How to add a VAST tag on Gumlet?

Help & Support
1

There are three ways to create the VAST tags:

1. Manual method

A VAST tag can be manually created by typing the code in an XML editor. Understanding VAST tags and the various components of a VAST tag is necessary for this strategy.

To modify the VAST tag in accordance with particular needs, use the VAST tag parameters. A few typical VAST tag characteristics are the video size, click-through URL, and ad duration.

Follow the below-given steps to do so:

  1. Open your preferred text editor or XML editor.

  2. Begin by stating the version and encoding in the XML declaration line at the top of the file. For instance:


<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
  1. Add the necessary version attribute to the root element. For instance:

<VAST version="3.0">
  1. In the <VAST> element, make the <Ad> element to show an individual ad. You can also assign a particular id attribute to the ad for identification. For example:

<Ad id="ad1">
  1. Inside the <Ad> element, create the <InLine> element which include the actual ad data. For example:

<InLine>
  1. Within the <InLine> element, write various ad details for example <AdSystem>, <AdTitle>, <Impression>, <Creatives>, etc. Customize these elements according to your needs. For example:

<AdSystem>Your Ad System</AdSystem>

<AdTitle>Your Ad Title</AdTitle>

<Impression><![CDATA[http://your-impression-url.com]]></Impression>

<Creatives>

<!-- Create creative elements here -->

</Creatives>
  1. In the <Creatives> element, you can add creative elements based on your ad requirements. For example, create a <Linear> creative for a video ad and then, customize the elements inside the <Linear> element according to your needs. For example:

<Linear>

<Duration>00:00:15</Duration>

<MediaFiles>

<!-- Create media file elements here -->

</MediaFiles>

</Linear>
  1. Now you can create <MediaFile> elements to specify the URLs and details of the video file(s) associated with the ad inside the <MediaFiles> element. Again customize the attributes and URLs within the <MediaFile> elements according to your needs. For example:

<MediaFile delivery="progressive" type="video/mp4" width="640" height="360"><![CDATA[http://your-video-url.com/video.mp4]]></MediaFile>

  1. Close all the open XML tags to ensure proper structure and syntax.

  2. Save the file with a .xml extension.

This is how you can create VAST Tags manually.

For more information refer to these links: Create a custom VAST XML ad tag (Web Player)

2. Google Ad Manager

Use Google Ad Manager to build a VAST (Video Ad Serving Template) tag by doing the following steps:

  1. Open your Google Ad Manager account and log in.
  2. Select Delivery from the top menu tabs.
  3. Under the navigation panel on the left, choose Creatives.
  4. Select New creative from the menu.
  5. Select the right kind of creative for your video advertisement. If you wish to generate a VAST tag for a video advertisement, for instance, choose Video.
  6. Give your creative a name, then choose the advertiser you want it to be associated with.
  7. Select the proper video player size under Creative size in the menu.
  8. Choose Generate tags from the list of options under Creative contents.
  9. Select VAST from the drop-down selection for Tag type.
  10. Set up any additional preferences or targeting parameters as required for your particular ad campaign.
  11. To generate the VAST tag, hit the Save button.
  12. Your video ad’s VAST tag will be created by Google Ad Manager. You have the option of manually copying the tag or selecting the Copy tag button.

When you have the VAST tag, you can use it to show your video advertising on platforms or video players that are VAST-compliant and compatible. Always test the tag to make sure it functions properly and provides the desired ad content.

It’s important to remember that the processes and interface may change significantly depending on Google Ad Manager upgrades, so it’s always a good idea to consult the official Google Ad Manager guide.

3. Third-party tools

You can adhere to these general methods to produce a VAST tag utilizing software from third parties:

1. Choose a third-party tool

You can create VAST tags with the help of a number of third-party tools that are available. JW Player, SpotX, AdPlayer.Pro, and VAST Inspector are a few well-liked choices. Pick a tool based on your requirements and preferences.

2. Register or log in

If the tool asks you to create an account, do so to access its capabilities.

3. Create a VAST Tag

In the dashboard or user interface of the tool, search for the option to create a new VAST tag. It may say New Ad or Create VAST tag.

4. Set up the settings

Depending on the tool, you might need to enter specific information and set up particular parameters for your VAST tag. The ad time, ad type (such as pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll), targeting options, and other characteristics can be included in these settings.

Your video creative must be uploaded or linked in most cases. Use the VAST tag to upload the video creative you wish to serve.

To upload your video file or to provide a link to a video housed elsewhere, follow the tool’s instructions.

5. Create the VAST tag

The tool will create the VAST tag for you when you’ve entered all the essential information and uploaded your movie. It might have the designations VAST URL or Ad Tag. Copy the VAST tag that was generated.

It is crucial to test the VAST tag to make sure it is operating properly. The testing feature is a common feature of third-party tools.

As an alternative, you can utilize one of the online VAST tag validators to determine whether the tag is legitimate and properly constructed.

Use the produced VAST tag in the video player or ad-serving platform where you wish to display your video ad to implement the VAST tag.

Your chosen platform or player will determine the implementation procedure. For details on how to incorporate the VAST tag, consult their documentation or support materials.

You should always refer to the tool’s manual or support resources for exact instructions on how to create VAST tags using that specific tool because the steps and features of third-party programs can differ.