Video ads are dominating the digital advertising landscape in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. With their ability to captivate audiences and drive engagement, video ads pack a punch that traditional display ads just can’t match. In fact, 95% of brands now consider video marketing a key part of their strategy—and publishers like you can be reaping the rewards.
Why? Video ads command higher CPMs, meaning more revenue potential for publishers. But here’s the catch: unlocking that potential requires the right video ad network. The challenge lies in finding one that fits your goals, audience, and website setup.
In this guide, we’ll demystify video ad networks, highlight the top options for 2025, and help you choose the perfect partner to maximize your revenue. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
What Are Video Ad Networks?
To make the most of video advertising, it’s crucial to understand what video ad networks do and how they differ from general ad networks. At their core, ad networks act as intermediaries, connecting publishers’ available ad inventory with advertisers looking for space. While they simplify the process, they often limit how much control publishers have over the ads displayed. Some ad networks cater to specific verticals or formats, so there’s a lot of variety depending on your needs. (Curious about how ad networks stack up against ad exchanges or header bidding partners? Check out this guide.)
Video ad networks take this a step further, specializing in helping publishers fill inventory with high-quality, targeted video ads. They often use advanced tools and analytics to boost performance and optimize ad placements, which can significantly improve your revenue potential.
Choosing the right network matters. It can mean better ad placements, higher CPMs, and a seamless experience for your audience. When deciding, consider factors like your audience’s demographics, the formats offered, and the level of support provided by the network.
In-stream vs Out-stream Video Ads
Now that we have a better understanding of video ad networks, let’s dive into the two main types of video ads you’ll encounter: in-stream and out-stream.
In-stream
In-stream video ads are ads shown within a video. If you've ever watched a YouTube video with ads, then you've seen an in-stream video ad. These ads are mainly used by publishers who create their own video content and want to monetize it by seamlessly integrating ads into their videos.
There are three types of in-stream video ads:
- Pre-roll: Shown before the video.
- Mid-roll: Played during the video.
- Post-roll: Displayed after the video.
In-stream ads can either be standard, where the user must watch the entire ad before the video starts, or skippable, allowing the user to skip the ad after a few seconds.
Out-stream
Out-stream ads are perfect for sites without their own video content. These ads use standalone video players, making them a great option for publishers who want to earn money from video ads without creating their own videos. They can be placed in different spots on a page and are usually less disruptive to users than traditional in-stream ads. Like in-stream ads, out-stream ads rely on video ad networks to connect publishers with advertisers.
Choosing the Best Video Ad Networks for Your Needs
Selecting the best video ad networks depends on your site’s unique needs, your particular ad strategy, and the types of ad formats you want to use. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Revenue Model: Understand whether the network uses a CPM (Cost-Per-Mille) or CPC (Cost-Per-Click) model. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so check out our blog on CPM vs CPC to see which one works best for your website.
- Revenue Potential: Look for competitive CPMs and revenue shares. You need to find a balance between an ad network that can actually help you earn revenue in the first place while simultaneously offering you a reasonable revenue share. For instance, an ad network with a revenue share of 20/80 might actually generate more revenue for you than an ad network that has a revenue share of 10/90 but less competitive CPM rates.
- Ease of Integration: A smooth setup process saves time and reduces frustration, especially if you're not tech-savvy. Many ad networks provide dedicated support to handle the integration for you or, at the very least, guide you step-by-step.
- Support and Resources: Access to dedicated account managers or responsive support can be a game-changer, but not all ad networks offer such support. Depending on the size of your team and the resources at your disposal, it’s best to opt for an ad network that can manage your ad monetization for you.
- Ad Formats and Ad Tech: Every website is different, so it needs an ad strategy that’s flexible and easy to customize. However, not all ad stacks offer this flexibility. Choose an ad network with a stack that meets your needs and provides tools to improve your site’s performance.
- Eligibility Requirements: Ad networks usually have basic criteria for publishers, like a minimum monthly traffic or revenue or a large share of traffic from Tier 1 countries (those with stronger purchasing power). Make sure your site meets these requirements before applying.
