesā setting. Also consider using the āno ads for restricted categoriesā to disable ads in all categories that have read access restrictions.
##### Tags
Individual topics can have ads disabled by using tags, and entering those tags in the āno ads for tagsā setting. This is useful if some topics violate ad network policies.
> :discourse2: Hosted by us? This plugin is available on our Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans. [Advertising | Discourse - Civilized Discussion](https://discourse.org/plugins/ads.html)
> Last edited by @Juan_David_MartĆnez 2026-07-14T20:16:44Z
>
> > **Check document**
> >
> > Perform check on document:
---
### Author:  [@JammyDodger](https://meta.discourse.org/u/JammyDodger)
#### Post date: [April 17, 2024, 10:48am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/364 "2024-04-17T10:48:35Z")
A post was split to a new topic: [How can I add the advertising code of other advertising services?](https://meta.discourse.org/t/how-can-i-add-the-advertising-code-of-other-advertising-services/304253)
---
### Author:  [@Jose\_C\_Gomez](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Jose_C_Gomez)
#### Post date: [June 11, 2024, 8:17pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/368 "2024-06-11T20:17:07Z")
Support for Ad blocking recovery (AdSense)
Adsense added ad blocking recovery service which works quite well
Problem is if we have subscriptions or patrons it doesnāt know that and so it annoys them. Could we consider adding optional support for this tag(s) so that it can be enabled / disabled based on groups? š
It does require a special Tag
> **[Tag your sites for ad blocking recovery messages - Google AdSense Help](https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/11575177?hl=en&ref_topic=11575080&sjid=4386531437465785527-NA)**
>
> Use the available options on the TaggingĀ tabĀ to manage your ad blocking recovery messages.Ā The Tagging tab provides code snippets to help ad blocking recovery messages work on your site
---
### Author:  [@Nicolas\_Blanco1](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Nicolas_Blanco1)
#### Post date: [July 4, 2024, 12:12pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/369 "2024-07-04T12:12:58Z")
Recently after updating my forum to latest version, some of my users are getting a JS syntax error, it looks like itās coming from the discourse ad plugins, specifically the house ad:
---
### Author:  [@omarfilip](https://meta.discourse.org/u/omarfilip)
#### Post date: [October 21, 2024, 7:34pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/370 "2024-10-21T19:34:52Z")
The [content security policy guidance](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734#fixing-content-security-policy-issues-19) is outdated. Whatās the latest?
---
### Author:  [@MarkDoerr](https://meta.discourse.org/u/MarkDoerr)
#### Post date: [November 1, 2024, 12:29am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/372 "2024-11-01T00:29:27Z")
Thanks for the reminder that I needed to update the OP. Done. š
> [@omarfilip](#):
>
> The [content security policy guidance](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734#fixing-content-security-policy-issues-19) is outdated. Whatās the latest?
We implemented a [`strict-dynamic` CSP](https://meta.discourse.org/t/content-security-policy-now-uses-strict-dynamic/298172) a while back and you shouldnāt need to do any further setup.
Weād recommend removing `https:` or `unsafe-inline` unless you need them for some specific reason, as they do not provide any protection against XSS vulnerabilities.
---
### Author:  [@ppcole](https://meta.discourse.org/u/ppcole)
#### Post date: [March 2, 2025, 9:16pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/378 "2025-03-02T21:16:37Z")
Hello
Is it possible to show Ads to a target audience based on a Custom User Fields created for the Sign Up form? Eg. Sex=M/F, Location=US/Canada, Marital Status=M/S
If no, is this capability being considered and if yes, is there an ETA?
This ability would allow the creation of multiple Ads in a specific location but users see only those targeted to them. Opens up more revenue options.
Regards,
---
### Author:  [@ppcole](https://meta.discourse.org/u/ppcole)
#### Post date: [April 5, 2025, 3:03pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/379 "2025-04-05T15:03:51Z")
hello,
Can house Ads be created and managed via the API?
Regards
---
### Author:  [@BigLee](https://meta.discourse.org/u/BigLee)
#### Post date: [May 12, 2025, 12:57pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/380 "2025-05-12T12:57:23Z")
The plugin does not support displaying ads on the homepage.
