Articles on: Monetization

Setting Up ads.txt in Zeno Tools

What is ads.txt and Why Is It Important?


The ads.txt (Authorized Digital Sellers) file is an industry-standard text file that helps verify which companies are allowed to sell advertising inventory on your website.

In simple terms, it tells the advertising ecosystem:

“These are the authorized partners allowed to monetize my site.”

In the context of Zeno monetization, ads.txt confirms that Zeno is authorized to serve audio ads on your station’s official website. Without this verification, certain programmatic advertising demand may be blocked.


Why this matters

If you want to:

  • Activate monetization
  • Keep monetization running without interruptions
  • Ensure ads play correctly on your official website
  • Avoid lost programmatic revenue


Then properly setting up ads.txt is essential.






Before You Start: Create the ads.txt File

If you don’t already have an ads.txt file on your website, you’ll need to create one and upload it to your domain’s root directory.


Below is how to create a .txt file depending on your operating system.



How to Create an ads.txt File on Windows


  1. Right-click on your desktop.
  2. Choose New → Text Document.
  3. Name the file exactly: ads.txt


Important:

  • Make sure the file is not named ads.txt.txt.
  • If you see file extensions hidden, enable them in View → Show → File name extensions.


  1. Open the file using Notepad.
  2. Leave it open, you will paste the Zeno content into it later.



How to Create an ads.txt File on Mac


  1. Open TextEdit.
  2. In the top menu, click Format → Make Plain Text.
  3. Click File → Save.
  4. Name the file: ads.txt
  5. Make sure:

a. The file format is plain text (.txt).

b. The filename does not end in .rtf.

  1. Save it to your computer.
  2. You’ll paste the Zeno content into it shortly.


Where Should ads.txt Be Uploaded?

The ads.txt file must be uploaded to your website’s root directory.

That means it should be accessible at:


https://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt


Not inside a subfolder.


If you are using WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or another CMS, you may need:


  • Access to your hosting file manager
  • FTP access
  • A plugin that allows root-level file editing


If you’re unsure, contact your web administrator or hosting provider.


Setting Up ads.txt in Zeno Tools

Once your file is ready (or if you already have one), follow the steps below.


Step 1: Go to Your Station in Zeno Tools

  • Open Zeno Tools.
  • From the side menu, click Station.
  • Select the station you want to configure.


Step 2: Open Settings → ads.txt

  • Once inside your station, click Settings.
  • In the top menu, select the ads.txt tab.


There, you’ll see the authorized ads.txt content generated specifically for your station.


Step 3: Access Your Website Files

Before copying the content, access your website’s file manager through your platform, such as:

  • WordPress
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • cPanel
  • FTP
  • Or your hosting provider’s file manager


Step 4: Create or Locate the ads.txt File

Inside your website’s root directory:

  • Create a file named ads.txt if one does not exist.
  • Or open the existing ads.txt file.

Make sure it is located at the root level of your domain.


Step 5: Copy ads.txt Content from Zeno Tools

  • In the ads.txt tab in Zeno Tools, select all content shown for your station.
  • Click Copy.
  • Open your ads.txt file.
  • Paste the copied content inside the file.

Be careful not to modify or remove any characters.


Step 6: Save and Upload the File

  • Save your ads.txt file.
  • Upload or update it in your website’s root directory.
  • Confirm that it’s publicly accessible by visiting: https://yourwebsite.com/ads.txt

You should see the full content displayed in the browser.


Step 7: Verify in Zeno Tools

  • Go back to Zeno Tools.
  • Return to the ads.txt tab inside your station settings.
  • Click the Verify button.


Zeno will check your domain and confirm whether the ads.txt setup is correct.

Once verified, your monetization setup will remain active and properly authorized.


Important Notes
  • Only one ads.txt file should exist at your root domain.
  • If you already have an ads.txt file, simply append the Zeno content to it.
  • Do not duplicate lines unless necessary.
  • Updates may take a few minutes to reflect.


Setting up ads.txt ensures your station remains authorized within the programmatic advertising ecosystem and protects your monetization revenue.


Updated on: 04/03/2026

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