Top Video Ad Networks for Publishers
1. Snigel
At Snigel we’re known for our flexible, AI-powered ad stack and dedicated account management. In addition to supporting display ads, our native video solution, AdStream, lets publishers showcase high-quality video content on their websites and promote their Youtube channel. Snigel offers:
- Premium Ad Demand: AdStream is integrated with major SSPs, ad exchanges, and video ad networks, including Google AdExchange (AdX), Primis, Magnite, OpenX, Connatix, Aniview, and many more.
- Customizable Video Players: AdStream offers a wide variety of video units that can be customized to complement your website (both desktop and mobile) and fit seamlessly, meeting size and viewability goals, including in-stream, out-stream, floating, in-content, interstitials, and more.
- Header Bidding: Snigel's header bidding solution lets publishers offer their ad inventory to multiple demand sources simultaneously in real-time, boosting CPMs.
- AI Bidder Optimization: Snigel's AI bidder optimization boosts load speed and fill rates by matching publishers' ad spaces with the best bidders based on location, device, and browser.
- Advanced Analytics: Snigel’s AdVantage dashboard lets you access real-time insights to optimize performance and identify the most effective placements.
- Exceptional Support: Snigel provides you with a dedicated Ad Ops expert that manages and continuously fine-tunes your video ad strategy.
Whether you’re managing a small but growing site or a large media site, Snigel’s user-friendly approach makes it a strong contender for boosting ad revenue. Check our eligibility criteria to see if Snigel is the right fit for you.
2. Google AdX
Google AdX is a popular platform for publishers, using a CPM model and providing access to a large network of advertisers and premium ad inventory. Its advanced targeting and auction system help maximize revenue. The platform has strict eligibility requirements and can be challenging for smaller publishers to set up.
To join Google AdX, publishers need:
- A Google Ad Manager (GAM) account
- At least 10 million ad impressions per month for a minimum of 6 months
- At least 5 million pageviews per month
- Additional requirements set by Google
If you meet these requirements, Google AdX offers:
- Wide Ad Demand: Get access to top advertisers and premium ad inventory, which means higher CPMs and better-quality ads.
- Advanced Targeting Options: Google AdX helps you target audiences based on their demographics, behavior, and interests, so your ads reach the right people.
- Real-Time Bidding (RTB): Its auction system connects you with the highest-paying advertisers in real time to boost your revenue.
- Seamless Integration: AdX integrates with other Google services like Google Ad Manager, making it easy to manage and optimize your ads.
- Analytics: The platform gives you clear reports and insights to track performance and make smarter decisions.
However, smaller publishers who don’t meet the eligibility requirements may find it difficult to access Google AdX directly and might need to work through a Google Certified Publishing Partner and AdX Reseller, like Snigel, to unlock its benefits.
3. Primis
Primis is a video discovery platform that helps publishers boost user engagement and earn more from video content. Using smart AI algorithms, it delivers personalized video recommendations so viewers see content they care about.
Primis operates on a CPM basis and is ideal for publishers with at least 200,000 monthly page views. Here’s what Primis offers:
- Video Discovery Unit (VDU): This unit fits seamlessly into your site, showcasing curated video content without being intrusive. It works smoothly on desktop and mobile, supporting popular ad formats like in-stream and out-stream.
- Premium Ad Demand: Primis connects you with top ad networks and demand partners, giving you access to premium advertisers for better fill rates and higher CPMs.
- Content Library: Don’t have your own videos? No problem! Primis offers a vast library of high-quality videos from trusted sources, giving your audience even more to enjoy.
- Customizable Video Players: Match the video unit’s look to your site’s design for a cohesive, on-brand experience.
- Analytics: Track and improve your video ad performance with straightforward, detailed insights.
