Can You Use Multiple Ad Networks on Your Blog at the Same Time?

 

The Short Answer:

Yes. Most ad networks allow you to run ads from other networks alongside theirs. In fact, many experienced publishers stack or combine ad networks to improve earnings and ensure their ad spaces are always filled.

However, it’s not just about placing ads from various networks randomly. To succeed, you must understand ad stacking, mediation, header bidding, and policy restrictions from each network.

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Why Use Multiple Ad Networks?

Let’s start by breaking down the benefits of using more than one ad network:

1. Higher Revenue Potential

No single ad network will always offer the best-paying ads. By using multiple networks, you can compare performance and maximize earnings for each ad slot. Some networks perform better in specific niches or countries.

2. Better Fill Rates

Some ad networks can’t fill 100% of your available ad inventory. Multiple networks reduce the chances of blank spaces by providing fallback options when one network has no available ads.

3. Diverse Advertiser Access

Each ad network works with different advertisers. By combining networks, you gain access to more advertisers and potentially better-matched, more relevant ads for your audience.

4. Reduced Risk

Relying on a single ad network (especially AdSense) puts your income at risk if your account gets suspended. Using multiple networks spreads that risk across different sources.

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How to Use Multiple Ad Networks Effectively

Running more than one ad network can be beneficial—but only if done properly. Here’s how:

1. Ad Mediation (Waterfall Setup)

Ad mediation involves setting a priority order for networks. For each ad request:

• The highest-priority network tries to fill the ad.

• If it doesn’t have a suitable ad, the next network in line tries.

• This continues until an ad is served.

Tools that offer mediation:

• Google Ad Manager (for advanced users)

• Ezoic (beginner-friendly, automates much of the process)

• AdMob (for mobile apps)

• Unity Ads (for games)

Mediation ensures no ad space goes unfilled while prioritizing the highest-paying networks.

2. Header Bidding (Advanced Method)

Header bidding allows multiple ad networks (bidders) to compete simultaneously for your ad inventory in real time. This typically leads to higher earnings than traditional waterfall methods.

Platforms that support header bidding:

• Prebid.js (open-source)

• Ezoic

• Mediavine (proprietary bidding system)

• AdThrive

Note: Header bidding is more technical but often results in better revenue optimization.

3. Fallback Ads (Manual Method)

If you’re not using mediation or header bidding, you can manually set up a fallback:

• Insert code to show an ad from Network A.

• If no ad appears, show a default ad or an ad from Network B.

This method is simple but less efficient compared to automated systems.

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Best Practices for Using Multiple Ad Networks

To make sure you’re not hurting your revenue or user experience, follow these key best practices:

1. Check Ad Network Policies

Not all ad networks allow competition. For example:

• Google AdSense allows using other networks, but you must not modify their ad code or make it load slowly.

• Mediavine and AdThrive typically require exclusive ad placement, meaning no other ad networks may be used simultaneously.

Always read and understand the terms of each network. Violating them can lead to account suspension or revenue clawbacks.

2. Avoid Ad Clutter

Too many ads from too many networks can:

• Slow down your site

• Frustrate users

• Lead to poor SEO rankings

Focus on quality over quantity. It’s better to show fewer, high-paying ads than to overload your site with low-paying distractions.

3. Measure and Optimize Performance

Track metrics for each ad network:

• Revenue per 1,000 impressions (RPM)

• Click-through rate (CTR)

• Fill rate

• Page load speed

Use these insights to:

• Remove underperforming networks

• Adjust placement

• Try new ad formats

You can use tools like Google Analytics, Ezoic’s Big Data Analytics, or your ad networks’ dashboards to monitor performance.

4. Use Complementary Ad Networks

Don’t just use the same type of networks. Instead, combine different ad formats:

• Display networks (AdSense, Media.net)

• Native ad networks (Taboola, Outbrain, Revcontent)

• Video ad networks (ExoClick, Teads)

• Push notification networks (PropellerAds)

This creates a diversified monetization strategy that maximizes every visitor.

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Popular Ad Networks That Work Well Together

Here are some combinations commonly used by bloggers and publishers:

Beginner-Level Stack:

• Google AdSense (Display)

• Media.net (Contextual display)

• Infolinks (In-text ads)

• PropellerAds (Popunder, push ads – use sparingly)

Intermediate Stack:

• Ezoic (Uses AI for optimization, allows multiple networks)

• Monumetric (Good CPMs, requires minimum traffic)

• Taboola/Outbrain (For content recommendation ads)

Advanced Stack:

• Google Ad Manager (Mediates multiple networks)

• Prebid.js + SSPs (like Rubicon, OpenX)

• Private marketplaces (PMPs) and direct deals

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overloading Ads

Too many ad calls from different networks can:

• Make your site slow

• Increase bounce rate

• Get penalized by Google for poor UX

❌ Ignoring Policy Conflicts

Running a high-risk network alongside AdSense, for example, may get your AdSense account banned. Check compatibility before implementation.

❌ Not Testing

Every blog audience behaves differently. Just because one network works for a site similar to yours doesn’t mean it will perform equally well for you. Test different stacks and placements, and refine over time.

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Case Study: Using Multiple Networks Successfully

Site: Mid-tier lifestyle blog with 50,000 monthly visitors
Monetization Stack:

• Ezoic as the core platform (manages Google AdX, header bidding partners)

• Infolinks for inline links and overlays

• Taboola for content recommendations on long-form posts

• Affiliate links for product reviews

Result:
This publisher saw a 40% revenue increase after moving from AdSense-only to a multi-network stack, while keeping bounce rate stable by limiting total ad units and optimizing placement with Ezoic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can multiple ad networks slow down my website?

Yes—if not configured properly. Every ad network call adds load time. Use asynchronous ad codes and lazy loading features to improve performance.

Will Google penalize me for using other ad networks?

No. Google does not penalize websites simply for using multiple networks. However, they do penalize for excessive ads, poor user experience, and mobile-unfriendly layouts.

Can I use Ezoic or Mediavine with AdSense?

• Ezoic: Yes, Ezoic works with AdSense and even uses it as one of its demand partners.

• Mediavine: No, Mediavine requires you to remove all other ad networks. They take full control of your monetization.

What’s the best number of networks to use?

There’s no magic number. Start with 2–3 and test. Let performance guide your expansion. More is not always better.

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Final Thoughts

Using multiple ad networks on your blog is completely allowed—and for many bloggers, it’s the key to higher earnings and more flexibility. The strategy works best when done strategically, with careful attention to ad performance, user experience, and policy compliance.

To get started:

• Combine 1–2 high-quality display networks

• Add a contextual or native ad partner

• Use mediation tools or header bidding if your traffic supports it

Always track your data, adjust as needed, and focus on balancing revenue with a clean, user-friendly experience.