Ad tech glossary

VAST 4.0+ for CTV

Technical definition

Advanced video ad serving template specifications designed specifically for connected TV environments, including support for mezzanine file quality and interactive elements.

The ADLINGO translation

The updated VAST specification with additions designed for CTV delivery: mezzanine file support for high-quality transcoding, server-side ad insertion compatibility, and a more robust error reporting structure. In practice, implementation across CTV publishers and players is inconsistent. Some are on 4.x. Some are still on 3.0. Creative and technical specs need to be confirmed per publisher, not assumed from the deal sheet.

Get the full Mega Glossary as a PDF

Nearly 200 ad tech terms, translated. Plus the ADLINGO newsletter to your inbox. Free.

Where this shows up

Pause Ads + Money graphic with the ADLINGO logo.
CTV ·

⏸️ 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.

A fake family sitting on couch watching TV on a phone mounted on the wall.
CTV ·

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.