What is VAST (Video Ad Serving Template)?
VAST (Video Ad Serving Template) is an XML-based protocol developed by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) to standardize communication between video players and ad servers. It is used by digital video publishers to serve and monetize video content with ads.
How Does VAST Work?
VAST is a standardized protocol that ad servers and video players use to communicate. It consists of an XML document that is sent from the ad server to the video player. The video player sends a request to the ad server with information about the video content and the environment in which it is playing. The ad server then sends back an ad tag that contains the video ad, along with instructions on how to display and track it.
Benefits of VAST
VAST is beneficial for publishers, advertisers, and viewers alike. It allows publishers to monetize their content without having to manually manage each individual ad. It also allows advertisers to target their ads more effectively and easily measure the performance of their campaigns. Finally, viewers benefit from a more consistent and seamless experience when viewing video content with ads.
Examples of VAST
VAST is used by many digital video publishers, including YouTube, Hulu, and Netflix. Digital video platforms use VAST to serve ads that are relevant to the content being viewed. It is also used by many online video game platforms to monetize their content.
Conclusion
VAST is a powerful tool that allows publishers to monetize their digital video content and advertisers to reach their target audiences more effectively. Its standardized protocol ensures a seamless experience for viewers, while also providing a more efficient way to manage and track campaigns.