# Ad-Supported Streaming Platform (AVOD) | Vodlix **Source:** https://vodlix.com/ad-supported-streaming-platform **Kind:** Build a … like X **Brand modelled:** Hulu **Summary:** Run a free, ad-supported streaming service or a hybrid with ad-free paid tiers. Client-side and server-side ads, targeting and ads on live channels. **Publisher:** Vodlix --- AVOD and hybrid streaming ## 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. ### Server-side ad insertion Switch on Publica or Aniview to stitch ads into the stream, per title if you prefer, with renamable targeting macros. ### Audience targeting Target campaigns by country, category, maturity range, app, or specific titles and channels, with an impression cap. ### Ads on live channels Run ad breaks on live TV, with server-side breaks that follow the cue markers already in your stream. ### Ad-free paid plans Offer subscription tiers without ads alongside the free tier, with trials and promotions to drive upgrades. ### Mix revenue models Combine advertising with subscriptions, rentals and free live channels so one service earns from several audiences. ## 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 it works ## How to Launch an Ad-Supported Service ### Upload your catalogue Add titles with categories and maturity ratings so ads can be targeted correctly. ### Choose ad delivery Use client-side VAST through Google IMA or the Vodlix engine, or switch on an SSAI partner. ### Create campaigns Set up direct campaigns and targeting, and publish your ads.txt. ### Add an ad-free plan Optionally offer paid tiers without ads to turn loyal viewers into subscribers. ## Ad-Supported Streaming FAQs **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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. **Q: 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.