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CTV and FAST monetization

CTV and FAST monetization, handled end to end.

Server-side ad insertion, flexible ad pods and programmatic plus direct demand for streaming channels, built on open video standards across the major TV platforms.

Discuss your channel →Supported platforms
3–5xCPMs reported vs. desktop
85%+Viewability rate reported
15–30sTypical ad pod lengths
6+TV platform integrations
Capabilities

What CTV and FAST monetization involves

Streaming ads have their own technical and commercial rules. These are the parts we cover.

FAST channel support

Monetize free ad-supported streaming channels with linear and on-demand ad insertion.

  • Live channel ads
  • VOD ad breaks
  • Linear programming
  • DVR ad replacement

Advanced ad pods

Pre-roll, mid-roll and post-roll pods with frequency control and pod optimization.

  • 15–30s ad pods
  • Frequency management
  • Pod sequencing
  • Content matching

Premium targeting

Contextual, demographic and behavioral targeting, with first-party data integration where permitted.

  • Content targeting
  • Audience segments
  • Geographic targeting
  • Device targeting

Real-time analytics

Viewership, ad performance and revenue tracking in one place.

  • Viewer analytics
  • Ad completion rates
  • Revenue reporting
  • Demographic insights

SSAI integration

Server-side ad insertion for smooth playback and high completion rates.

  • Smooth playback
  • Ad-blocker resistant
  • Low latency
  • HD and 4K support

Programmatic and direct

Programmatic demand alongside direct-sales support to lift yield.

  • OpenRTB 2.5
  • Private marketplace
  • Deal ID support
  • Direct sales support
Supported platforms

Major connected-TV platforms

Integration scope varies by platform and by your app or channel setup.

RokuAmazon Fire TVApple TVAndroid TVSamsung TVLG TV
CTV ad formats

Ad formats and placement

Pre-roll

15–30 seconds

Plays before content starts. Usually the highest-CPM position.

Mid-roll

15–60 seconds

Plays during content breaks, with several pods per hour.

Post-roll

15–30 seconds

Plays after content ends, with lower disruption.

Bumper ads

6 seconds

Short non-skippable ads that suit brand awareness.

Technical specifications

Standards and protocols

Video standards

  • MP4 (H.264 / H.265) and WebM (VP8 / VP9)
  • HD (720p, 1080p) and 4K (2160p)
  • Adaptive bitrate streaming (HLS, DASH)
  • 30fps and 60fps frame rates

Protocols and standards

  • VAST 3.0 / 4.0 and VMAP 1.0
  • OpenRTB 2.5 for programmatic
  • IAB video ad standards
  • Server-side ad insertion (SSAI)
Who it suits

Built for streaming businesses

FAST channels

Free ad-supported channels with linear and on-demand content.

Streaming services

SVOD, AVOD and hybrid platforms with VOD libraries to monetize.

Content networks

Multi-channel networks that want network-wide monetization with central management.

Broadcasters

Traditional broadcasters moving into CTV with hybrid monetization.

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Plain-English guide

How CTV and FAST ads are delivered

Connected TV (CTV) ads are video ads shown in streaming apps on smart TVs and streaming devices, and FAST channels are free, ad-supported linear channels. The ads play in ad breaks, much like TV, and most are delivered using the IAB Tech Lab's VAST standard, which tells the player which ad to load and how to track it.

Key terms

  • Ad pod: a group of ads played back to back in one break.
  • SSAI (server-side ad insertion): the ads are stitched into the video stream on a server, which makes playback smoother and harder for ad blockers to interrupt.
  • app-ads.txt: the app version of ads.txt. It sits on the developer website listed in your app store page and tells buyers who may sell your inventory.

What buyers look for

Buyers want accurate device and content signals, a clear list of authorized sellers, and a smooth viewing experience with sensible break lengths. The IAB Tech Lab VAST standard is the reference for video ad delivery, and our ads.txt and app-ads.txt guide covers seller files.

Good questions

CTV monetization questions

Why are CTV CPMs higher?

Full-screen, lean-back viewing and strong completion rates attract premium advertiser demand.

What is SSAI?

Server-side ad insertion stitches ads into the video stream itself, so playback is smoother and many client-side blockers can't interfere.

Do I need my own content?

You need streaming inventory you have the rights to monetize, such as your own channel, app or licensed FAST content.

From the blog

Guides on this topic

CTV

Monetize Roku Channel Content With Ads Step by Step

How to monetize Roku channel content with ads: Roku's revenue models, the Roku Advertising Framework rules, ad insertion, app-ads.txt and demand setup.

Read the guide · 12 min →
CTV

CTV Monetization and How Streaming Apps Earn From Ads

A plain-English guide to CTV monetization for streaming apps and FAST channels: revenue models, ad formats, SSAI, app-ads.txt and the setup buyers check first.

Read the guide · 13 min →

Every CTV and app monetization guide in reading order →

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