Google’s Rules for Publishers — That Google Doesn’t Follow Itself

In the digital world, Google acts like a teacher, a judge, and a parent telling you how to behave. It teaches us how we should display ads, how we must protect user experience, and how we should stay “responsible”.

And then… it does exactly what it forbids us to do.

As a publisher, I follow the rules as long as they make sense. But Google is not my boss. It’s a platform I use — for as long as it works for me. If Google ever decides I don’t “deserve” its ads, that’s perfectly fine. I can remove them myself. Partnership goes both ways.

1. “Don’t use aggressive ads.”

Meanwhile, YouTube runs two pre-rolls, a mid-roll, an overlay, and a pop-up. Move the timeline? Another ad. If this is considered “non-aggressive”, then the definition is clearly flexible.

2. “Don’t place ads above the fold.”

Open Google Search.

Ads first. Then more ads. Then “sponsored” elements. The organic result? Somewhere below, if you’re lucky.

But publishers must be careful not to place a single banner too high. Because that’s “bad UX”.

3. “Don’t cover the content.”

On mobile, Google shows a sticky ad, a full-screen pop-up, and an ad that opens when you tap the wrong pixel. But we must remain “non-intrusive”.

4. “Ensure a good user experience.”

If Google truly wanted perfect UX, it would reduce the number of ads, shorten pre-rolls, and stop burying organic results under two screens of advertising.

The reality is simple: Google is the platform, the policeman, and the biggest advertiser at the same time. And when you hold all those roles, you can afford to do things you forbid others to do.

Conclusion: Partnership, not subordination

Publishers are not Google’s employees. We are partners who create content, audiences, and value. And just as Google can “disconnect” our ads, we can disconnect theirs — if we decide it’s the better path.

I follow the rules. But I don’t ignore the paradox. And anyone working in this ecosystem sees it just as clearly.

 

FAQ

What does UX mean?
UX stands for user experience.

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