YouTube bans masthead ads for politics, alcohol and bets

YouTube will no longer accept ads relating to alcohol, gambling, politics, or prescription drug terms on its homepage, which Google says it the internet giant’s highest profile advertising real estate.

YouTube’s masthead ads appear at the top of the YouTube homepage — which is “the most prominent Google advertising placement available to advertisers,” according to the internet company. That's why the company decided to ban ads of this content and the updated policy is in effect immediately.

Google told Reuters:

"We regularly review our advertising requirements to ensure they balance the needs of both advertisers and users. We believe this update will build on changes we made last year to the masthead reservation process and will lead to a better experience for users."