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How to Upload VAST & VPAID Creatives

This guide helps you upload VAST & VPAID creatives to ad:personam, ensuring smooth video ad delivery and troubleshooting common issues. Learn how to incorporate tracking pixels to measure key engagement metrics using VAST ad tags for enhanced campaign performance.

Integrate advanced video advertising into your campaigns with VAST & VPAID using XML-based video ads. Upload VAST tag creatives to ad:personam with this updated workflow that includes comprehensive tracking integration.

Note: VAST ad uploads require a paid subscription plan.

Steps

  1. Go to Advertiser > Creative.
  2. Click Create New Ad and select Video VAST Tag.
  3. Fill in the creative details:
    • Ad Name: Enter a clear and descriptive name for your creative
    • VAST XML URL: Provide the secure URL (HTTPS) of your VAST XML file
  4. Add VAST tracking pixels (optional):
    • Expand the VAST Tracking Events section
    • Add tracking URLs for various video events:
      • Impression, Click, First Quartile, Midpoint, Third Quartile
      • Completion, Skip, Error
  5. Click Upload to submit your VAST creative.

⚠️ Validation Rules

  • Ad name: Minimum 2 characters required
  • VAST XML URL: Must be a valid URL starting with https://
  • VAST tracking URLs: Must be valid URLs starting with https:// (optional)
  • Subscription requirement: Requires any paid plan to upload VAST ads

VAST XML Requirements

URL Specifications

  • Protocol: Must use HTTPS for secure delivery
  • Content: URL should point to a CDN-hosted VAST XML file
  • Hosting: Ensure the URL is active and properly hosted for ad delivery
  • Content Types: Can contain Flash, HTML, or JavaScript content

VAST Compliance

  • XML must comply with IAB VAST standards
  • Should return valid VAST-compliant XML when accessed
  • Must be properly formatted and structured

VAST Tracking Events

The platform supports comprehensive VAST tracking for detailed performance insights:

  • Impression: Fired when the video ad is loaded and ready to play
  • Click: Triggered when the user clicks the video ad
  • First Quartile: When 25% of the video ad has been viewed
  • Midpoint: When 50% of the video ad has been viewed
  • Third Quartile: When 75% of the video ad has been viewed
  • Completion: Fired when the entire video ad has been viewed
  • Skip: Triggered when the user skips the video ad (if skippable)
  • Error: Fired when an issue prevents the video from playing

Troubleshooting VAST Creative Issues

If you encounter issues with your VAST creative display:

1. Validate Your VAST XML

  • Use a VAST validator to check if your URL returns valid VAST XML content
  • Ensure the XML complies with IAB VAST standards
  • Verify the URL is accessible and returns proper content

2. Check URL Accessibility

  • Access the URL in a browser to verify VAST compliance
  • If the response is empty, the URL may be inactive or incorrect
  • Contact your CDN or hosting provider to resolve URL issues

3. Domain and Geographic Restrictions

  • Ensure your hosting service isn't blocking domains like adnxs.com
  • Check for geographic restrictions (e.g., US/NY-based blocking)
  • Whitelist necessary domains if required

Tips & Best Practices

  • Descriptive Naming: Use clear, meaningful names for easy creative management
  • URL Testing: Always test your VAST XML URL before uploading
  • CDN Hosting: Use reliable CDN hosting for optimal ad delivery
  • Tracking Implementation: Set up key tracking events for comprehensive analytics
  • VAST Validation: Regularly validate your VAST XML to ensure compliance
  • Performance Monitoring: Monitor creative performance and troubleshoot issues promptly

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