Technology
How to Create, Test, and Debug VAST Tags
Sohel
September 5, 2024
We define VAST as a protocol that provides an XML-based, standard language that supports multi-player compatibility, allowing advertising servers to interact with various video players. Alongside an efficient technology for managing video content, advertisers can use VAST to provide a seamless ad experience.
For VAST to perform the job it is supposed to, VAST uses tags, or bits of code that act as instructions. Advertisers utilize these tags to define specific properties of the advertisement and give the player with instructions to follow and read. With tags, the video player will understand details about the advertisement for example:
VAST Tags can also limit the number of times an advertisement is played or rendered, which will be in the better interest of the advertisers with their videos. With the adoption of VAST standards advertisers make use of an international language that increases their effectiveness.
It is important to note that you are able to create VAST ads tags by self and there’s no advantage when creating a code completely from scratch. You’ll be able to save time using Google Ad Manager or third-party tools.
The VAST tag tester you select will be used to implement your code and identify any errors.
If your code isn’t working then you must debug the VAST tag.
The most common causes of VAST tag issues include:
Error 100 is an XML Parsing Error. An incorrect XML document.
An improper working VAST redirect URL. To resolve this issue, verify whether the VAST XML has the correct format and contains all the parts and characteristics.
Error 101 is a VAST Schema Validation Error. The reason for this is usually lacking or not recognizable aspects or elements. As in Error 100 check that the VAST XML is well formed, all the elements and attributes required are present.
Error 301 indicates a VAST URL timeout. It happens when a redirect tag does not provide a response within the period of time (usually five seconds). To fix this issue, ensure the VAST redirect URL is accessible. Verify for any protocol issues as well.
For help with debugging the VAST tag, refer to Google’s list of VAST errors and solutions.
When your VAST Tags are prepared, ensure your efforts don’t go to be wasted by investing in a high-quality video advertising server. The Video Ad Server enables you to control and manage advertisements on a single platform.
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