SGAI combines the strengths of Client-Side and Server-Side Ad Insertion, helping video providers insert ads seamlessly into video content. Bitmovin is using HLS interstitials, which is a standardized format for signaling ad breaks, to ensure smooth interoperability between playback systems and ad technologies such as ad insertion and decisioning engines. Because HLS interstitials are widely supported across devices, video providers can deliver consistent, reliable ad playback to more viewers. This enables more personalized and targeted ads through real-time ad decisioning, helping video services to deliver more relevant ads to each user, boosting engagement and improving the overall viewing experience.

The approach delivers a number of additional benefits, including lower infrastructure costs, enhanced ad personalization during live and DVR viewing, and the ability to support longer DVR windows that would otherwise be cost prohibitive. Video providers can also deliver non-linear ad formats with SGAI such as L-bar, squeeze-back, side-by-side, and picture-in-picture, to unlock both new monetization opportunities, and fresh user experiences.

Alongside adding support for SGAI using HLS interstitials, Bitmovin also provides extensive configuration options for enhanced flexibility. This gives video services the ability to tailor the viewing experience to meet their viewer’s needs while also enabling them to deploy it in such a way that best meets their business needs.

Bitmovin will be demonstrating SGAI at NAB Show in Las Vegas.