If you’re a blogger with less than 5,000 monthly visitors, you’ve probably noticed that most premium ad networks either reject your site or provide negligible earnings. That’s where in-text ad networks can bridge the gap. These platforms integrate ads directly within your content using contextual targeting, helping you monetize even minimal traffic without hurting user experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best in-text ad networks that accept blogs with under 5K visits and how to make the most out of them.
What Are In-Text Ads?
In-text ads are a type of contextual advertising where certain keywords or phrases within your blog posts are automatically hyperlinked or highlighted. When a user hovers over or clicks these links, an ad pops up — generating revenue for you as the publisher.
These ads:
- Don’t take up traditional ad space
- Blend naturally with your content
- Are ideal for blogs with limited real estate or simple layouts
How to Choose an In-Text Ad Network (Low-Traffic Criteria)
Before you jump in, here are some things to look for:
- Low or No Traffic Requirement
- Simple Approval Process
- Easy Integration (WordPress plugins, scripts)
- Minimum Payout Threshold
- Payment Methods (PayPal preferred)
- Support for Small/Niche Blogs
Top In-Text Ad Networks for Blogs Under 5K Visits
- VigLink (Now Sovrn //Commerce)
- Skimlinks
- Infolinks
- Media.net (Bonus Option)
1. VigLink (Now Sovrn //Commerce)
How It Works:
Automatically converts product mentions and keywords in your content into affiliate-style links. You earn a commission when someone clicks and buys.
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Traffic Requirement: None
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Payout Methods: PayPal, Direct Deposit
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Minimum Payout: $10
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Ad Format: In-text product links
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Ease of Use: High (just insert a script)
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Best For: Product-based blogs, tech, lifestyle, fashion
2. Skimlinks
How It Works:
Similar to VigLink, Skimlinks transforms your existing outbound links or keywords into affiliate links.
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Traffic Requirement: No minimum, but manual review
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Payout Methods: PayPal
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Minimum Payout: $10
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Ad Format: In-text affiliate links
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Ease of Use: Moderate (requires approval)
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Best For: Review blogs, listicles, and niche content
3. Infolinks
How It Works:
Provides various ad formats, including InText ads that highlight keywords and show small popups when hovered.
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Traffic Requirement: Very low — accepts small blogs
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Payout Methods: PayPal, Bank Transfer
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Minimum Payout: $50
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Ad Format: InText, InFold, InTag, InScreen
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Ease of Use: Very easy (WordPress plugin available)
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Best For: Beginners with limited technical skills
4. Media.net (Bonus Option)
How It Works:
Primarily serves contextual and display ads from the Yahoo-Bing network. It doesn’t strictly do in-text ads, but includes contextual ad blocks.
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Traffic Requirement: Moderate (may accept <5K with quality content)
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Payout Methods: Payoneer, Wire Transfer
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Minimum Payout: $100
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Ad Format: Contextual blocks, some dynamic ads
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Ease of Use: Needs approval
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Best For: Blogs with US/UK traffic
Tips to Maximize In-Text Ad Earnings (Even with Low Traffic)
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Focus on Buyer-Intent Keywords – Mention product names, tools, and services people search to buy
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Write Review-Style Content – In-text ads work better when product references are natural
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Use Plugins (if on WordPress) – Makes integration smooth (Infolinks plugin is great)
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Avoid Overloading Ads – Too many in-text links can irritate users; keep UX in mind
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Promote Evergreen Content – Content that gets consistent traffic over time earns more passively
Conclusion:
If you’re just starting out with minimal traffic, Infolinks is a solid choice thanks to its instant approval and variety of ad formats. But if your blog includes product mentions or you’re leaning toward affiliate monetization, go for Sovrn //Commerce (VigLink) or Skimlinks — they offer affiliate-style in-text monetization without traffic stress.
