VAST video ads for instream and outstream placements
Skippable and non-skippable video ads delivered through the VAST standard, for sites with their own player and for text pages without one.
How video ads (VAST) work
Video ads are short clips that play before, during or after your video (instream), or inside an article in a player that appears only for the ad (outstream).
MS Ads Network delivers video demand through VAST, the IAB standard most players support. Advertisers can track quartiles (25%, 50%, 75%, complete), which helps them bid on quality video placements.
| Standard | VAST 2.0 – 4.x |
| Types | Instream (pre/mid/post-roll), outstream |
| Skip | Skippable and non-skippable |
| Tracking | Start, quartiles, complete, click |
Static illustration. No live ads are loaded on this page.
Where it works best
Sites with their own videos
Pre-roll before tutorials, reviews or news clips monetizes every play.
Text-first blogs
An outstream unit between paragraphs adds video revenue with no video content needed.
Entertainment and gaming sites
Mid-roll on longer clips suits audiences who already watch videos.
Placement tips
- Start muted for outstream; never autoplay with sound.
- Keep pre-roll short on short content; long ads before a 30-second clip drive users away.
- Place outstream units in view, not at the very bottom of the page.
Other formats
FAQ
Do I need my own video player?
Not for outstream. For instream you need a player that supports VAST, which most popular players do.
Will video ads autoplay with sound?
No. Outstream units start muted, and users choose to unmute.
What is a quartile?
Quartiles show how much of the ad was watched: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Advertisers use them to judge placement quality.
Can I limit how often video ads appear?
Yes. You decide where video units appear, and support can help set frequency limits for your site.
Add this format to your site
Create a free publisher account, add your site and generate the tag from your dashboard.
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