Build a Streaming Service With Free and Ad-Free Tiers
Reach a large audience with a free, ad-supported tier and convert your most engaged viewers to paid plans. Vodlix handles ad delivery, targeting and subscriptions on one platform.
Why Add an Ad-Supported Tier?
A paywall is the biggest reason a new visitor leaves before pressing play. A free tier paid for by advertising removes that barrier, earns from viewers who would never subscribe, and gives every viewer a reason to upgrade later.
With Vodlix you decide who sees ads. A single switch controls whether premium subscribers get ads, so the same catalogue can power a free tier with ads and a paid tier without them.
Advertising Tools Built Into the Platform
Sell your own inventory, plug in programmatic demand, or both.
Pre-, mid- and post-roll
Serve VAST ads through Google IMA or the Vodlix VAST engine, with skippable ads and a skip time you choose.
Learn moreServer-side ad insertion
Switch on Publica or Aniview to stitch ads into the stream, per title if you prefer, with renamable targeting macros.
Learn moreAudience targeting
Target campaigns by country, category, maturity range, app, or specific titles and channels, with an impression cap.
Learn moreAds on live channels
Run ad breaks on live TV, with server-side breaks that follow the cue markers already in your stream.
Learn moreAd-free paid plans
Offer subscription tiers without ads alongside the free tier, with trials and promotions to drive upgrades.
Learn moreMix revenue models
Combine advertising with subscriptions, rentals and free live channels so one service earns from several audiences.
Learn more
Run Your Own Ad Campaigns
Direct-sold sponsorships often pay more than open-market ads. The Ads Manager lets you run campaigns for your own advertisers with the creatives you host, and track delivery as it happens.
- Campaigns with apps, priority, dates and status
- Impressions reported per campaign
- MP4 creatives hosted on your platform
- Sponsored slots in the TV and mobile apps
Plug In Programmatic Demand
Server-side ad insertion places ads inside the video stream itself, giving viewers smooth playback from content to ad and back. Connect a supported SSAI partner and pass the targeting data buyers look for.
- Publica and Aniview, one switch each
- 39 targeting macros in five groups, each renamable
- ads.txt and app-ads.txt managed in Marketing settings
Free, Paid and Ad-Free on One Account
Hybrid services earn the most per viewer. A viewer can watch a free title with an ad break, rent a new release and subscribe for the full library, all from the same account on the web, phone or TV.
Advertising is available on fixed-price plans. Live TV and free FAST-style channels are on Apps+ plans. See the pricing page for details.
How to Launch an Ad-Supported Service
- 1
Upload your catalogue
Add titles with categories and maturity ratings so ads can be targeted correctly.
- 2
Choose ad delivery
Use client-side VAST through Google IMA or the Vodlix engine, or switch on an SSAI partner.
- 3
Create campaigns
Set up direct campaigns and targeting, and publish your ads.txt.
- 4
Add an ad-free plan
Optionally offer paid tiers without ads to turn loyal viewers into subscribers.
Ad-Supported Streaming FAQs
What is AVOD?
AVOD (advertising-based video on demand) lets viewers watch free while the service earns from ads shown before, during or after the video. Many services pair it with paid tiers in a hybrid model.
Can subscribers watch without ads?
Yes. The "Ads To Premium Users" setting controls whether paying subscribers see ads, so you can sell an ad-free tier next to a free, ad-supported one.
What is the difference between client-side and server-side ads?
Client-side ads are requested by the player through VAST, for example with Google IMA. Server-side ad insertion stitches ads into the stream before it reaches the viewer. Vodlix supports both.
Can I sell ads directly to sponsors?
Yes. The Ads Manager runs your own campaigns with creatives you host, including sponsored slots in the TV and mobile apps, with impressions reported per campaign.
Can I show ads on live channels?
Yes. Ads can run on live TV, and server-side breaks follow the cue markers in your live stream. Live TV is available on Apps+ plans.
Start Your Ad-Supported Streaming Service
Set up your catalogue, switch on advertising and add paid tiers when you are ready.