Introduction

If you’re a YouTube creator with an AdSense account but can’t find the "sites" category to add your website, you’re not alone. This issue typically arises because your account is configured as AdSense for YouTube, a version designed solely for monetizing YouTube channels. To monetize a website, you must upgrade your account to a full AdSense account. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step process to upgrade your account and add your website, addressing the specific issue of the missing "sites" category in your AdSense dashboard.

Understanding the Issue

AdSense for YouTube accounts are tailored for YouTube monetization and lack features for website monetization, such as the "sites" category. The Google AdSense Help page explains that YouTube Partners need to apply for a full AdSense account to show ads on their own websites. Since AdSense policies allow only one account per publisher, you cannot create a new account; instead, you must upgrade your existing AdSense for YouTube account.

The absence of the "sites" category in your dashboard, as likely shown in your screenshot with options like "AdSense for YouTube," "Brand safety," "Payments," "Account," and "Feedback," indicates that your account is still in YouTube mode. Upgrading to a full AdSense account will unlock the "Sites" section, allowing you to add and monetize your website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading and Adding Your Website

Step 1: Visit the AdSense Start Page

• Navigate to the AdSense start page.
• This page is the entry point for upgrading your account to support website monetization.

Step 2: Click "Get Started"

• On the start page, Find and click the "Get started" button to begin the upgrade process.

Step 3: Sign In with Your Google Account

• Sign in using the Google account associated with your AdSense for YouTube account.
• It’s critical to use the same account to avoid violating AdSense’s single-account policy.

Step 4: Click "Continue"

• After signing in, click "Continue" to proceed to the next step.

Step 5: Enter Your Website URL

• Input the URL of the website you wish to monetize.
• If you don’t have a website ready, select "I don’t have a site yet" to add it later.
• For guidance on entering your URL correctly, refer to URL entry help.

Step 6: Choose Help and Performance Suggestions

• Decide whether to receive customized help and performance suggestions from AdSense.
• Selecting "Yes" is recommended, as it provides insights to optimize your earnings. You can modify this setting later at personal settings.

Step 7: Click "Start Using AdSense"

• Click "Start using AdSense" to move forward with the upgrade process.

Step 8: Complete the Required Tasks

• Complete the tasks required to upgrade your account, which may include:
  • Entering Payment Information: If you haven’t provided payment details for your AdSense for YouTube account, you’ll need to do so now. If already provided, this step may be skipped.
  • Site Review: AdSense will review your website to ensure it complies with AdSense Program policies.
• These tasks can be completed in any order.

Step 9: Wait for Account Activation

• After completing the tasks, AdSense will review your account, including payment details and site compliance.
• The activation process typically takes a few days but can extend to 2-4 weeks in some cases.
• You’ll receive an email notification once your account is fully activated.

Step 10: Add Your Website and Set Up Ads

• Once activated, navigate to the "Sites" section in your AdSense dashboard.
• Add your website to the "Sites" list and configure ads.
• If auto ads are enabled, ads may start displaying immediately once your site is marked as "Ready." Learn more about auto ads setup.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Several factors may prevent the "sites" category from appearing in your dashboard:

• Account Not Upgraded: The most common reason is that your account is still in AdSense for YouTube mode. Completing the upgrade process should resolve this.
• Javascript Disabled: As noted in a Quora discussion, ensure Javascript is enabled in your browser, as some dashboard features require it.
• Account Not Fully Activated: If you’ve recently upgraded, it may take time for the "Sites" section to appear. Check your email for activation updates.
• Policy Violations or Site Issues: Ensure your website meets AdSense standards. For details, see site readiness guide.
• Browser or Technical Issues: Clear your browser cache or try a different browser if the dashboard doesn’t display correctly.

If the "sites" section remains missing after upgrading, consult the add site help or contact AdSense support for assistance.

Additional Considerations

• Single Account Policy: AdSense strictly allows only one account per publisher. Upgrading your existing account is the only way to monetize both YouTube and your website.
• Website Compliance: Your website must adhere to AdSense Program policies, including unique content and a good user experience. Ownership verification, such as adding a meta tag to the <head> section, is also required. See site verification help.
• Post-Upgrade Actions: If your account was previously upgraded but the "sites" section is still not visible, ensure you’ve added your site to the "Sites" list as described in add site help.

Table: Summary of Steps and Timelines

Comparative Analysis of Sources

The primary source for this guide is the Google AdSense Help page, which provides authoritative steps for upgrading an AdSense for YouTube account. Community discussions, such as the Google AdSense Community thread and Quora post, highlight common issues like Javascript requirements and account activation delays. While some non-official sources suggest alternative workarounds, they often lack the precision of Google’s documentation, making official resources the most reliable.

Conclusion

Upgrading your AdSense for YouTube account to a full AdSense account is a straightforward process that resolves the issue of the missing "sites" category. By following the steps outlined above, you can add your website to your AdSense account, verify ownership, and start monetizing it alongside your YouTube channel. Ensure your website complies with AdSense policies and that your browser settings support the dashboard’s functionality. With patience during the review process, you’ll unlock new revenue opportunities across your digital properties.

section, is also required. See site verification help. Post-Upgrade Actions: If your account was previously upgraded but the "sites" section is still not visible, ensure you’ve added your site to the "Sites" list as described in add site help. Table: Summary of Steps and Timelines Step Action Details/Notes Estimated Time 1 Visit AdSense start page Go to AdSense start Immediate 2 Click "Get started" Initiate upgrade process Immediate 3 Sign in Use Google account linked to AdSense for YouTube Immediate 4 Click "Continue" Proceed to next step Immediate 5 Enter website URL Or select "I don’t have a site yet" Immediate 6 Choose help suggestions Recommend "Yes," can change later Immediate 7 Click "Start using AdSense" Proceed to tasks Immediate 8 Complete tasks Enter payments info, wait for review Immediate for input, review varies 9 Wait for activation Usually a few days, up to 2-4 weeks Variable 10 Set up ads Add site to "Sites" list, configure ads Post-activation Comparative Analysis of Sources The primary source for this guide is the Google AdSense Help page, which provides authoritative steps for upgrading an AdSense for YouTube account. Community discussions, such as the Google AdSense Community thread and Quora post, highlight common issues like Javascript requirements and account activation delays. While some non-official sources suggest alternative workarounds, they often lack the precision of Google’s documentation, making official resources the most reliable. Conclusion Upgrading your AdSense for YouTube account to a full AdSense account is a straightforward process that resolves the issue of the missing "sites" category. By following the steps outlined above, you can add your website to your AdSense account, verify ownership, and start monetizing it alongside your YouTube channel. Ensure your website complies with AdSense policies and that your browser settings support the dashboard’s functionality. With patience during the review process, you’ll unlock new revenue opportunities across your digital properties.