The structural decision to group video ads into breaks rather than serving them individually. It is how streaming publishers manage ad load while maintaining some semblance of viewer experience. For advertisers, pod position matters. First position in a break gets more attention than third. If your deal does not specify position, you are getting whatever is left.
Ad tech glossary
Podding
Technical definition
The practice of grouping multiple video ads together in a single ad break, similar to traditional TV commercial breaks.
The ADLINGO translation
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Related terms
- Audience Addressability
- AVOD (Advertising-Based Video On Demand)
- AVOD Stacking
- Co-Viewing Measurement
- Competitive Separation
- CTV (Connected TV)
- Deal Discovery
- Dynamic Ad Load
- Dynamic Pod Optimization
- FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television)
- Header Bidding for CTV
- Pod Length
Where this shows up
CTV
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The 2026 upfront runs on shape, not size
Supply is outpacing demand. Scarcity has collapsed into sports. And the most useful phrase in the market right now isn't volume or price. It's "the shape of the deal."
CTV
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⏸️ Pause Ads
I'm back from CES, where (and I can't believe I'm saying this) pause ads were having a moment. I did not have this one on my bingo card. Yes, those ads that pop up when you hit pause on your TV.
CTV
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Get Better CTV Quality in 2025
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions, but I do want you to look me in the eye and promise that you will press for better CTV quality in 2025. Oh...you thought it all ran on a TV in a living room? Have a seat. We need to talk.