Best Video Ad Networks for Publishers in 2026

Video ad networks have become a core part of publisher monetization in 2026, especially for sites looking to push beyond the limits of display ads. Video typically attracts stronger advertiser demand and higher CPMs, which is why many publishers start exploring video once their traffic grows or their existing setup stops delivering the returns it used to.

For some publishers, that means monetizing their own video content. For others, it’s about unlocking out stream video placements without needing to produce videos at all. Either way, video ad networks sit in the middle, connecting publishers to video demand, handling delivery, and helping turn engaged users into sustainable revenue.

That said, not all video ad networks work the same way. They differ in formats, traffic requirements, revenue models, and how hands on the support actually is. Choosing the right option can make video a reliable revenue driver. Choosing the wrong one can hurt performance or user experience.

In this guide, we break down what video ad networks are, how they work, and how they compare to ad exchanges and supply side platforms. You’ll also find a practical overview of the best video ad networks for publishers in 2026, along with guidance on which options make sense based on your site, audience, and monetization goals.

What Are Video Ad Networks?

Video ad networks help publishers monetize video inventory by connecting their sites to advertisers looking specifically for video placements. They sit between publishers and demand, handling ad delivery, pricing, and performance optimization.

Instead of working directly with individual advertisers, publishers use video ad networks to fill available video placements through programmatic auctions or curated demand sources. This gives access to higher value video demand while reducing operational overhead.

What sets video ad networks apart from standard display networks is their focus on video formats and delivery. Depending on the setup, they can support:

• In stream video ads within existing video content
• Out stream video ads placed within text based pages
• Video players and ad rendering
• Performance optimization around viewability and CPMs

In practice, publishers tend to use video ad networks in one of two ways. Some monetize their own video content using pre roll or mid roll ads. Others introduce video monetization through out stream units, even if they don’t produce video themselves. In both cases, the goal is to unlock stronger advertiser demand without compromising user experience.

Video ad networks also vary in how much control and support they offer. Some operate as self serve platforms, while others provide hands on guidance around setup, testing, and optimization. Understanding where a network sits on that spectrum is an important part of choosing the right partner.

How Video Ad Networks Differ From Ad Exchanges and SSPs

Video ad networks are often mentioned alongside ad exchanges and supply side platforms, but they play a different role in a publisher’s monetization stack. Understanding the distinction helps publishers choose the right setup and avoid overlapping tools that don’t actually solve the same problem.

At a high level, video ad networks focus on packaging and monetizing video inventory, while ad exchanges and SSPs provide the infrastructure for programmatic buying and selling. The lines can blur, especially as platforms evolve, but the core differences still matter.

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For many publishers, video ad networks are the easiest entry point into video monetization. They abstract away much of the complexity around demand sourcing, pricing, and delivery, which is especially valuable for teams without dedicated ad ops resources.

Ad exchanges and SSPs tend to offer more control and transparency, but they also require more technical involvement and scale to be effective. This is why smaller or mid sized publishers often rely on video ad networks first, and then layer in SSPs or exchange access as their setup matures.

There’s no single right approach. The best choice depends on traffic levels, internal resources, and how much control a publisher wants over their video strategy.

In-stream vs Out-stream Video Ads: How Video Ad Networks Support Each

Video ad networks typically support two main video ad formats: in stream and out stream. While both rely on video demand, they serve different types of publishers and are implemented in very different ways.

In-stream video ads

In stream video ads appear within video content itself. They are most commonly used by publishers who produce or host their own videos and want to monetize them directly.

Common in stream placements include:

• Pre roll, shown before the video starts
• Mid roll, played during longer videos
• Post roll, shown after the video ends

Video ad networks help manage in stream monetization by sourcing demand, enforcing ad quality standards, and optimizing delivery based on factors like viewability, completion rates, and user engagement. Because these ads are tied to video content, they often command higher CPMs, especially for longer or highly engaged sessions.

That said, in stream setups require consistent video content and careful placement. Poorly timed mid rolls or overly aggressive ad loads can hurt user experience, which is why many publishers rely on their video ad network to handle testing and optimization.

Out-stream video ads

Out stream video ads are designed for publishers who don’t produce video content or want to extend video monetization beyond their video pages. These ads run in standalone players that appear within text based content and typically only play when they are in view.

