- Definition
- Ad hijacking describes an ad that imitates a brand's own ad, often with the brand's name and a similar display URL, while sending clicks elsewhere.
The term is used for ads that look like the official brand result, frequently run by affiliates who want to earn commission on customers who were already searching for the brand. The destination may pass through tracking links before reaching the brand's site.
It is a description of a suspected pattern, not a verdict. An ad that mentions a brand can also come from an authorized retailer or a partner with permission.
How Ads Lighthouse observes it
Ads from domains you do not own that mention your brand in their copy are highlighted, and an alert can tell you when a new one appears. Domains you classify as authorized retailers are skipped by that alert. Ads Lighthouse does not decide whether an ad is hijacking.
Official sources
Sources checked on .