app-ads.txt for Roku Channels

When submitting a Roku channel that displays video ads, you'll need to set up an app-ads.txt file. This guide explains what it is, why you need it, and how to configure it for your CastConductor channel.

What is app-ads.txt?

app-ads.txt is an IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) standard for connected TV and mobile apps. It's the OTT equivalent of ads.txt for websites.

The file declares which ad networks and sellers are authorized to sell your channel's ad inventory. This helps prevent:

• Ad fraud — Stops unauthorized parties from selling fake inventory
• Brand safety issues — Ensures advertisers know their ads appear on legitimate channels
• Revenue leakage — Prevents unauthorized sellers from taking your ad revenue

Roku Requirements

When enabling monetization during channel submission, Roku requires:

Configuration Options

Option 1: RAF Only (Recommended for Most Users)

If your channel only uses Roku's built-in advertising framework (RAF) and you don't use third-party ad networks:

# [Your Channel Name] - Roku Channel
# This channel does not authorize third-party programmatic ad sellers
# All advertising is served directly via Roku Advertising Framework (RAF)

Option 2: RAF + Roku Direct Sales

If you participate in Roku's ad marketplace where Roku can fill unsold inventory:

# [Your Channel Name] - Roku Channel ID [YOUR_CHANNEL_ID]
# Authorized advertising sellers

# Roku Direct
roku.com, [YOUR_PUBLISHER_ID], DIRECT

Replace [YOUR_PUBLISHER_ID] with your Roku publisher/seller ID.

Option 3: Third-Party Ad Networks

If you integrate with external ad networks (Google Ad Manager, SpotX, FreeWheel, etc.):

# [Your Channel Name] - Roku Channel ID [YOUR_CHANNEL_ID]
# Authorized advertising sellers

# Roku Direct
roku.com, [YOUR_PUBLISHER_ID], DIRECT

# Google Ad Manager
google.com, pub-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, DIRECT

# SpotX
spotx.tv, XXXXX, DIRECT

# FreeWheel
freewheel.tv, XXXXX, RESELLER

Option 4: No Advertising

If your channel has no ads at all (subscription or free):

# [Your Channel Name] - Roku Channel
# This channel does not display advertising
# Monetization is via subscription or direct sponsorship only

WordPress Implementation

Method 1: Upload Physical File

Upload a file named app-ads.txt to your WordPress root directory:

/var/www/html/app-ads.txt

You can do this via:

• SFTP/FTP client
• File manager in your hosting control panel
• SSH: nano /var/www/html/app-ads.txt

Method 2: WordPress Must-Use Plugin

Create a file at wp-content/mu-plugins/app-ads-txt.php:

<?php
/**
 * Serve app-ads.txt for Roku channel
 */
add_action('init', function() {
    if ($_SERVER['REQUEST_URI'] === '/app-ads.txt') {
        header('Content-Type: text/plain');
        header('Cache-Control: public, max-age=86400');

        echo "# Your Channel Name - Roku Channel\n";
        echo "# This channel does not authorize third-party programmatic ad sellers\n";
        echo "# All advertising is served directly via Roku Advertising Framework (RAF)\n";
        exit;
    }
});

This approach lets WordPress serve the file dynamically without needing file system access.

Method 3: .htaccess Rewrite

If you prefer storing the file in a different location:

# Serve app-ads.txt from uploads folder
RewriteRule ^app-ads\.txt$ /wp-content/uploads/app-ads.txt [L]

Verification

After setting up your file, verify it's accessible:

curl https://yourdomain.com/app-ads.txt

# Your Channel Name - Roku Channel
# This channel does not authorize third-party programmatic ad sellers
# All advertising is served directly via Roku Advertising Framework (RAF)

Troubleshooting

Related Resources

• Roku Advertising Documentation
• IAB app-ads.txt Specification
• CastConductor Advertising Guide