Search feeds · also called CSA, AdSense Custom Search Ads
Custom Search Ads (CSA)
Custom Search Ads is the Google AdSense code that lets a publisher request Google search ads for a query and display them on its own results page.
Custom Search Ads, or CSA, is the technical delivery method inside AdSense for Search. The publisher keeps its own search results page and uses a Google script to fill marked areas of that page with search ads.
The set-up has three parts. The page loads Google's ads script. It defines "page options" that apply to the whole request, including the publisher ID (pubId), the visitor's query, and a Style ID. It then defines one or more ad blocks, each tied to a container on the page with a width and the number of ads wanted. A single function call sends the ad request and Google renders the ads.
Other options let the publisher label traffic with a Channel ID, set the language, choose a safe-ads level, and show related search units. For related search on articles, a setting called relatedSearchTargeting is set to "content", and misdescribing the page type is treated as a violation.
CSA is not open to everyone. Google's documentation says the AdSense account must have active permission for Custom Search Ads before the code is used.
An example
A recipe site with its own search box sends the query "air fryer" in the page options, asks for 3 ads in a container above its own results, and Google fills that container with air-fryer ads.
Related terms
AdSense for Search (AFS)
AdSense for Search is Google's programme that lets approved publishers show Google search and shopping ads on their own search results pages and share the revenue.
Ad request
An ad request is a single call from a page to the search feed asking for ads to show for a particular keyword and visitor.
Style ID
A style ID is the identifier of a search style saved in an AdSense account that controls how Google search ads and related search units look on a page.
Channel ID (custom channel)
A channel ID is a label attached to search ad requests so that revenue and clicks can be reported separately for each page, campaign or traffic source.
Related Search on Content (RSOC)
Related Search on Content is a Google AdSense for Search feature that shows search suggestions on an article, each leading to an ad-carrying results page on the same site.
Search box monetisation
Search box monetisation is earning money by showing search ads alongside the results when visitors use a search box on your site, app or tool.
Sources: Google Developers: Custom Search Ads web implementation, Google Developers: Custom Search Ads reference, Google AdSense Help: Search ads parameter descriptions