Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common publisher questions about joining and running Carbon ads.
Answers to common publisher questions about joining and running Carbon ads.
Last reviewed: September 2, 2026
Yes, by invitation only. We carefully select both publishers and advertisers to maintain network quality. To request an invitation, submit your site for review.
We evaluate:
Submit your website URL and traffic statistics through our application form. We review applications within 5–7 business days. If approved, you’ll receive an email invitation with setup instructions. If we don’t have capacity or your site isn’t a fit, we’ll let you know and you’re welcome to reapply later.
Carbon is an exclusive network. When you join, you agree to display only Carbon ads on your site and not use Carbon as backfill for other ad networks. See our placement policy for details.
English-speaking developers and designers, primarily in the United States, Canada, and Europe. These regions usually have the strongest demand and highest fill rates. We also serve other regions when advertiser demand allows.
Typical range: $1.20–$2.30 CPM (cost per thousand impressions). Audience geography moves this the most—the more of your traffic in countries where advertisers are actively buying, the higher your CPM. Engagement (CTR) and current advertiser demand matter too, and no rate is guaranteed.
Visible within 30 days, withdrawable within 60. As of September 1, 2026, each month’s earnings are deposited into your BuySellAds account within 30 days of that month closing—typically around the 25th of the following month—and become available to withdraw within 60 days of the close.
So earnings for a month closing 30 September are deposited around 25 October and can be withdrawn on or before 29 November. Earnings accrued before September 1, 2026, August included, follow this same 60-day withdrawal schedule.
The account is created automatically when you join, and withdrawals also need the minimum balance for your selected method. Full terms are in the BuySellAds terms of service.
Open Collective payouts run on a separate quarterly schedule. Ask your account manager to enable this option. Applicable Open Collective and host fees depend on your account setup.
Quarterly (current policy). As of March 2026, Open Collective payouts are processed once per quarter. For example, earnings from April–June are paid out in July. Ask your account manager if your account has custom timing.
$1 (before withdrawal-method minimums are applied).
They rarely match exactly. A page view and an ad impression are different measurements. Carbon reports served impressions only, meaning we count impressions when an eligible Carbon ad request is served and renders. If a visit has no eligible demand, that page view won’t become a Carbon impression.
Other common reasons for discrepancies: