Today's programmatic ecosystem offers diverse video ad networks for publishers with strong video specialization (for desktop, mobile sites, and apps). Despite the current market's capacity, publishers and advertisers can easily get lost in the plethora of ad networks and video ad exchanges if they don't know where to look.
Video advertising segment is booming since video ads perform better than static ads. Advertisers are looking for premium video ad publishers with specific, brand-safe video content to place ads.
Advertisers must also ensure they display relevant video ads to reach the right users at the right time and on the right screen.
We previously discussed how to choose the best CPM ad network for publishers; now, let's look at the video ad networks for advertisers and publishers to explore in 2022.
Why video ad networks are so popular?
Before we review video ad networks list, let's see why this video format is so popular now.
The use of video ads for online advertising is popular for several reasons. Video ads (video ad formats) have become a powerful way to monetize.
While different ad formats have advantages, video advertisements allow advertisers to highlight their products and services (when they use the right ad network).
In fact, according to recent stats, video ads bring more and more revenue. Mobile users now consume video content on multiple devices, including mobile gadgets and SmartTVs. As a result, from the picture below we can see that video revenues are expected to grow by 70% over the next four years. AVOD and adaptable broadcasters are partly in charge of this growth.
As the popularity of video ads grows, so does the number of ad networks.
Video networks in 2022: Google AdSense vs. the competition
AdSense for video ad formats is a tool for monetizing video content (through ad channels like desktop, mobile devices, and mobile apps). AdSense earnings are determined by traffic, ad placement, and niche (vertical: entertainment, news, health, technology, sport, etc).
According to a publication in 2022, automation is helping global business growth across all Google Ads campaigns, including video marketing and smart display. So, digital publishers and advertisers don't have to worry about ad server security, payments, or creative video content rendering.
Additionally, alternative ad networks are less expensive than Google ad manager. Information about the difference between GDN ad network and programmatic you can find here.
With that said, video ad networks remain competitive for different ad campaigns. Other best ad networks provide more functionality, such as geofencing, enabled video header bidding, or interactive digital ad formats.
Top video ad networks to discover in 2022
Check different video ad networks you should focus your digital advertising efforts on to connect to the open market. We’ll examine ad networks from both perspectives of the publisher and advertiser.
SmartyAds
SmartyAds is ranked first on this list of the top video ad networks. It offers clients robust programmatic solutions. SmartyAds SSP is a publisher-specific ad platform that sells media and fills ad space in real time.
SmartyAds SSP features
Highest fill rates. This video advertising platform guarantees high fill rates across verticals (focusing on technologies, business services, media, financial services, eCommerce, investment, etc).
Format & environment options. Publishers can choose from a wide range of video ad units for different screen sizes (along with digital formats). Advertisers can serve here high-quality video ads (instream video ads, outstream video ads, in-banner video ads, playable, rewarded, and more).
Maximized demand. Publishers can easily connect to premium advertisers using RTB and competitive technologies like header bidding.
Premium video demand. Advertisers seek premium brand advertisements and exclusive video inventory via private marketplaces and direct programmatic deals, allowing publishers to sell it at a higher price.
Publisher controls. Publishers can now fine-tune video campaigns with filters, ad sizes, types, resolutions, and a minimum price (floor price).
SmartyAds DSP works like an advanced video ad network for advertisers.
SmartyAds DSP features
100% brand safety. Protected Media, Forensiq, and manual traffic quality review ensure that ads are never shown next to inappropriate video content, and only viewable impressions are generated.
Efficacy and transparency. There are no hidden fees on the video advertisement platform and campaigns require a minimum prepayment of $1000.
Reach. Through RTB, the platform connects to a global pool of premium publishers and offers high-volume premium direct and PMP deals.
All verticals. Arts & Entertainment, Technology & Computing, Hobbies & Interests (Games, Society, Business, News, Education, Health & Fitness.
High-quality video ad formats. The platform supports various video ad formats, native video, rich media ads, CTV, mobile advertising, etc.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- SSP payment method: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum Traffic Requirement for SSP: ~5 million page views per month.
Facebook Audience Network
This is one of the best video ad networks for publishers because it reaches people beyond Facebook and Instagram. This ad network also helps advertisers stand out since the ad units appear different on news feeds.
FAN ad platform features & benefits
Affordability. Surprisingly, FAN is a more affordable video network, as advertisers can place ads cheaper than on Facebook.
Pre-roll ads. FAN is a good pre-roll top video ad network that also serves in-stream video ads (with which the publishers can monetize their video content).
Focus on mobile video ads format. FAN is a video ad network that focuses on mobile video advertising (specific demand and supply). Adsense supports mobile video formats and image ads.
Reach. It leverages video discovery technology that provides over a billion views monthly.
