VMAP (Video Multiple Ad Playlist) is the IAB companion to VAST that describes the ad schedule for a piece of content: where the breaks are (pre-roll, mid-rolls at given times, post-roll) and what each should contain. Where VAST describes a single ad, VMAP describes the whole timeline of ad opportunities.
A player or SSAI stitcher reads the VMAP to know when to call for ads and how to place them, then uses the VAST responses to actually play them. VMAP is essential for structured ad experiences on long-form and live content, and it works alongside SCTE-35 markers that signal the break points within the stream.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
A VMAP schedule only works if every player honors the break positions and recovers cleanly after each ad pod. Our seven-volume handbook covers the whole video stack; for VMAP begin with Volume 3, which covers players, recovery after stalls, ABR and the economics of streaming. Volume 2 adds the HLS, DASH and CMAF packaging those ad breaks sit inside. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Wiring VMAP ad schedules into players on web, mobile and TV?
Tell us your ad server and target devices, and we will map out the VMAP, VAST and player integration with a test plan for mid-roll edge cases. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
