So you’ve started a blog. Maybe it’s growing faster than you thought. Your traffic is climbing, and you’re thinking, “Hey, maybe it’s time to monetize this!” That’s where header bidding comes in—a cool way to boost your ad revenue. But what tools should you use?
We dug through Reddit threads where bloggers (real ones, not bots!) share what’s working for them. This guide breaks down 7 beginner-friendly header bidding solutions that Reddit users, especially fast-growing bloggers, actually recommend.
TL;DR
Header bidding can make your blog ads earn more by letting ad networks compete. Reddit users suggest solutions that are easy to set up and work well with WordPress and other platforms. Some are plug-and-play, others need a bit of HTML knowledge. You’ll find something here no matter your tech level!
What’s Header Bidding Anyway?
Let’s keep it simple. Normally, your ad space gets filled through one ad network (like AdSense). In header bidding, many networks bid at once, raising the price. It’s like an auction, right at the top of your site’s code (in the header!). More competition = more $$.
You don’t need to know coding to start. Most platforms now make it beginner-friendly. Some are plug-ins, others are managed services.
So… What Do Reddit Bloggers Actually Recommend?
We browsed through forums like r/Blogging, r/AdOps, and r/JustStart. Here are the top 7 header bidding services they trust and love.
1. Mediavine – For Bloggers Who’ve “Made It”
This name pops up on Reddit more than once in blogger threads. Mediavine is great for those whose blogs are getting lots of traffic (usually 50,000 sessions/month or more).
- Fully managed – no coding needed
- Very high ad performance
- Google Certified Publishing Partner
Fun fact: Once bloggers hit the traffic minimum, many switch from AdSense to Mediavine and see a huge jump in income.
2. Ezoic – Great for Beginners
If you’re still on the way to 50k monthly sessions, Ezoic has your back. Redditors love it because of how easy it is to start.
- No minimum traffic requirement
- AI ad optimization and layout testing
- Free to start, with a revenue-sharing model
Many users see solid earnings with Ezoic, especially if they’re switching from plain AdSense.
3. AdThrive – Premium Choice for Lifestyle Bloggers
AdThrive is favorite among Redditors writing about lifestyle, food, parenting, etc. It’s similar to Mediavine but with slightly different traffic requirements (usually around 100,000 pageviews/month).
- Top-notch customer support
- Excellent RPMs (earnings per 1K visits)
- Clean, fast-loading ads
Pro tip: People love how easy they make ad placement—it’s 100% managed.
4. Setupad – Perfect for Bloggers Outside the US
Redditors in Europe and beyond often bring up Setupad as a solid non-U.S. option. Some bigger networks like Mediavine focus mostly on U.S.-based traffic.
- Works with international publishers
- Offers header bidding and other formats
- Easy to use with medium-sized blogs
If your audience is global, Setupad might be your best bet.
5. Snigel – Known for Speed and Service
Developers and more techie bloggers on Reddit praise Snigel. It’s fully managed and has fast-loading ads. We all know speed is a ranking factor!
- Advanced header bidding tech
- Customizable ad formats
- Only accepts quality content sites (so you’ve got to apply)
Tip: Your blog doesn’t have to be viral, but you’ll need some traction to get accepted.
6. MonetizeMore – For the Slightly More Tech-Savvy
Redditors often mention MonetizeMore for those who don’t mind a slightly steeper setup curve. It gives you access to Prebid.js, the open-source header bidding library used by big publishers.
- DIY and managed options
- Access to premium demand partners
- Solid for tech-friendly bloggers
If you’re the type who enjoys picking their own ad partners and diving into settings, this one’s for you.
7. Google Open Bidding (via Ad Manager) – For the Curious Nerds
Some Redditors just go the DIY route using Google’s Ad Manager and enabling Open Bidding. It’s not super beginner-friendly, but it gives full control. And hey, some people love building stuff from scratch!
- No platform fees
- High potential earnings if done right
- Lots of learning along the way
Warning: If you’re not into tinkering, skip this one. But if you like learning how ad auctions work, give it a try.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Traffic Requirement | Beginner-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mediavine | High-traffic bloggers | 50K+ sessions/month | Yes |
| Ezoic | New blogs | None | Yes |
| AdThrive | Lifestyle blogs | 100K pageviews/month | Yes |
| Setupad | Global blogs | 10K+ pageviews/month | Yes |
| Snigel | Speed-conscious bloggers | Medium to high | Yes |
| MonetizeMore | Techy bloggers | Flexible | Somewhat |
| Google Open Bidding | DIY experts | Custom | No |
Bonus: Tips From Reddit Users
- Test placements – Small changes in ad position can change your revenue big time.
- Don’t overdo it – Too many ads hurt user experience and bounce rates.
- Join communities – Subreddits like r/Blogging are full of helpful stories and advice.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a tech wizard to start making money with header bidding. Thanks to tools like Ezoic or Mediavine, even non-techies can get good results. Reddit users have tested these options and shared what works—and what doesn’t.
Start where you are. Got low traffic? Try Ezoic. Already booming? Go for Mediavine or AdThrive. Want to tinker? Say hello to Prebid.js or Google Ad Manager.
There’s something for everyone. And the money? Well, that’s just a cherry on top of your blogging journey.