Question 1

How long does the AdSense approval process take in 2026?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, the AdSense approval process typically takes between 7 to 21 days. Google's AI-driven review systems perform initial scans within 48 hours, but a secondary manual human review—mandated for all new domains to ensure high quality—usually takes longer. During peak seasons (Q4), this can extend up to 30 days.

Question 2

Do I need a minimum number of articles before applying?

Accepted Answer

While there is no official 'number', our 2026 data shows that websites with at least 25-30 high-quality, comprehensive articles (800+ words each) have a 78% higher approval rate. These articles should cover unique topics that demonstrate your site's intended niche clearly.

Question 3

Is domain age still a factor for approval?

Accepted Answer

In certain regions like East Asia and parts of Europe, domains older than 6 months are still preferred. Globally, however, 'Domain Authority' and 'Content Depth' have superseded mere age. A 1-month-old domain with 50 exceptional articles might get approved faster than a 1-year-old domain with only 5 thin posts.

Question 4

Can I use AI-generated content for AdSense in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with strict caveats. Google's 2026 'Helpful Content' update prioritizes human-centric value. Pure, unedited AI content is flagged as 'low value'. To be approved, AI content must be heavily edited by human experts, include unique insights, personal experiences, and pass the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) criteria.

Question 5

What are the prohibited content categories for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Google continues to prohibit adult content, violence, hate speech, and illegal drug promotion. New for 2026 are stricter regulations on 'Misleading Health Claims', 'AI-Generated Deepfakes without Disclosure', and 'Unverified Financial Advice' (YMYL - Your Money Your Life) content.

Question 6

How many ad units can I place on one page?

Accepted Answer

The old '3 units per page' rule is long gone. In 2026, Google allows any number of ads as long as they don't exceed the 'Ad-to-Content Ratio'. A good rule of thumb is that ads should not occupy more than 30% of your total visible pixels. Violating this usually leads to the 'Valuable Inventory: No Content' error.

Question 7

Is SSL (HTTPS) mandatory for AdSense approval?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In 2026, non-HTTPS sites are considered 'Insecure' by all modern browsers and are automatically rejected by the AdSense vetting system. Your site must serve all content over a secure connection to protect user data and ad integrity.

Question 8

What are Core Web Vitals, and do they affect approval?

Accepted Answer

Core Web Vitals (LCP, INP, CLS) are crucial metrics that measure loading, interactivity, and visual stability. While common for SEO, in 2026, sites with poor 'Visual Stability' (high CLS) are often rejected because they cause 'Invalid Clicks' when ads suddenly move after page load.

Question 9

Do I need a custom domain, or can I use a subdomain?

Accepted Answer

For the primary AdSense application, a top-level custom domain (e.g., .com, .org, .net) is highly recommended. Subdomains from free hosting services (.blogspot.com, .wordpress.com) can still be approved but are subject to more rigorous 'Site Ownership' and 'Quality' checks in the current 2026 landscape.

Question 10

What is the average CPC (Cost Per Click) in 2026?

Accepted Answer

CPC varies wildly by niche. Finance, Real Estate, and Legal Tech have the highest CPCs, sometimes exceeding $25.00 per click in Tier 1 countries. General lifestyle or entertainment niches might see lower CPCs between $0.15 and $0.80. Optimization of your 'keywords' is the most effective way to influence this.

Question 11

How often does AdSense pay out its publishers?

Accepted Answer

AdSense follows a monthly payment cycle. Your finalized earnings are calculated between the 1st and 3rd of the month, and your payment is usually issued between the 21st and 26th, provided you've met the $100 (or local equivalent) minimum threshold.

Question 12

What is the impact of 'SGE' (Search Generative Experience) on AdSense?

Accepted Answer

Search Generative Experience (SGE) in 2026 has shifted traffic towards 'Deep Research' queries. To maintain AdSense revenue, websites must now focus on 'Long-form Pillar Content' that builds a community, rather than short answers that Google might provide directly in the search results.

Question 13

Are 'Auto Ads' better than manual placements in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Google's 2026 Auto Ads use advanced Neural Networks to predict user behavior with 94% accuracy. For most publishers, Auto Ads outperform manual placements by roughly 22%. However, we recommend using 'Manual Placements' for your highest-performing 'Above the Fold' spots to ensure brand consistency.

Knowledge Base 2026

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