About partner bidding

You can use Google as a bidding ad source in other mediation platforms (not AdMob).

What is partner bidding?

Partner bidding enables you to access Google demand as a bidding source on supported third-party mediation platforms. Previously, you could only use standard ad units to access Google demand via traditional waterfall mediation in third-party platforms.

With partner bidding, you can allow Google (Google Ads, Display & Video 360) to bid on your inventory in third-party real-time bidding auctions - even if you do not use AdMob as your mediation platform.

How does partner bidding work? 

Partner bidding ad units work with your third-party mediation platform to enable Google demand to participate in their real-time bidding auctions. 

1. A partner bidding ad unit is created in AdMob

First, you’ll need to set up your app in AdMob. Then, you’ll need to create the partner bidding ad unit in AdMob.

Note that your app must be reviewed and approved in AdMob before a partner bidding ad unit can serve ads.

2. Google is set up as a bidder in a third-party mediation platform

Next, you’ll need to set up Google as a bidding source in your third-party mediation platform (not AdMob). Google requires that you map your partner bidding ad unit in your mediation platform using the ad unit ID and the app ID.

You can find your app IDs and ad unit IDs in your AdMob account. Refer to your third-party mediation platform for specific instructions on how to set up an ad network and/or map an ad unit.

3. Google competes for your inventory in a real-time bidding auction

Your third-party mediation platform hosts the real-time bidding auction and Google bids for your ad requests alongside the other bidders and ad sources you’ve set up in your third-party mediation waterfall.

You can analyze Google’s performance using the partner bidding ready-made reports.

Get started with partner bidding

Learn more about how to create partner bidding ad units in AdMob and check out the frequently asked questions.