Feature Request: Add VAST (Video Ad Serving Template) support for AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand)

[jkamiphi]

Is there an existing issue for this?

• I have searched the existing issues

Which Mux Elements/Packages does this apply to? Select all that apply

mux-video, mux-video-react, mux-player, mux-player-react

Description

VAST is a widely adopted standard for delivering video advertisements within video content. AVOD platforms, which rely on advertising revenue, could significantly benefit from integrating VAST support into their video players. This enhancement would allow for the seamless delivery of video ads, resulting in a better viewing experience for users and increased monetization opportunities for AVOD providers.

Requested Features:

• VAST Parsing: Implement the ability to parse VAST XML documents to retrieve ad information, including ad duration, click-through URLs, and media files.
• Seamless Integration: Ensure that VAST ads seamlessly integrate with the video playback experience, including proper ad insertion and ad countdown.
• Error Handling: Implement robust error handling for cases where VAST ads cannot be displayed due to network issues or invalid ad responses.
• Ad Tracking: Include support for tracking events such as ad impressions, clicks, and quartile tracking as per the VAST specification.
• Customization: Allow for customization of VAST ad behavior and appearance to suit the platform's branding and user experience.

References:

IAB VAST Standard
VAST 4.0 Specification

Expected Behavior

Upon implementation, the video player should seamlessly parse, integrate, and display VAST-compliant video ads within AVOD content, ensuring smooth transitions, accurate ad tracking, user interactivity, and error handling. Customization options should be available, and thorough documentation and testing should accompany the feature for optimal functionality.

[cjpillsbury]

Hey @jkamiphi thanks for the request! This feature is definitely on our radar, but since it's a fairly non-trivial effort, we haven't yet had the opportunity to schedule it for the team and our other priorities and obligations. Just curious, as this is something we've discussed before: if we were to add support or easy integration points for something like Google's IMA SDK (https://developers.google.com/interactive-media-ads/docs/sdks/html5/client-side), do you think that would meet your needs?

[cjpillsbury]

Closing due to inactivity. Can reopen if conversation picks back up.

[spenweb]

I think supporting Google's IMA SDK would be a great starting point!