VAST Version Testing

VAST Version Testing and Recommendations.

Our VAST tester validates video advertisements against multiple VAST specification versions by checking XML structure, required elements, and player-specific compatibility. Because each VAST version introduces new tags, tracking events, and media handling rules, running validation ensures that ads adhere to the correct schema and avoid errors that can break playback or block tracking. By identifying these issues early, advertisers and AdOps teams can reduce wasted impressions, improve campaign reliability, and deliver a smoother ad experience across different platforms and devices.

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What We Test

• VAST 2.0 Compatibility: Basic linear and non-linear ad support
• VAST 3.0 Features: Enhanced tracking, wrapper ads, and ad pods
• VAST 4.x Standards: Interactive elements, viewability metrics, and verification

How We Test

1. Schema Validation: Verify XML structure against VAST XSD
2. Required Elements: Check for mandatory tags and attributes
3. Media File Validation: Ensure video files meet specifications
4. Tracking Events: Validate impression and event tracking URLs

Common Issues

• Missing required VAST version attribute
• XML nodes that may not be supported by the declared VAST version

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Possible Results after a VAST validation test

After testing, our VAST validator provides detailed feedback on the ad's compliance with VAST specifications.

Our results usually include the below statuses with a description;

• Recommendations
  • Consider upgrading to VAST 4.0+ for enhanced features and better ad server support
  • Consider using VAST 4.0+ for better compatibility and features
• Pass
  • Modern VAST version with full feature support and industry compatibility

Below is an example of a valid VAST version attribute value

Copy
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<VAST version="4.2">
    ...Your MediaFiles node structure here...
</VAST>