> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mangoads.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mangoads.com/docs/getting-started/how-it-works.md).

# How it works

MangoAds connects advertisers and channel owners through a real-time CPM auction. Here is the full lifecycle of an ad.

## 1. The advertiser sets up a campaign

The advertiser uploads an ad (title, text, call to action, link and creatives), sets a **daily budget** and a **maximum CPM** they're willing to pay, and chooses **targeting** (channel categories, and optionally geography and language).

## 2. The auction matches ads to channels

For every available placement, MangoAds runs an auction. Ads compete based on their maximum CPM and targeting fit. The winning ad is delivered to a matching channel — the advertiser never pays more than their maximum CPM, and only for views that are actually delivered.

## 3. The channel owner stays in control

Channel owners set their own price (CPM), choose which ad categories they allow or block, and define when and how often ads can run. Depending on their settings, they either approve each ad manually or let qualifying ads publish automatically.

## 4. The ad runs, then auto-removes

Once published, the sponsored post runs in the channel and is **automatically removed after 48 hours**. Views are counted as they happen, and billing is based on delivered views.

## 5. Everyone settles automatically

* The advertiser is charged for delivered views against their balance.
* The channel owner earns for the views they delivered, paid out to their account.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Anti-fraud:** every connected channel is monitored to help ensure ads are shown to real users. Advertisers only pay for legitimate, delivered views.
{% endhint %}

## At a glance

```
Advertiser            MangoAds auction            Channel owner
-----------           ----------------            -------------
Ad + budget    ─────▶  match & price       ◀─────  channel + price + rules
                        deliver ad
                        count views
Pay per view   ◀─────  settle             ─────▶   earn per view
```

***

Next: [Glossary →](/docs/getting-started/glossary.md)