VMAP
VMAP (Video Multiple Ad Playlist) is an IAB standard XML format that tells a video player when to show ad breaks across a whole video. It lists each break, such as a pre-roll at the start or a mid-roll at ten minutes, and points to the VAST tag that supplies the ad for each slot. VMAP handles timing, while VAST handles the ads themselves.
Why it matters
VMAP lets ad teams change where and how often ads appear without releasing a new app. That control matters for long-form content, where too many breaks drive viewers away and too few leave money on the table.
How it works
- The player requests a VMAP document from the ad server when the video starts.
- VMAP lists each ad break with its timing, such as start, ten minutes or end.
- Each break points to a VAST tag that supplies the actual ad.
- At each break, the player calls the VAST tag and plays the returned ad.
What is the difference between VAST and VMAP?
VAST describes a single ad, while VMAP describes when ad breaks happen across a whole video. VMAP acts as the schedule, and VAST fills each slot. A player usually reads VMAP first, then requests a VAST response for each break.
Do I need VMAP for pre-roll ads only?
No, you do not need VMAP if you only show a single pre-roll ad. A single VAST tag called before playback is enough. VMAP becomes useful when you have several breaks, such as pre-roll plus mid-rolls, and want to control them from the ad server.
Where it's used
OTT services use VMAP to schedule several ad breaks across long films. News publishers set a pre-roll plus mid-rolls on longer videos without releasing a new version of their player.
By the numbers
- The IAB released VMAP 1.0 on April 10, 2012, together with VAST 3.0 and VPAID 2.0, as part of its Video Suite. (IAB releases new Video Suite: VAST, VPAID and VMAP (IAB))
