AdCheckMe
This guide explains how ad targeting works on the open web and how AdCheckMe interprets it. We focus on high-level signals and formats rather than personal data. The goal is to help visitors understand why a given ad format appears and what factors influence the creative that is shown.
When a page loads, the ad slot sends a request to an ad network like AdSense. The request includes contextual information about the page, the size of the ad container, and device characteristics. AdSense then evaluates eligible ads and returns the creative that best fits the slot, the policy rules, and the expected performance.
This process is often called an ad auction. Advertisers bid to show their ad to a certain audience, but the final decision also considers quality signals such as relevance and expected engagement. Two users can be on the same page and see different ads because their devices, locations, and interests are different.
AdCheckMe focuses on signals that publishers can reasonably observe:
Context: The topic of the page, keywords, language, and layout. Context helps decide which ads are relevant to the content the visitor is viewing.
Device: Screen size, browser type, and whether the visitor is on mobile or desktop. Device affects which ad sizes are eligible and how they render.
Location: General region inferred from IP address. This is typically coarse and used to align ads to geographic availability.
Interest categories: Aggregated interests inferred by ad platforms. These are categories like "productivity" or "photography," not personally identifying data.
An ad format describes both the size and the placement behavior of an ad. A leaderboard is designed for wide, above-the-fold placement. A rectangle is designed for balanced attention within content. Multiplex units show multiple choices in a grid to encourage exploration. These formats change the kinds of ads that are eligible and how users engage with them.
AdCheckMe displays each format in its own tab so you can learn how format alone can change what you see. The creative shown is still dependent on the user, but format is an important part of the decision process.
AdCheckMe does not store personal data or use personal identifiers. We do not display user profiles, account identifiers, or any data that could identify a specific person. Our explanations are derived from observable behavior at the page and format level.
You can limit personalization using the cookie banner and your browser settings. Many ad platforms also provide their own ad personalization controls. These settings typically allow you to opt out of interest-based advertising or adjust categories.
When you view an ad tab, keep these points in mind:
AdCheckMe is designed to meet ad network policies by providing meaningful publisher content. The site focuses on education, transparency, and user control. Ads are presented in a balanced layout with substantial explanatory text and clear disclosures.
If you have questions or suggestions, email adcheck.me.team@gmail.com.