The internet has created endless ways to earn money, and one of the most popular is through advertising networks. If you’ve ever visited a blog, watched a YouTube video, or opened a mobile app and seen ads, those ads are earning money for the creators. In 2025, platforms like Google AdSense and other ad networks are still powerful ways to generate online income.

Whether you run a blog, YouTube channel, or an app, this guide will show you how to make money with ads in simple steps.

Ad networks are platforms that connect advertisers with publishers. Advertisers want to promote their products, while publishers (like you) provide the space—your website, videos, or app—for those ads.

The ad network acts as a middleman: it delivers ads to your content and pays you a share of the revenue when people see or click those ads.

The most popular ad network is Google AdSense, but there are also others like Media.net, Ezoic, PropellerAds, and AdThrive.

Google AdSense is the easiest and most trusted way to start earning with ads. Here’s how it works:

1. You create content on your website, blog, or YouTube channel.

2. You apply for a free AdSense account.

3. Google reviews your site or channel.

4. Once approved, Google shows ads that match your content and audience.

5. You earn money when users view or click those ads.

Example: If you have a cooking blog, AdSense might show ads for kitchen tools or food delivery services.

One of the most common ways is to create a blog or website. Write about topics you’re passionate about (like travel, health, or technology), grow traffic with SEO, and then place ad codes from AdSense or other networks.

• Best for: Writers, bloggers, niche experts.

• Income potential: Depends on traffic; more visitors = more ad revenue.

If you enjoy creating videos, YouTube is an amazing platform. After reaching 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, you can join the YouTube Partner Program (AdSense for YouTube). You’ll earn money from ads shown before, during, or after your videos.

• Best for: Educators, entertainers, vloggers.

• Income potential: Higher if your content is in-demand and gets consistent views.

Many apps and games are free to use because they earn money through ads. By integrating Google AdMob (AdSense for apps) or other mobile ad networks, you can earn every time users interact with ads in your app.

• Best for: Developers or those who can collaborate with developers.

• Income potential: Great if your app gets lots of downloads.

Apart from AdSense, here are some trusted ad networks to explore:

• Media.net: Best for blogs with English content, powered by Yahoo & Bing.

• Ezoic: Great for growing websites, helps optimize ad placements.

• AdThrive: High-quality ads but requires at least 100,000 monthly visitors.

• PropellerAds: Works well with smaller websites and offers pop-up ads.

Ads work best when combined with other monetization methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or selling digital products. This way, you don’t rely only on ad revenue.

1. Focus on quality content – The better your content, the more traffic you attract.

2. Drive targeted traffic – SEO, social media, and email marketing help bring the right audience.

3. Place ads smartly – Ads above the fold (visible without scrolling) usually perform better.

4. Improve site speed – Faster websites get more traffic and higher ad earnings.

5. Follow policies – Always respect AdSense and ad network rules to avoid suspension.