Out stream formats are widely supported by video ad networks and are commonly used on:

• Editorial articles
• Blog posts and guides
• Utility or reference pages

For publishers, out stream video ads offer a lower barrier to entry. There’s no need to build a video library, and implementation is often faster. Video ad networks handle the player, demand, and delivery, while publishers control placement and frequency to protect user experience.

CPMs for out stream ads are usually lower than in stream, but strong viewability and session duration can still make them a meaningful revenue driver, especially at scale.

Choosing between in-stream and out-stream

Most publishers don’t need to choose one format exclusively. Video ad networks often support both, allowing publishers to test different setups and expand over time.

In general:

• In stream works best for publishers with regular video content and highly engaged viewers
• Out stream is a good starting point for text based sites or teams new to video monetization

The right approach depends on content, audience behavior, and monetization goals. A good video ad network should help evaluate these factors and recommend formats that balance revenue with user experience.

How to Choose the Right Video Ad Network for Your Website

Choosing a video ad network isn’t about finding the biggest name or the highest advertised CPMs. The right fit depends on your site, your audience, and how much time and technical effort you want to put into video monetization.

Before committing to a video ad network, it’s worth stepping back and looking at a few key factors.

Whether you produce video content

This is one of the biggest differentiators. Publishers with their own video content are better suited to in stream monetization, while text based or utility sites often rely on out stream video placements.

Some video ad networks support both, but not all do it equally well. Understanding where your content sits helps narrow the field quickly.

Revenue goals and monetization model

Most video ad networks operate on a CPM basis, but revenue outcomes still vary widely. Higher CPMs do not always translate to higher overall revenue if fill rates or viewability are low.

It’s also worth understanding how revenue share works and what level of optimization is included. A slightly lower headline CPM can still perform better if the setup is actively managed and aligned with user behavior.

Technical resources and support

Some video ad networks expect publishers to handle setup, testing, and optimization themselves. Others take a more hands on approach, helping with placement strategy, format testing, and ongoing performance improvements.

If you don’t have dedicated ad ops support, this can make a big difference over time.

User experience and control

Video ads can be powerful, but they can also become disruptive if they’re not implemented carefully. Look for networks that give you control over placement, frequency, and behavior, and that prioritize viewability without forcing aggressive formats.

Protecting user experience is especially important for sites with long sessions or repeat visitors.

Top Video Ad Networks for Publishers

The video ad networks below represent some of the most widely used and well established options available to publishers in 2026. While there are many other platforms offering video monetization, these networks cover the core use cases most publishers encounter, from in stream video monetization to out stream and managed setups.

1. Google AdX

Google AdX is a premium programmatic marketplace that gives publishers access to a large pool of global video demand. While it supports multiple ad formats, including video, publishers typically use AdX as part of a broader monetization stack rather than a standalone video solution.

Best forLarge publishers with strong, consistent traffic who want access to premium video demand through Google’s ecosystem.

Video formats supportedIn stream and out stream video ads, alongside display and native formats.

Typical requirementsAccess to Google AdX requires a Google Ad Manager account and meeting Google’s eligibility criteria around traffic volume, content quality, and policy compliance. Many publishers access AdX through a certified publishing partner, like Publisher Collective, rather than directly.

Potential limitationsAdX offers powerful demand, but setup and optimization can be complex and is often better suited to publishers with technical resources or managed support.

2. Magnite

Magnite is a large scale supply side platform that supports programmatic video monetization across web, mobile, and connected TV environments. It is commonly used by publishers with significant traffic who want direct access to programmatic video demand and more control over how their inventory is sold.

Best for

High traffic publishers with established ad operations, particularly those looking to monetize video and connected TV inventory at scale.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads, with strong support for CTV and OTT environments.

Typical requirements

Magnite operates on a CPM model and is generally best suited to publishers with large audiences, often in the millions of monthly pageviews. Publishers typically need strong inventory quality and the internal resources to manage a more technical setup.

Potential limitations

Magnite offers powerful tools and reach, but its platform is less accessible for smaller publishers and usually requires dedicated ad ops expertise to get the most value.

3. OpenX

OpenX is a programmatic advertising platform that supports video monetization through real time auctions and premium demand sources. Publishers typically use OpenX as part of a broader programmatic setup to access video demand across web, mobile, and connected TV environments.