Itās like having their hands tied.
Is there any way to display ads on both the PC and MOBILE homepages?
BTW: Discourse is installed using Docker.
Thank you.
---
### Author:  [@NateDhaliwal](https://meta.discourse.org/u/NateDhaliwal)
#### Post date: [May 12, 2025, 11:27pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/381 "2025-05-12T23:27:51Z")
Hi there, so the location below does not work for you?
> [@Discourse](#):
>
> | Location Name | Description |
> | --- | --- |
> | Topic List Top | Ad will appear at the header of Discourse homepage |
---
### Author:  [@BigLee](https://meta.discourse.org/u/BigLee)
#### Post date: [May 13, 2025, 1:42pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/382 "2025-05-13T13:42:47Z")
Thanks for your reply. I donāt seem to see the option you mentioned.
* * *
Modified: Topic list top ads. But it cannot display ads on the homepage.
---
### Author:  [@david](https://meta.discourse.org/u/david)
#### Post date: [July 22, 2025, 1:12pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/383 "2025-07-22T13:12:25Z")
š„³ This plugin is now bundled with Discourse core as part of [Bundling more popular plugins with Discourse core](https://meta.discourse.org/t/bundling-more-popular-plugins-with-discourse-core/373574). If you are self-hosting and use the plugin, you need to remove it from your `app.yml` before your next upgrade.
---
### Author:  [@undasein](https://meta.discourse.org/u/undasein)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 10:16am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/384 "2025-07-25T10:16:21Z")
Well, I canāt find the plugin in admin section, plugins drop down menu and admin searc.
(discourse updated and plugin removed from app.yml)
---
### Author:  [@Moin](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Moin)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 10:18am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/385 "2025-07-25T10:18:42Z")
Do you use any ad blocker?
> [@Discourse](#):
>
> ā **AD-BLOCKERS** If you are running an ad-blocker in your browser or through a vpn, the contents of your `/admin/plugins` page may be blanked out. Disabling your adblocker, using an incognito tab, or whitelisting your site should prevent this issue.
Maybe it helps go search for the settings in all site settings. `plugin:discourse-adplugin` is the term to filter there for ad settings
---
### Author:  [@undasein](https://meta.discourse.org/u/undasein)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 10:32am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/386 "2025-07-25T10:32:26Z")
No, I use Brave browser with shields off. Iām a bit lost in new admin menus btw
---
### Author:  [@Moin](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Moin)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 10:36am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/387 "2025-07-25T10:36:04Z")
{Yourforum}/admin/site\_settings/category/all\_results?filter=plugin%3Adiscourse-adplugin should take you to the settings without using a menu
---
### Author:  [@undasein](https://meta.discourse.org/u/undasein)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 11:06am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/388 "2025-07-25T11:06:13Z")
Nothing found
---
### Author:  [@MarkDoerr](https://meta.discourse.org/u/MarkDoerr)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/389 "2025-07-25T18:22:13Z")
It looks like the plugin has been renamed.
On my site Iām finding it at `/admin/plugins/pluginad/house_creatives`. And perhaps because I donāt use anything other than House Ads, thatās the link I see in my sidebar:
---
### Author:  [@Moin](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Moin)
#### Post date: [July 25, 2025, 6:58pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/390 "2025-07-25T18:58:16Z")
I think the house ads section is only about house ads. The other ad settings do not have their own tab. Itās like Calendar and Event, where āCalendarā from the admin sidebar only takes you to a place to manage holidays - not to everything related to the calendar and event plugin.
While most plugins have this page with breadcrumb, name, description, and a settings tab, some still donāt. This plugin is one example of that.
---
### Author:  [@undasein](https://meta.discourse.org/u/undasein)
#### Post date: [July 28, 2025, 7:11am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734/391 "2025-07-28T07:11:36Z")
I still have not located the plugin within the administrative menu. Surely, it is so obvious that I am overlooking it.
[Next page](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-advertising-plugin-ads/33734.md?page=2)