Getting approved for Google AdSense requires meeting specific requirements that Google does not always make obvious. After helping hundreds of publishers get approved, I have compiled the definitive checklist of 25 items you must have in place before applying.
This comprehensive checklist covers everything from content quality to technical setup. Check off each item before submitting your application, and you will significantly increase your chances of first-time approval.
What This Checklist Covers:
- Content requirements (quantity, quality, originality)
- Essential legal pages every site needs
- Technical requirements Google expects
- Design and user experience standards
- Account setup requirements
Content Requirements (Items 1-8)
Content is the foundation of your AdSense application. Google wants to see that your site provides genuine value to visitors.
1. Minimum 20-30 Quality Articles
While Google does not officially state a minimum article count, publishers with 20-30 well-written articles see the highest approval rates. Each article should provide genuine value to readers. Read our detailed analysis on how many articles you need for AdSense approval.
"We look for sites that have been active for a few months and have sufficient content. While there's no magic number, having substantial content helps us evaluate your site."
— Google AdSense Help Documentation
2. Articles of 800+ Words Each
Long-form content signals depth and value. Aim for at least 800 words per article, with pillar content reaching 1,500-3,000 words. Thin content is one of the top rejection reasons.
3. 100% Original Content
Every word on your site must be original. Google's systems detect copied, spun, or AI-generated content that lacks originality. Use plagiarism checkers before publishing.
4. Consistent Publishing Schedule
Show Google your site is actively maintained. Publishing 2-4 articles per week for at least 3 months before applying demonstrates commitment.
5. Valuable and Informative Content
Your content should solve problems, answer questions, or provide entertainment. Ask yourself: "Would I bookmark this article?" If not, improve it. Learn more about what Google considers quality content.
See also: Google AdSense PIN Verification: Complete Guide to Address Verification →
6. Proper Content Formatting
Use headings (H2, H3), bullet points, numbered lists, and short paragraphs. Well-formatted content improves readability and signals professionalism.
7. No Prohibited Content
Review Google's content policies carefully. Prohibited content includes adult material, violence, hate speech, gambling, illegal products, and dangerous activities.
8. Focused Niche or Topic
Sites with a clear focus perform better than general blogs. Google wants to see topical relevance and expertise in a specific area.
Essential Legal Pages (Items 9-14)
Legal pages are non-negotiable. Missing any of these will almost certainly result in rejection.
9. Privacy Policy Page
A comprehensive privacy policy is required for AdSense. It must explain what data you collect, how you use it, and mention the use of cookies and advertising cookies.
10. About Page with Author Information
Include a detailed about page with real information about you or your team. Show photos, credentials, and explain why visitors should trust your content. This is crucial for demonstrating E-E-A-T signals that Google looks for.
Learn more in AdSense for New Websites: 12 Quick Approval Strategies in 2026 →
11. Contact Page with Working Form
Provide a way for visitors and Google to reach you. Include a contact form, email address, or both. Test that the form actually works.
12. Terms of Service Page
Outline the terms under which visitors use your site. This protects both you and your visitors and signals legitimacy to Google.
13. Disclaimer Page (If Applicable)
If you provide advice on financial, legal, medical, or similar topics, include appropriate disclaimers. This is especially important for YMYL (Your Money Your Life) content.
14. Cookie Consent Mechanism
If you serve visitors from the EU, you need a cookie consent banner. Even if your audience is elsewhere, having one shows you understand compliance requirements.
Technical Requirements (Items 15-20)
Technical issues can delay or prevent approval. Address these before applying.
15. Fast Loading Speed
Your site should load in under 3 seconds. Use Google PageSpeed Insights to test and optimize. Slow sites provide poor user experience and may be rejected.
Learn more in Site Under Construction Error in AdSense: How to Fix It →
"Page speed is a ranking factor, and slow-loading pages can negatively impact user experience and ad performance."
— Google Web Fundamentals
16. Mobile-Responsive Design
Your site must work perfectly on mobile devices. Test on multiple screen sizes using Google's Mobile-Friendly Test. Google uses mobile-first indexing, so mobile experience is critical.
