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The blogging world is always changing.
Right now, the big topics are Mediavine’s policies, AI content, and listicles.
Mediavine is becoming more selective about the content they monetize.
I get it. It’s frustrating when the rules change
Mediavine isn’t banning AI or listicles outright.
While they’re not banning AI completely, they’re pulling back from sites overloaded with AI-generated articles and images. And honestly? That’s a good thing.
The key is balance and authenticity.
I talked about this in a little more detail on my Youtube; check it out here.
AI Content: Use It as a Tool, Not a Crutch
Mediavine allows AI as an assistant, not a replacement for human creativity.
They have issues with sites publishing mass amounts of fully AI-generated content.
You need to learn how to use AI in good practice, like to enhance your posts, like refining lists or generating ideas.
The sites that are being punished are the ones that are publishing tons of articles and images that are fully AI-generated.
Ask yourself: Does your site pass the “eye test”?
I can spot an AI-heavy site from a mile away.
Original, human-written content will always be more valuable.
Listicles Aren’t Dead—But Balance is Key
There’s been confusion around Mediavine’s stance on listicles.
Listicles still drive traffic, especially from Pinterest and Facebook.
Mediavine’s concern is with sites where most content is just listicles.
Mix listicles with other content types (how-to guides, personal stories, tutorials).
Add original insights—don’t just regurgitate what’s already out there.
Repurpose listicle titles to sound more natural (e.g., “Fresh and Modern Home Office Ideas You’ll Love” instead of “25 Home Office Ideas”).
Add value to your listicles with unique insights, not just copied ideas.
Original Images Are Best
Mediavine is tightening its rules on AI-generated images.
I do like an AI image personally when I can’t find the exact thing I am looking for, but now we have to adjust a little.
Pinterest and Facebook may love them, but Mediavine prefers original or stock photos.
AI-generated recipe photos? Bad idea.
AI-generated featured images? Use sparingly, if at all.
Invest in original photography where it matters most.
Audit Your Blog Before Mediavine Does
If you’re worried about your content, take action now.
Check how much of your content is AI-generated.
Review your listicles—are they adding value or just repeating others?
Make sure you diversify your content with different formats.
If you’re applying to Mediavine, show them you’re following the guidelines.
Building a Mediavine-Approved Blog
Mixing up the type of content on your blog is going to be the biggest tip I have going forward. This is a general guide of what I would recommend so you don’t end up on Mediavine’s bad side.
- 40% In-Depth Guides
- 30% Listicles/Roundups
- 20% How-To Tutorials
- 10% Personal Stories/Case Studies
It is definitely making me switch up my content, but it is important to diversify the types of articles you have on your website to avoid being on Mediavine’s bad side.
Quality Indicators Mediavine Loves:
What are the “right things” that Mediavine loves?
They really like original research and data, which makes sense. I will say that I feel like the bloggers who are in it for the right reasons are already doing this.
They are going to research things that the quick blog writer won’t.
They are going to actually give helpful advice that is researched for their audience rather than just copying and pasting a one-click AI writer.
The other thing that Mediavine loves is unique perspectives you can’t find elsewhere. With the blog posts I write about my Pinterest strategy or things that I have experience in, I always use the word “I”.
It lets them know I am a real person with experience.
Try adding your own perspectives to your article, and you won’t have a problem with Mediavine!
Try adding helpful, actionable advice to your articles. Similar to adding your unique perspectives, your articles should be helpful.
Advice is great in articles because you are giving your audience something to learn.
Even though AI may be getting better, you can still tell when someone has added their own helpful advice to an article rather than just creating a low-quality AI blog post.
If you are using other sources for your article, make sure to also properly source and cite your work.
Use external links to help with this, it will show Mediavine that you have gone through the steps to find information and share it.
Future-Proofing Your Blog
Here’s the thing – if you’re putting all your eggs in one basket (looking at you, display-ad-only bloggers), you’re setting yourself up for stress.
With your blog, you need to have multiple income streams and traffic.
Yes, Pinterest is my ride-or-die, but I’m not stupid about it.
I’ve got my email list (which you should have been building yesterday, btw).
I started with TikTok, but with the potential for a ban on my majority US audience… I can’t rely on it.
I’m dabbling in YouTube because, hello, algorithm-proof audience.
And Google SEO? Non-negotiable.
When one platform decides to screw me over, the others keep the lights on.
If your entire business model is “I hope Mediavine keeps sending checks,” you’re playing a dangerous game.
Here’s what actually works long-term:
- Affiliate marketing (but only for products you’d actually recommend to your mom)
- Digital products (I am working on adding more of these)
- Sponsored content (when it makes sense for your audience)
Look, I get it – when you’re starting out, you take whatever money you can get.
But the second you start seeing consistent traffic? Start building those other income streams.
Because when (not if) the next big policy change hits, you’ll be the one calmly sipping coffee while everyone else freaks out.
Final Thoughts: Adapt, Don’t Panic
Mediavine’s changes aren’t the end of blogging.
They’re pushing for better, more sustainable content.
AI is a tool, not a replacement for real writing.
Listicles still work, but don’t rely on them exclusively.
Originality and authenticity will always win.
Keep creating great content, and you’ll be fine.
What’s your strategy for adapting? Let me know in the comments!
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