Best In-stream or Pre-roll Ad Networks for Publishers
The Instream advertising adoption rates continue to rise, as more advertisers are allocating budget to digital video advertising to capitalize on the growing popularity of online video consumption. In 2024, brands spent $30.10 billion on streaming advertisements, compared to $60.56 billion on traditional TV ads. Instream ads are video ads that play while a user is watching video content online. These can play before, after, or in the middle of a video. If you are a video content creator, these ads can be an additional source of revenue. To get the best video ads, you can use the services of an in-stream or video ad network. One of the most popular formats of the instream ads which accounts for more than 60% of ad delivery is pre-roll ads. Pre-roll, as the name suggests, play before the video rolls. Most niches do well in in-stream or pre-roll ads, be it style and fashion or personal finance or travel.
Pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll forms the core of instream advertising. Some of the formats include skippable and non-skippable ads. As a publisher, even if you don’t have video content on your website or blog, you can utilize a video ad player with a video library in order to run video ads. Instream ads usually have a higher demand in the global tier one markets and the revenues can skyrocket during peak seasons. Before we deep dive into some of the best in-stream or pre-roll ad networks, let us take a look at the added benefits of this ad format for publishers.
***Image Source: Advant Technology
Benefits of In-stream or Pre-roll Ad Networks
In-stream and pre-roll ad networks offer several benefits to publishers:
- Increased Revenue: Publishers can earn revenue by displaying in-stream and pre-roll ads on their videos. Advertisers typically pay a higher rate for video ads than for other ad formats, which can increase the revenue potential for publishers. CPMS of instream ads range between $2-$20 based on geography, niche, and traffic quality,
- Improved User Experience: In-stream and pre-roll ads are integrated with video content and are typically skippable after a few seconds. This can provide a better user experience compared to other ad formats, such as banner ads or pop-ups.
- Control over Ad Placement: Publishers have control over the placement of in-stream and pre-roll ads, which can help ensure that ads are relevant to their audience and are displayed at appropriate times. This can help maintain the trust and loyalty of their viewers. Additionally, publishers can make the same revenue with ads running on their video player against a number of banner ads stretched all over the webpage.
- Multiple ad options: You have the option to assign multiple instream ads within your video content. The ads can be injected in the beginning of your content, somewhere in the middle or towards the end of your video. Based on the placement of your ad, we call it pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll advertising. As a publisher, you have the option to choose any or all of these video ad formats.
How to Choose the Best In-stream or Pre-roll Ad Networks?
Choosing the best in-stream or pre-roll ad network can be a daunting task. You need to ensure there is minimal latency, better page speed metrics, high engagement, and low bounce rate. Thereby, we have created a list of deciding parameters to consider when selecting an in-stream or pre-roll ad network.
- Ad Formats: In-stream and pre-roll ads come in different formats, such as skippable and non-skippable ads. Consider the ad formats that will work best for your audience, and choose an ad network that offers those formats.
- Ad Quality: Choose a video ad network that offers engaging video ads from leading DSPs and ad exchanges.
- Revenue Share: Consider the revenue share offered by the ad network and compare it to other ad networks in the market. Most video ad networks take a revenue cut of 20-30%.
- Reputation and Trustworthiness: Choose an ad network that has a good reputation in the industry and is known for its reliability and trustworthiness.
- Support and Customer Service: Look for an ad network that offers good customer support and can help you with any issues or questions you may have.
- Video Player: Consider choosing a network that offers integrated and customizable video players that can be tweaked as per your website’s requirements.
- Payment Duration: Choose a network that pays publisher earnings in NET-30, NET-45, NET-60 days. Anything beyond this duration would result in accumulated earnings and can negatively impact the publisher's cash flow.
- Onboarding Time: A swift onboarding process makes things faster and you can see your CPM lifts within a week. Choose a network that boasts of quick onboarding and in-house demand.
MaxValue Media enables publishers to open up their ad inventory for bidding by multiple leading demand partners in real-time. The platform guarantees a minimum 25% revenue increase post the initial 3 weeks. Their high quality banner, in-stream and out-stream video ads are a tested way to amplify revenue streams and maximize yield.
Setupad is one of the best website monetization platforms to increase ad revenue for publishers. Enjoy superior client support and have access to top SSPs.
VDO.AI's pre roll instream ads are strategically played before the video content that is being watched, increasing its chances of viewer receptivity and high CTR. This ad format has proven to be highly engaging, which is why more than 65% of advertisers spend 40%–100% of their advertising budgets on instream video ads. is a dynamic in-stream and preroll ad network tailored for publishers. It delivers high-quality, engaging video advertisements seamlessly integrated into content, boosting revenue opportunities. VDO.ai's advanced technology and analytics empower publishers to optimize their ad inventory, enhancing monetization and user experience.
Publift is a publisher monetization platform expertising in header bidding, private marketplaces (PMPs), brand safety, automated reporting, and layout optimization solutions. Offering complete ad stack management, Publift strives to maximize profits for their publishers. The platform has more than 4.5 billion impressions each month, along with several publisher testimonies vouching for the company's services and expert solutions.
Ad.Plus’s in-stream ads ensure a minimum 30% revenue boost for publishers through premium, direct campaigns that effectively monetize video content with VAST/VPAID or IMA ad tags that seamlessly embed into your video player.
Offering one of the most popular and new ad format, in-stream ads is ClickAdilla, an in-stream ad network that embeds ads into the content and to watch the content users have to watch the ad as it is like an introduction to it. It helps you insert these ads in the most convenient manner.
Teads assists businesses in monetizing their operations through programmatic buying and other resources. The network provides cutting-edge outstream video advertising solutions that are integrated into quality editorial content, available on all platforms.
Primis is a popular online video discovery platform. They collaborate with publishers to assist users in finding excellent and compelling video content, enhancing and extending online experiences. This boosts audience engagement, is completely configurable, and integrates smoothly.
Newor Media is a professional ad management solution that helps publishers maximize their website’s earnings with AI.
AdSparc specializes in programmatic advertising solutions, offering publishers advanced monetization strategies and seamless integration with Google services to maximize revenue and optimize ad performance. Discover how AdSparc enhances digital advertising with cutting-edge technology and comprehensive support.
In-Stream or Pre-roll Ad CPM Rates
Of all the ad formats, instream ads have the highest CPMs due to increased advertiser demand and the resonance video ads build in the mind of the customers. The instream ad CPM rates for tier 1 traffic is usually in the range of $10-$20. However, this number can get reduced for mobile web; which should be around $5 to $15. For tier 2 traffic, the instream or pre-roll ad CPM rates are usually in the range of $3 to $8. While for tier 3 traffic, the ad rates hover anywhere in the range of $1 to $3.
***Image Source: Advant Technology
By considering these factors, you can choose the best in-stream or pre-roll ad network for your needs and maximize the impact of your video ads. In-stream and pre-roll ads are some of the most engaging ad formats from an user point of view. If you haven’t activated this ad format for your website, we suggest you give it a shot.