I. Introduction to Brand Video Ads (Outstream Video)
Brand Video Ads, also known as Outstream Video, are SmartAds’ video advertising format displayed outside of original video content. These ads typically appear within articles, featured content sections, or other high-visibility placements on online news websites. After the video ends, the SmartAds system automatically displays a static banner ad in the same placement, helping brands maintain continuous visibility and reinforce brand recall in users’ minds.
Unlike Performance Video Ads, which focus on engagement and traffic driving, Brand Video Ads are designed with a strong emphasis on brand awareness and branding objectives, allowing brands to deliver their message through motion, sound, and storytelling in a complete and immersive way.
1.1. Brand Video Ads primarily support branding objectives
With prominent placements and the storytelling power of video advertising, Brand Video Ads on SmartAds effectively support the following branding goals:
-
Increase mass brand awareness: Videos displayed in high-attention placements help brands reach a large audience in a short period of time, making them ideal for message amplification campaigns.
-
Deliver emotionally engaging brand messages: Motion visuals combined with sound and pacing allow brands to tell compelling stories, improving memorability compared to static banner ads.
-
Support product launches and phased branding campaigns: This format is well suited for product launches, brand repositioning, and seasonal digital marketing campaigns with consistent messaging.
1.2. Brand Video Ads placements and display formats
Brand Video Ads on SmartAds can be delivered across multiple high-impact placements on online news publishers, depending on each site’s layout and the selected placement package, including:
-
In-article: Videos are displayed directly within articles, interwoven with editorial content to attract attention while maintaining a natural reading experience.
-
Breakpage: Videos appear on content break pages, creating a visual pause point when users navigate between pages.
-
Large (right column / sidebar): Videos are displayed in large sidebar placements, ensuring high visibility throughout the user’s content consumption journey.
-
In-feed: Videos appear naturally within content feeds or article lists, reaching users as they scroll through news.
-
In-comment: Videos are displayed in comment sections, where users already show a high level of interest and interaction.
II. How to set up Brand Video Ads on SmartAds
Advertisers can launch Brand Video Ads on SmartAds by following these steps:
Step 1: Click the “Add campaign” button
Step 2: Select the “Brand Video Ads (Outstream)” format
Step 3: Name the campaign and select the appropriate objective
Step 4: In the Ads* section, click "Add ad". To change the ad format, click "Change".
Step 5: Enter the destination URL and upload both the video ad and the static banner; enter an optional headline; add the brand name and logo; select an appropriate CTA
Step 6: Choose targeting options that match your target audience
Step 7: Set the campaign budget and bid price
Step 8: Configure UTM tracking (if needed) before submitting the ad
>>> How to set up UTM tracking and SmartAds Pixel.
Note: Please ensure sufficient account balance and valid advertising licenses before launching the campaign.
III. Brand Video Ads content and design specifications
On the SmartAds platform, Brand Video Ads consist of two main components: the video ad and the static banner displayed after video playback.
Content components:
-
Destination URL: Required
-
Headline: Optional, up to 65 characters
Video specifications:
-
Format: MP4
-
Maximum file size: 50MB
-
Duration: From 6 seconds to 180 seconds
Post-video static banner specifications:
-
Format: JPG, PNG
-
Maximum file size: 20MB
-
Supported display ratios: 1:2 (300 x 600), 16:9 (1280 x 720), 1:1 (720 x 720), 9:16 (720 x 1280), 2:1 (600 x 300)
Additional elements:
-
Brand name & logo
-
Call to Action (CTA)
-
Impression & Click tracker URLs
Content and display guidelines:
-
Brand messages should appear clearly in the video, combined with emotional storytelling and strong brand identity
-
Static banners should maintain consistent colors and visuals with the video
-
Avoid excessive small text that reduces readability
-
CTAs should be suggestive and non-intrusive
IV. How to view Brand Video Ads performance on SmartAds
Once the ads are live, you can track performance metrics such as impressions and engagement on the Campaign Management or Dashboard page.
Here, you can filter reports by Brand Video Ads format and scroll horizontally to view performance data. To access detailed reports by campaign or creative, click the 
icon on the toolbar.
V. How to optimize Brand Video Ads campaigns
To maximize the effectiveness of Brand Video Ads on SmartAds, advertisers should consider the following best practices:
-
Define clear video objectives: Branding, engagement, or traffic driving.
-
Capture attention within the first 3–5 seconds: This is the critical moment that determines whether users continue watching.
-
Use concise and focused storytelling: Avoid overly long or unfocused videos without a clear core message.
-
Align video creatives with static banner ads: Reinforce brand recognition after video playback.
-
Use clear, behavior-aligned CTAs: Learn more, Discover now, Explore.
-
A/B test video and banner creatives: Test multiple variations to optimize advertising performance.
-
Monitor engagement metrics: Combine impressions, views, clicks, VTR, completion rate, and other indicators to evaluate traffic quality.
-
Comply with content and privacy policies.