Best for

Established publishers with high quality content who want programmatic control and access to premium video demand.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads, with additional support for CTV placements.

Typical requirements

OpenX operates on a CPM basis and works with publishers that demonstrate strong content quality, brand safety standards, and consistent user engagement. While traffic thresholds vary, the platform is generally better suited to medium to large publishers with stable inventory.

Potential limitations

OpenX offers flexibility and scale, but it is not a plug and play solution. Publishers usually need technical resources or ad ops support to manage setup, optimization, and reporting effectively.

4. Primis

Primis is a video discovery and monetization platform that helps publishers generate video revenue without needing to produce their own video content. It is commonly used to introduce out stream video units that surface relevant video content alongside editorial or utility pages.

Best for

Publishers without an in house video team who want to add video monetization quickly and with minimal operational overhead.

Video formats supported

Primarily out stream video formats, delivered through video discovery units that sit within page content.

Typical requirements

Primis operates on a CPM basis and is generally best suited to publishers with at least around 200,000 monthly page views and strong user engagement. Exact requirements can vary by region and site quality, but the barrier to entry is lower than many enterprise focused platforms.  

Potential limitations

Because Primis relies on curated third party video content, it offers less control over video ownership and branding compared to setups built around first party video.

5. Connatix

Connatix is a video technology and monetization platform designed to help publishers build, distribute, and monetize video at scale. It combines video creation tools, customizable players, and programmatic demand to support publishers that want to make video a more central part of their content and revenue strategy.

Best for

Publishers who are actively investing in video and want more control over how video content is created, presented, and monetized across their site.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads, delivered through customizable video players that can be embedded across editorial and content driven pages.

Typical requirements

Connatix primarily operates on a CPM model and is generally suited to medium to large publishers with consistent traffic and a clear video strategy. While exact thresholds vary, publishers typically need enough scale and engagement to support ongoing video placements.

Potential limitations

Connatix offers a robust video ecosystem, but it may be more than is needed for publishers who are only looking to test video monetization or add a small number of out stream units.

6. AnyClip

AnyClip’s is an AI driven video platform that helps publishers organise, distribute, and monetize video content more effectively. It uses automated video tagging and contextual understanding to match video content with relevant placements and advertising demand.

Best for

Content heavy publishers that already produce video and want to improve discoverability, engagement, and monetization through smarter video organisation.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads, delivered through lightweight, customisable video players that can be embedded across different page types.

Typical requirements

AnyClip operates on a CPM basis and is generally suited to publishers with an existing library of video content and enough scale to support ongoing video engagement. Publishers with limited or no video content may find less value from its AI driven features.

Potential limitations

AnyClip’s strength lies in video content organisation and contextual relevance, which means it is less suited to publishers who are only looking for a simple out stream video monetization layer.

7. Aniview

Aniview is a video ad management platform that gives publishers flexibility over how video ads are delivered and monetized across their site. It is often used by publishers who want control over video placements without committing to a heavily opinionated or content driven video ecosystem.

Best for

Publishers who want a flexible video monetization setup that can adapt to different site sizes, content types, and levels of technical involvement.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads, delivered through customizable video players that can be integrated across a wide range of page layouts.

Typical requirements

Aniview operates on a CPM basis and does not enforce strict traffic minimums, which makes it accessible to smaller publishers as well as scalable for larger media sites. Requirements tend to focus more on site quality and compliance than raw traffic volume.

Potential limitations

While Aniview offers flexibility and control, it does not provide the same level of built in content, discovery, or demand curation as some video first or managed platforms.

8. STN Video

STN Video is a video content and monetization network that allows publishers to run video ads without producing their own video content. It provides access to a library of professionally produced videos that can be embedded on a site and monetized through video advertising.

Best for

Publishers who want to add video content and video monetization but do not have the resources or desire to build an in house video operation.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads, delivered through the STN video player embedded within page content.

Typical requirements

STN Video operates on a CPM basis and generally works with publishers that have a minimum level of monthly traffic and a strong share of North American audiences. Publishers are required to use the STN video player as part of the setup.

Potential limitations

Because the video content is provided by STN, publishers have less control over video ownership, branding, and editorial direction compared to first party video strategies.

9. Teads

Teads is an out stream video advertising platform that focuses on delivering video ads within editorial and text based environments. Rather than relying on pre existing video content, Teads places video units directly into page layouts, making it a popular option for publishers with strong written content and engaged audiences.