Reputation and quality. Facebook Audience Network does not buy third-party traffic or first-party data.
Extensive targeting. FAN uses Facebook audience targeting to ensure that advertisers only reach the right demographics.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- SSP payment method: NET 21 basis;
- Minimum Traffic Requirement for SSP: ~5 million page views per month.
Xandr (Appnexus)
Xandr, also Appnexus, is a video advertising network that provides both buy and sell-side services. By 2020, it was integrated with Google's DoubleClick and Microsoft's AdECN. Publishers with video players can trade via RTB, programmatic exchange, or directly with advertisers. Xandr also has a DSP and SSP.
Appnexus video ad network features
Different video formats. Advertisers can use the platforms to serve instream and outstream ads. The platform also supports video header bidding.
RTB and DD. The video advertising platform connects large global publishers with advertisers (RTB ecosystem) and direct deals with publishers.
Deals. Package deals help publishers sell mobile video ad inventory quickly. For advertisers, it means lower costs for mobile-first video formats.
Campaign controls. Advertisers can set up their campaigns via the dashboard. Publishers can use the platform dashboard to fine-tune ad rendering.
Predicted yields. The SSP has a handy feature that helps publishers predict future yields. Advertisers can also choose different payment methods.
Data reporting. SSP and DSP both generate real-time performance reports.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 30 basis;
- Minimum Traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
Exponential
Exponential is among the best video ad networks due to its tiered pricing for publishers, which is convenient for monetizing video ads. Exponential is one of those video ad networks founded by Tribal fusion. They provide high video content CPMs for publishers and set high video traffic quality standards.
Exponential video ads features
Ad formats. Exponential supports popular video formats for desktop and mobile advertising. Advertisers may also run instream video ads (along with other display ads).
Ads for premium brands. Direct deals for premium brand ads are available.
Reach across verticals and categories. Advertisers can place video ads across various verticals and categories, including tech, games, entertainment, science, and education.
Extensive targeting. All video ads have geo, divide, OS, and other targeting options.
Controls. Advertisers and publishers can customize campaign flow via a simple dashboard.
Stats. Reports on the campaign and ad inventory monetization performance are generated.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM, CPA;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 45 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: 500,000 million page views monthly.
SpotX
Another popular and good video ad network. SpotX is a video ad network specializing in OTT and CTV ad serving. In-stream and out-stream video ads render well in this highly targeted environment that offers various video content types placements. It is a very popular ad network that generates over 3 billion video ads monthly.
The SpotX features
Broad reach. This video ad network connects to a global RTB publisher pool and has over 50 demand-side partners.
Ad formats. The network offers video ads on the web, outstream video ads, instream video ads, rich media, and in-content sticky ads. As well, the platform supports video header bidding.
Advertisers' controls. Advertisers can adjust targeting, video units, daily budget, frequency, etc. Advertisers can also choose different payment methods.
Publishers' controls. Publishers can set up comfortable price floors, multi-currency reporting, ad parameters, etc.
Higher CPMS for publishers. Publishers can serve relevant video ads and earn up to $10 CPM.
Bid reports. Performance reports at this ad network include metrics such as bid activity, impressions, and ad revenue (for publishers).
Specifics:
- Model: CPM;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
Selectmedia
Selectmedia is a cross-screen video ad network. It uses RTB to deliver video content to targeted audiences globally. Selectmedia also has 650 direct premium websites in 55 countries.
Selectmedia's features
Various ad formats. The network provides cross-screen support for mobile video marketing, in-app ads, and desktop, including outstream video ads, and instream video ads.
Direct and RTB deals. It allows both real-time bidding and direct deals.
Safety standards. The high IAB inventory standards and connectivity of traffic safety providers protect the ecosystem.
Yield optimization. The platform promises efficient publisher ad revenue and advertiser ad budget optimization.
Trusted video supply. The platform has an extensive network of supply partners.
Low-cost media. Connections to global supply partners reduce media costs and optimize cost per impression.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM, CPV, Flat Fee, and Rev-Share;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: 250,000 million page views per month.
Undertone
Undertone is one of the best options for in-banner and pre-roll video ads. It provides ad networks for publishers and advertisers with video, multicultural, TV data targeting, social media, influencer, and other ad formats. Undertone partners with Sephora, LG, and L'Oreal to drive traffic across mobile web, in-app, and desktop platforms.
Undertone features
Popular & custom video ad formats. Interstitial, in-line, in-stream, social, in-banner, and pre-roll formats, post-roll ads, outstream video ads, including IAB formats, can be delivered across screens.
CBA compliance. All video formats meet CBA and IAB standards. Undertone also supports contextual targeting.
24/7 support. The platform claims to provide around-the-clock customer support.
