Low Value Content:
The #1 Reason AdSense Rejects Sites
Google AdSense's "low value content" rejection is vague—but the fix is specific. Here's exactly what triggers the flag, what Google is really measuring, and how to rebuild your site to qualify.
Check My Site's Content QualityGoogle evaluates content along 4 dimensions
Google's Helpful Content system and AdSense review team look for the same signals: does your content demonstrate real expertise, actually help a user accomplish a goal, and provide something they can't get from a thousand other pages?
Thin Content
Pages with minimal text that don't fully answer a user's question. Common on tutorial sites, recipe blogs, and tool-landing pages that bury the real information behind gates.
Duplicate or Scraped Content
Content copied from other sites, spun articles, or pages that merely aggregate information available elsewhere without adding commentary, analysis, or original perspective.
Generic AI-Generated Text
Unedited AI output that sounds plausible but lacks specificity, firsthand experience, and genuine expertise. Google's systems are increasingly good at detecting hollow content.
Content Built for Ads, Not Users
Sites that exist primarily to display ads—thin affiliate roundups, auto-generated Q&A pages, or microsites with no clear editorial voice or purpose beyond monetization.
How to fix low value content and reapply for AdSense
Audit every indexed page
Open Google Search Console and export all URLs Google has crawled. Flag any page under 400 words, any page with duplicate titles/descriptions, and any page that doesn't clearly answer a specific question or solve a specific problem.
Remove or noindex thin pages
Don't try to pad thin content with filler. Either delete the page, merge it into a longer relevant article, or add a noindex tag so Google ignores it during the AdSense review. Every indexable page reflects your site's overall quality.
Rewrite your top 10 articles with E-E-A-T in mind
For each key article: add a byline with real credentials, include firsthand examples or data, cite authoritative sources, and answer follow-up questions users would naturally ask. Aim for the most comprehensive, accurate page on the topic.
Add trust signals across your site
Ensure you have a real About page, a Contact page, a Privacy Policy, and author bios on blog posts. These aren't just AdSense requirements—they signal to Google that real humans run your site with genuine accountability.
Wait 2–4 weeks before reapplying
Give Googlebot time to recrawl your updated pages. Check Coverage in Search Console to confirm your improvements are being indexed before you submit a new AdSense application or request a policy review.
Content Quality Checklist
Before reapplying, each major page should satisfy these criteria:
- Page answers a specific, real user question with depth
- Written by a named author with demonstrated expertise
- Includes original research, examples, or firsthand experience
- Covers the topic more thoroughly than the top 3 Google results
- Internal links connect to other valuable content on your site
- No significant content is hidden behind a login or paywall on the reviewed URL
- Avoid pages that exist only to rank for one keyword with minimal substance
- Avoid auto-generated content without human review and editing
- Avoid embedding large amounts of content from third-party sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'low value content' mean in AdSense?
Low value content means Google believes your site doesn't provide enough original, helpful information for real users. This includes thin articles, auto-generated text, scraped content, or pages that exist primarily to show ads rather than serve a reader's need.
How many words do I need per page for AdSense approval?
There's no official minimum, but pages under 400 words are frequently flagged. Google evaluates quality, not just length. A 300-word page that perfectly answers a focused question can pass; a 1,500-word article stuffed with filler text may still be flagged as low value.
Can I get AdSense with only 10 posts?
Yes—quantity isn't the threshold. Google cares about content quality, depth, and whether your site serves a clear audience. Ten genuinely helpful, well-researched articles can outperform a site with 200 thin posts.
Does AI-generated content count as low value content?
AI-generated content isn't automatically rejected, but generic, unedited AI text that lacks firsthand experience, depth, or a unique perspective is frequently flagged. If you use AI, add original analysis, personal expertise, and fact-check everything.
How long does it take for AdSense to review after fixing content?
After reapplying or requesting a review, AdSense typically takes 2–4 weeks to re-evaluate your site. Use that window to audit every page, remove thin content, and ensure your top articles genuinely address user intent.
Find out if low value content is blocking your approval
AdSense Audit scans your site and flags every content quality issue, thin page, and policy risk—before you reapply.
Audit My Site for Free