Best for

Editorial and content driven publishers who want to monetize video without producing or hosting their own video content.

Video formats supported

Primarily out stream video ads, designed to load and play only when in view to protect user experience.

Typical requirements

Teads generally works with publishers that have high quality editorial content, strong engagement metrics, and audiences in premium markets. While exact thresholds vary, the platform tends to focus on brand safe environments rather than pure traffic volume.

Potential limitations

Because Teads specializes in out stream formats, it is less suitable for publishers looking to monetize first party video content or build a broader video strategy beyond in page placements.

10. Yahoo Advertising

Yahoo provides programmatic advertising solutions that give publishers access to premium brand demand across display and video formats. Its video capabilities are typically used by established publishers looking to monetize high quality inventory within brand safe, advertiser friendly environments.

Best for

Larger publishers with premium audiences who want access to brand led video demand through a well established advertising ecosystem.

Video formats supported

In stream and out stream video ads across desktop and mobile environments, with support for additional formats depending on setup and demand.

Typical requirements

Yahoo generally works with publishers that demonstrate strong content quality, reliable traffic volumes, and audiences in key markets. While exact entry requirements vary, it is better suited to established publishers with consistent performance and compliance standards.

Potential limitations

Compared to video first or fully managed monetization platforms, Yahoo offers less flexibility around experimentation and typically requires more hands on management from the publisher side.

11. Publisher Collective

At Publisher Collective, we work with you to build video monetization setups that make sense for your audience, content, and long term goals. Rather than operating as a single video ad network, we work across multiple demand sources and platforms to help publishers get the most value from video without relying on a one size fits all solution.

Best for

Publishers wanting full service video monetization with hands on support, ongoing optimization, and access to multiple video ad networks through a single managed setup.

Video formats supported

We support in stream and out stream video ads, alongside a range of placements such as floating, in content, and interstitial formats, depending on what fits best with your site and user experience.

Typical requirements

We work with publishers of different sizes and content types, with requirements shaped by traffic quality, audience geography, and monetization goals rather than fixed thresholds. Each video setup is tailored to the site rather than applied as a standard template.

Potential limitations

Because we operate as a managed partner rather than a self serve platform, we may not be the right fit for publishers who prefer to handle all setup and optimization internally.

Which Video Ad Network Is Right for You?

Once you’ve considered factors like traffic, content type, and internal resources, the next step is narrowing down which types of video ad networks are most likely to work for your setup.

Here’s how different publisher scenarios typically map to different solutions.

Text based sites without video content

Out stream and video discovery solutions are usually the most practical starting point. These allow publishers to monetize video demand without producing or managing video content.

Platforms like Primis, Teads, or STN Video are commonly used in these cases, particularly for editorial, blog, and utility driven sites.

Publishers with an existing video strategy

If you already produce video, in stream monetization becomes a natural next step. Video focused platforms such as Connatix or AnyClip offer more control over how video content and ads are delivered, while larger publishers may layer in programmatic demand through Google AdX, OpenX, or Magnite.

Smaller teams or growing publishers

Publishers without dedicated ad ops resources often benefit from solutions with lower entry barriers and simpler setup. Platforms like Primis or Aniview can be easier to manage, while a managed approach can help avoid early optimisation mistakes.

Publishers prioritising scale and control

Larger publishers with technical resources may prefer programmatic platforms that offer deeper control over auctions, pricing, and demand sources. In these cases, Google AdX, OpenX, or Magnite are commonly part of the stack.

Publishers who want a managed approach

For teams that don’t want to manage multiple platforms internally, working with a managed monetization partner can simplify video monetization. At Publisher Collective, we work across multiple video ad networks and formats, handling setup and ongoing optimization so you can focus on content and growth.

Not sure which video ad network makes sense for your site?

Choosing a video ad network is rarely straightforward. Between traffic requirements, format tradeoffs, and ongoing optimization, it can be hard to know where to start or how to tell if your current setup is actually working.

If you want a second opinion, we’re happy to help. At Publisher Collective, we work with publishers to review their existing monetization, test different video formats, and build setups that balance revenue growth with user experience.

Whether you’re exploring video for the first time or looking to improve what you already have in place, we can help you figure out the right approach.

Get in touch and let’s take a look at your setup together.