KPI tracking. The system tracks ad inventory performance via video ad impressions, conversions, and clicks.
TV video support. The platform can target and retarget users on TV and track campaign performance.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM, CPC, CPA, and CPV;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: 500,000 million page views per month.
Propeller Ads
Propeller Ads is one of the video advertising platforms with many options for monetizing video content and other known static formats. Advertisers can also run video ads campaigns across multiple platforms. To date, the company has successfully run over 3,000 ad campaigns, including those with video.
PropellerAds features
Traffic safety. Manual checks and connections to traffic safety providers ensure the purity and health of the traffic.
High-quality video ads. The platform includes banner formats, on-click videos, and in-banner videos that meet industry standards.
Different video ad formats. Many video formats are supported with a focus on-click and in-banner.
Passback. If the inventory is not filled for any reason, PropellerAds provides publishers of video ads with a passback, which replaces the ad unit with a different one.
Performance reports. Digital publishers can generate inventory performance for video content.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM and Rev share;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 15 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
Unruly
Unruly is one of the best video ad networks because it supports video ad units from various GDPR, CCPA, and IAB-compliant sources. It also follows the IAB's LEAN standards. This video ad platform connects global advertisers with premium mobile, in-app, and desktop publishers.
How Unruly differs
Easy-to-use dashboard. Dashboard makes setting targeting, budget, and video resolutions easy.
RTB & PMP. Video advertisers and publishers can trade in an open, private, or directly.
Video ads for publishers and advertisers. It allows advertisers to run outstream video ads, mobile video, CTV, in-app video, social, display, as well as in-stream video ads.
Dedicated account management. Customer service and account managers will assist with campaigns and issues.
Editing suite. Advertisers can boost their ad units using a suite of editing tools.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM, PPC, CPA;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
Video IQ
Video intelligence is a contextual video ad publisher network. Contextual matching occurs alongside media analysis (audio, video, brand/person recognition, text). In-stream video ad units are among the most popular ad formats with the highest CPM.
Video IQ features
Broadest reach. Advertisers can deliver video ads to the US, Canada, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, and UK audience targeting.
Video targeting. Contextual video ads are served contextually on websites and apps. They comply with GDPR and CCPA.
PMP. Advertisers get exclusive inventory and publishers get favorable trading conditions.
Cross-vertical reach. Video Intelligence's video ads are very effective in the entertainment, lifestyle, and news niches.
IAB categories. Using IAB categories ensures the best contextual match.
Specifics:
- Model: CPM;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
SpringServe
SpringServe is one of the major video ad servers, not a video ad network. It allows publishers to manage yield and serve video ads easily. This ad server will be especially useful for publishers who need to customize the ad serving process.
What sets SpringServe apart?
Supports any video ad format. The configurable ad server supports almost any video ad format.
Contextual targeting is powered by their partnership with IRIS.TV
Auction optimization. Each publisher can adjust its own ad servers to optimize video ad campaigns and auction dynamics.
Transparency. The platform gives you more control over media-selling and serving, making processes and technology tacking easy.
Broad reach. SpringServe connects to other ad networks, direct partners, and agencies for promoting video content.
Easy tag management. Tag management is simplified to track video campaigns.
Specifics:
- Model: N/A;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 30 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
Airpush
Airpush is an ad network that specializes in mobile video ads. Using this technology platform, advertisers can reach over 150,000 apps worldwide. Its ad network supports static, interactive, and dynamic formats. Airpush has also launched its own video ad unit called the abstract banner. The platform collaborates with Walmart, Nissan, KFC, Huawei, and others.
Airpush’s strong features
Video units for reach and impact. The network supports rich media ads, banners, abstract banners, overlay, push ads, and ads for mobile apps.
SDK integration. Publishers can quickly connect and start video monetization of their apps using the platform's lightweight SDK.
Mobile private exchange. Demand and supply can trade via RTB and private marketplace deals.
Easy-to-use dashboard. Dashboard helps advertisers and publishers tailor campaigns and video monetization to their goals.
Ample targeting options. Targeting is available according to geo, OS, divide, traffic type, etc.
Specifics:
- Model: CPA, CPC, CPCV, CPE, CPI, CPL, CPM, CPV;
- Reporting: in real-time;
- Countries the platform supports: worldwide;
- Payment: NET 60 basis;
- Minimum traffic for publishers: No minimum requirement.
Conclusion
Even though AdSense is one of the largest video ad networks, many other video advertising platforms are available. In order to choose the right video ad network, you need to define the most important features that you are searching for while browsing through video advertising solutions — whether those are innovative ad formats, different payment methods, header-bidding capabilities for mobile publishers, opportunity to integrate with other video ad networks or something else. Using this list, you can quickly assess which video ad networks suit your needs best.
