Our systems regularly review traffic on videos to figure out whether the traffic is valid or invalid. Invalid traffic is any activity on your channel that doesn’t come from a real user or a user with genuine interest. It can include, but is not limited to fraudulent, artificial, or even unintentional ways to boost ad revenue for videos. Invalid traffic may affect your channel, even if you’re not intentionally driving it.
If we find that your AdSense for YouTube account is associated with invalid traffic, we may disable your account. Disabling your account protects our platform for creators, advertisers, and viewers. By protecting our advertising systems against invalid traffic, advertisers can be confident investing in YouTube, which helps creators, like you, monetize your content.
Can my account be reinstated after being disabled for invalid traffic?
In the majority of instances, our systems make accurate determinations about invalid traffic. But, if you feel that this decision was made in error, you can submit an invalid activity appeal. You must maintain that you and anyone you’re responsible for didn’t directly or indirectly cause the invalid traffic.
When we receive your appeal, we will carefully review the information provided to us and provide you a final decision. Note that there's no guarantee that your account will be reinstated. After we've reached a decision on your appeal, further appeals may not be considered.
What are some tips for writing a successful invalid traffic appeal?
- Review these examples of invalid traffic. Do any of these reasons apply to you or your content? Could anyone have clicked your ads too many times? Did you buy traffic that led to a surge of invalid traffic? Can you make content or behavioral changes to prevent the invalid traffic from happening again?
- In the invalid activity appeal form, share the email address that's associated with your disabled AdSense for YouTube account. Sharing the email in the form helps us find your account and reduce delays in processing your appeal.
- Identify any potential reasons for the invalid traffic on your videos. Also share how you will make sure that the invalid traffic won't happen again. Give as much info as possible to explain your case.
- For example, tell us if you have purchased traffic from a third party to grow your audience. Share how you have discontinued working with this third party, and will not work with third parties for channel promotion in the future.
My account was disabled and my appeal was denied. Can I rejoin the program or open a new account?
We understand your concern about the actions taken against your account. Our actions are the result of careful investigation by our team of specialists, taking into account the interests of our advertisers, creators, and viewers.
Creators disabled for invalid traffic are not allowed any further participation in AdSense. For this reason, these creators may not open new accounts.
Google reserves the right to disable an account for any reason, including invalid traffic from any source.
Why was my account disabled for being related to another disabled account?
If a related account has been disabled, our specialists have found that your account poses a risk to our creators, viewers and advertisers.
Will I still be paid my AdSense for YouTube earnings?
If your account was disabled for invalid traffic or violations of our policies, you may be eligible for a final payment for the portion of revenue that has not been identified as invalid. Upon account disablement, a 30-day payment hold is put in place so that we can calculate the final payment (if any). Following this 30-day period, sign in to AdSense for YouTube to view your remaining eligible balance (if any) and arrange for payment. Deductions from your final balance for invalid traffic and creator policy violations will be refunded to affected advertisers where appropriate and possible.
Will I still get tax forms for the payments I've received?
You may still get a tax form from us if you have:
- Received a payment from us in the past, or
- A payable balance remaining in your account
Learn more about paying taxes on your AdSense for YouTube earnings.
My account was reinstated. Why aren't ads showing up on my sites, apps, or videos?
After your account has been reinstated, it may take up to 48 hours for ads to resume serving.