Google AdSense announced that on March 1st, 2022 they will shut down their Matched content service and rebrand Matched content units with “Multiplex ads.” In addition, Google is removing the Sites > Matched content page from the AdSense interface, updating the Matched content unit editor to show the new ads-only format, and removing the eligibility restrictions that currently apply to Matched content.
Matched content is a free Google AdSense recommendation service that offers a way for website owners to promote content to their site visitors by showing them relevant content such as similar internal articles or articles on third-party websites. Google’s matched content service will show matched content units wherever a code is placed; usually the content on a webpage.
However, Google says that due to decreasing usage of the content promotion service, and positive customer feedback, as well as performance results from an ads-only Matched content ad format, that they have decided to turn down the content promotion service and convert all existing Matched content units to only show ads. This also applies to Matched content units that have the “Monetize with Ads” option turned off.
What to do next?
You do not need to do anything if you are satisfied with all your Matched content units showing advertisements starting on March 1st, 2022. If you do not remove the Matched content unit’s code from your website advertisements will appear in its place. If you do not want advertisements to show in the place of your Matched content unit then simply remove the code.
Take a look at In-feed and In-article advertisement styles if you are looking for Matched content alternatives. In-feed ads and In-article ads are two Google AdSense advertisement styles that can replace Matched content units in theory. In-feed and In-article ads can match the look of your website and fit between posts, lists, and articles.
