This is general information, not legal advice - always verify the current policy and your local laws.
Google Ads crypto policy at a glance
Allowed without certification: businesses that don't buy, hold or exchange crypto (e.g., blockchain infrastructure, security or tax services, and educational content that doesn't give investment advice), plus some blockchain games with NFTs.
Requires certification: cryptocurrency exchanges, software wallets, hardware wallets and coin trusts. You must apply, be approved, and comply with local law.
Prohibited: initial coin offerings (ICOs), DeFi trading protocols, and other high-risk or unclear products, plus promoting the purchase/sale/trade of crypto outside the approved structure.
Geographic limits: ads can only run in Google's approved locations; non-approved markets aren't supported.
Meta and X
Meta (Facebook/Instagram) and X also restrict crypto and require written permission or certification, with their own allowed/prohibited lists. Rules change often, so check each platform before launching.
Why advertisers use crypto-native networks
Mainstream certification is slow and many categories are simply banned. Specialised crypto networks accept a wider range of compliant projects and reach an already crypto-interested audience. See how to advertise a crypto project for the full playbook, and which ad format is best to choose a format.
Staying compliant
Follow local laws and licensing for your market and product.
Avoid guaranteed-return or investment-advice claims.
Keep landing pages transparent about who you are and what you offer.
Ready to launch on a crypto-native network? See how to create your first campaign.