17. HTTPS/SSL Certificate
Your site must use HTTPS. Google Chrome marks HTTP sites as "Not Secure," and AdSense ads may not display properly on insecure sites.
18. No Broken Links or 404 Errors
Scan your site for broken links and fix them. Too many 404 errors signal poor site maintenance and can delay approval.
19. Clean Navigation Structure
Visitors should easily find any page on your site. Include a clear menu, categories, and logical site structure. No orphan pages.
20. Functional Search Feature
A working search box helps both visitors and Google understand your site. Make sure it returns relevant results.
Related reading: How to Reapply for AdSense After Rejection: 7-Step Recovery Guide →
Design and UX Requirements (Items 21-23)
First impressions matter. Your site design signals professionalism and trustworthiness.
21. Professional, Clean Design
Use a professional theme or design. Avoid cluttered layouts, excessive ads from other networks, or distracting elements that harm user experience.
22. Readable Typography
Use legible fonts with proper sizing. Body text should be at least 16 pixels. Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background.
23. Sufficient Content Above the Fold
Visitors should see valuable content immediately when landing on any page. Avoid excessive headers, sliders, or ads above your main content.
Account Requirements (Items 24-25)
Finally, ensure your account setup is correct.
24. Age 18 or Older
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in AdSense. Google will verify this during payment setup.
Learn more in What Is "Quality Content" for AdSense? A Complete Definition →
25. Valid Google Account
Use a legitimate Google account with accurate personal information. If you have had previous AdSense issues, address them before applying with a new site.
Complete Checklist Summary
Use this summary to verify you meet all requirements before applying:
Content Requirements
- ☐ 20-30+ quality articles published
- ☐ Each article is 800+ words
- ☐ All content is 100% original
- ☐ Consistent publishing for 3+ months
- ☐ Content provides genuine value
- ☐ Proper formatting with headings and lists
- ☐ No prohibited content topics
- ☐ Clear niche focus
Legal Pages
- ☐ Privacy policy page
- ☐ About page with author info
- ☐ Contact page with working form
- ☐ Terms of service page
- ☐ Disclaimer page (if applicable)
- ☐ Cookie consent mechanism
Technical Requirements
- ☐ Page loads in under 3 seconds
- ☐ Mobile-responsive design
- ☐ HTTPS/SSL certificate active
- ☐ No broken links or 404 errors
- ☐ Clean navigation structure
- ☐ Functional search feature
Design Requirements
- ☐ Professional, clean design
- ☐ Readable typography (16px+)
- ☐ Content visible above the fold
Account Requirements
- ☐ Age 18 or older
- ☐ Valid Google account
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Even with all requirements met, these mistakes can still cause rejection:
- Applying too soon: Wait until you have at least 3 months of consistent content
- Using free hosting: Free subdomains (blogspot, wordpress.com) have lower approval rates than custom domains
- Having other ads: Remove other ad networks before applying
- Incomplete pages: Empty category pages or placeholder content
- Poor image optimization: Missing alt text or slow-loading images
"Sites that are still under construction or have placeholder content will not be approved."
— Google AdSense Program Policies
What to Do After Applying
Once you submit your application:
- Keep publishing new content regularly
- Do not make major site changes
- Check your email (including spam folder) daily
- Log into your AdSense account to check status
- Be patient—most decisions take 7-14 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum traffic required for AdSense?
Google does not officially require minimum traffic. However, sites with some organic traffic (even 100-500 visitors per month) tend to get approved faster because they demonstrate that real people find the content valuable.
Can I apply for AdSense with a new domain?
Yes, but domains that are at least 3-6 months old have higher approval rates. If you have a brand new domain, focus on building quality content for a few months before applying.
Do I need to be from a specific country to apply?
AdSense is available in most countries, but some regions have restrictions. Check the AdSense supported locations page to confirm your country is eligible.
How many times can I apply if rejected?
You can reapply as many times as needed after fixing the issues mentioned in your rejection email. Wait at least 2 weeks between applications and make meaningful improvements each time.
Should I use a WordPress.com free site or self-hosted WordPress?
Self-hosted WordPress (with your own domain) has significantly higher approval rates. Free WordPress.com sites are often rejected due to limited customization and domain ownership issues.
