Adsense and Real Audio files?

MP3 vs. Real Media : TOS

[Bates]

I know Google doesn't allow Adsense ads on pages that link to MP3s, however I am about to launch a music site that will promote new singles for both local and international artists and labels. Although I will have permission for 90% of what is posted, I would still need to get Google's go ahead to offer downloadable MP3s. Do any of you know if simply offering streaming Real Audio files would be an easier solution that wouldn't violate Google's TOS?

[axgrindr]

Copyrighted Material

In order to avoid associations with copyright claims, website publishers may not display Google ads on web pages with MP3, Video, News Groups, and Image Results.

Your post made me curious and I checked out the TOS. Isn't this policy a bit vague?
Can you link to wav and aiff files but not MP3?
Does 'image results' include the publisher's own images?

I get the feeling they might be referring to pages that pull search results from other sources.

I have been running adsense ads on pages with MP3s, wav and RealAudio files for quite a while now with no problems at all.

[jomaxx]

IMO it's not the form of download that is the issue, it's the fact that you anticipate only having permission to use 90% of what you have online. If that number was 100%, you could go and make your case to Google and possibly get their OK to go ahead.

[Bates]

Well the other 10% would account for tracks that are included in DJ mixes put together by prominent local DJ's, which I may have to forget about offering.

I am also panning on offering Podcasts but am unsure of how to approach it.

[jomaxx]

FWIW, people offering up their own content via MP3 have been given the green light to use AdSense in the past. If you have a system in place to ensure music can only be uploaded by the copyright holder, Google may say yes.