4. OpenX
OpenX is a programmatic advertising platform designed to help publishers earn more from their video ads. Operating on a CPM model, it has specific requirements for publishers regarding content quality, requiring that sites feature substantive, original content and demonstrate signs of user engagement. In terms of features, OpenX provides:
- Wide Demand: OpenX connects publishers with a large network of premium advertisers, securing steady demand for video ad space.
- Multichannel Support: Whether your audience is on desktop, mobile, or connected TV (CTV), OpenX helps you monetize across all platforms.
- Real-Time Bidding (RTB): The platform’s advanced real-time bidding (RTB) technology makes sure that your video ad units attract competitive prices, boosting your revenue.
- Analytics: OpenX offers publishers analytics tools to monitor performance and optimize ad placements.
5. Magnite
Magnite is a top programmatic advertising platform that helps publishers grow their video ad revenue. Magnite operates on a CPM model and requires publishers to have a minimum of 5 million pageviews per month. Here are some of Magnite's features:
- Connected TV (CTV): Magnite offers powerful solutions for publishers focusing on the fast-growing CTV market.
- Multichannel Monetization: Publishers can run video ads on desktop, mobile, and OTT devices, reaching more viewers and boosting revenue.
- Unified Auction: Magnite’s auction system helps publishers get the best possible bids for their video ad space.
- Advanced Analytics: Real-time data helps publishers optimize their strategies and focus on the ad units that perform best.
6. Connatix
Connatix is a video technology company that helps publishers deliver and monetize video content seamlessly. Its platform covers everything from video creation and delivery to monetization and analytics. Primarily using a CPM model, Connatix offers:
- Premium Ad Demand: Integration with leading DSPs and direct demand sources to maximize ad revenue.
- Smart Targeting: Use web, user, content, and contextual targeting to show the right ads to the right visitors.
- Customizable Video Players: Flexible video players that can be tailored to fit your website’s style and needs.
7. AnyClip
AnyClip’s AI-powered video platform is ideal for publishers looking to combine content creation with monetization. It uses a CPM model and its features include:
- AI Video Tagging: Automatically indexes and tags video content, enhancing discoverability and relevance.
- Customizable Video Players: Lightweight, intelligent video players designed to fit seamlessly into any website.
- Ad Monetization Tools: Publishers can maximize revenue with integrated ad placements tailored to their audience.
- Analytics: Access data on video performance to refine strategies and boost viewer engagement.
8. Aniview
Aniview provides a complete platform for managing video ads, making it a great choice for publishers who want flexibility and control. Using a CPM model and having no traffic minimum requirements, Aniview offers:
- Customizable Video Players: Tailored video players to match your website’s design and meet your specific needs.
- Seamless Integration: Aniview’s platform easily integrates with your existing setup, so no technical headaches.
- Analytics: Access detailed insights to track performance and optimize your video ad strategy.
- Scalable Solutions: Aniview is adaptable and can work for a small site or a large media operation.
9. STN Video
STN Video is a great solution for publishers who don’t produce their own video content but still want to offer engaging videos to their audience and earn ad revenue. STN Video uses a CPM model and requires publishers to have the STN player already on their pages, a monthly audience of 250,000 page views or more, and traffic from primarily North America. STN Video provides:
- Premium Video Content: Access a vast library of high-quality video content from trusted providers across various topics like news, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle.
- Monetization Opportunities: STN Video makes it easy to add video ads to the provided content, creating a new revenue stream for publishers.
- Seamless Integration: The platform is easy to set up, allowing publishers to embed videos and ads without hassle.
- Scalable Solution: Whether you’re running a small blog or a large media site, STN Video adapts to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best video ad network for your site depends on understanding your audience, goals, and resources. At Snigel, we work closely with publishers to provide innovative video solutions and integrate seamlessly with major networks like Google AdX to maximize revenue.
Video ads are a critical part of a sustainable ad monetization strategy, offering higher CPMs and better engagement. Whether you choose to work with Snigel or explore other options, the right video ad network can help you unlock your site’s potential and thrive in the growing world of video advertising.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team is here to guide you. Let’s figure out the best approach to boost your video ad performance together—get in touch today!