VAST Tag Inspector

What this inspector checks

Each ad is checked against the IAB Tech Lab VAST spec for the version the tag declares, plus what CTV players and SSAI servers need in practice.

• Structure: valid XML, a VAST root with a version, InLine or Wrapper in every Ad, required AdSystem, AdTitle and Impression.
• Linear creatives: Duration in HH:MM:SS format, skipoffset, at least one MediaFile with type, size and delivery.
• CTV readiness: an MP4 or HLS file, no VPAID or JavaScript, an HD rendition, HTTPS everywhere and a UniversalAdId for creative approval.
• Tracking: impression, start, quartiles and complete events, error URLs, click-through, and macros that were never replaced.
• Wrappers and pods: the next tag URL, wrapper trackers that will fire, and every ad in a pod with its sequence and total length.
• Bid responses: paste an OpenRTB response and the VAST inside each bid's adm is pulled out for you.

Why VAST tags fail on CTV

Most no-plays on Connected TV come from a handful of causes. Players on Roku, Fire TV and smart TVs cannot run JavaScript, and SSAI servers stitch the file into the stream, so they need a clean video file.