How do we set up programmatic ads to generate automated ad revenue?

Programmatic ads enable brands to automatically monetize their Community Media Network by filling ad inventory in real time, without manual campaign management.

By setting up programmatic ads, brands can:

• Generate always-on revenue from available inventory
• Maximize fill rates using automated demand sources
• Reduce operational effort (no manual trafficking required)
• Scale monetization across all placements and platforms
• Balance revenue with user experience using configurable presets

This creates a predictable and scalable monetization engine, especially when combined with sponsorships and premium access models.

Guide — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Navigate to Ad Configuration

Go to: Brand Control Center > Settings > Ad Configuration

This is where programmatic monetization is controlled via Monetization Presets.

Step 2: Choose a Preset Strategy

You can either:

• Use default presets:
  • Balanced - Optimized experience + revenue
  • Aggressive - Maximum monetization
  • Conservative - Minimal ad exposure

OR

• Create a custom preset for full control

Step 3: Select Placements & Embeds

Define where ads will run:

• Community feeds
• Group feeds
• Brand feeds
• Embedded players

Key Logic: Programmatic ads will only serve where:

• A preset is assigned
• Placements/embeds are selected

Step 4: Enable In-Feed Programmatic Ads

Turn ON In-Feed Ads and configure:

Step 5: Enable Programmatic Ad Types

Under Ad Types & Priority, enable:

Set priority using drag-and-drop:

• Higher priority = attempted first
• Lower priority = fallback

Step 6: Enable In-Stream Ads (High Revenue Driver)

Turn ON In-Stream Ads and configure:

Best Practice:

• Use Pre-roll + Mid-roll for maximum revenue
• Avoid overloading with all three types unless necessary

Step 7: Configure Fallback (House Content)

Enable House (Fallback Content):

• Serves when programmatic demand has no fill
• Prevents empty ad slots

Optional:

• Enable Monetise fallback with In-Stream Ads: Still generates revenue even in fallback scenarios

Step 8: Apply Environment Targeting

Choose where ads should run:

Step 9: Optimize Ad Experience Controls

Configure:

Step 10: Preview & Save

• Use Feed Preview to visualize ad placement
• Validate spacing and density
• Click Save

Your programmatic ads are now live and automatically generating revenue.

Specs & Limitations

Example Scenarios

1. Always-On Monetization Setup

• In-Feed Ads: Enabled
• Video Ads + Native Ads active
• Repeat Frequency: 4
• Continuous revenue across feeds

2. High Revenue Video Strategy

• In-Stream Ads: Pre-roll + Mid-roll
• Repeat Frequency: 2
• Maximizes video monetization

3. Balanced User Experience

• Moderate in-feed frequency
• Pre-roll only (no mid-roll)
• Maintains engagement while monetizing

FAQs

1. Do I need to manually manage programmatic ads?

No. Once configured: Ads are automatically filled via demand sources

2. What happens if there is no ad demand?

• SDK tries next ad type
• Falls back to house content
• Or removes slot

3. Which ad types generate the most revenue?

• Video Ads (in-feed + in-stream) typically have the highest CPM

4. Can I control how often ads appear?

Yes. Using:

• Start Slot
• Repeat Frequency

5. Can programmatic ads run alongside sponsorships?

Yes. They work together:

• Sponsorships (direct revenue)
• Programmatic (automated revenue)

Related Articles

• How does a brand configure vertical video ad placements & frequency?
• What are the specifications for vertical video ads?
• How will a brand manage community sponsorships to generate revenue and add more value to members?
• How can a brand monetize category and topic-level takeovers across communities?