Apple Search Ads launched in Mainland China

Tech giant Apple announced that it has finally launched its Search Ads in mainland China this week. However, the service comes with extra requirements for advertisers.

First launched in 2016 in the United States, the service allows developers to run ads on the App Store which are shown to users based on their keyword search. With its latest launch in mainland China, it’s now available in a total of 61 countries around the world. 

However, in order to advertise in mainland China, advertisers and businesses need to be approved which may require them to upload their business licenses and other relevant documents, first spotted by AppInChina. 

In its Advertising Guidelines for mainland China, Apple says that it may submit your information and documents to third-party vendors and government entities.

There is also an ‘Ad Content Qualifications’ section in the guideline where the iPhone-maker gives examples of the qualifications for certain app categories. 

AppInChina says that these licenses can only be granted to 100% Chinese-owned companies, or joint ventures with Chinese shareholders having control more than 50%. It also notes that Apple might start requiring developers to have these licenses in order to publish an app in the Chinese App Store. 

Last month, Apple launched its Search Tab Ads on the App Store which many experts now find too expensive and underperforming. 

While Search Ads are now available in mainland China, Search Tab Ads haven’t been launched in the country yet.