The Best Ad Servers for Publishers


An ad server is an ad-serving technology platform that enables publishers to manage and serve online advertisements. The global ad server market was valued at approximately USD 7.5 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 14.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 14.2% during the forecast period. Over 80% of media enterprises and large digital publishers use ad servers to manage their ad inventory and optimize ad delivery. Ad servers allow targeting specific audience segments and tracking performance metrics like CTRs, impressions, clicks, conversions, and key values. Ad servers are tech engines which help both advertisers and publishers in ad management and ad distribution. These act are a unified form of ad management platforms and ad networks for publishers. There are two main types of ad servers for publishers: hosted ad servers and self-hosted ad servers.

  • Hosted ad servers: They are third-party services that provide publishers with ad-serving functionality. This is done in exchange for a fee. These services usually offer a user-friendly interface for creating and managing ad campaigns. They also offer advanced targeting and reporting features. Some popular examples of hosted ad servers for publishers include Google Ad Manager, AdRoll, and DoubleClick.
  • Self-hosted ad servers: They are installed on a publisher's own servers. These offer greater control and customization options. Self-hosted ad servers require more technical expertise to set up and maintain. Yet, they offer publishers the ability to fully customize ad serving and tracking capabilities. Some popular self-hosted ad server options include OpenX, AdZis, and Revive Adserver.

Adserver Infographic

Source: Adjust.com

Benefits of Ad Servers for Publishers


Ad servers offer several key benefits to publishers, including:

  • Ad Campaign Management: Ad servers provide publishers with a central platform for managing their advertising campaigns. This includes ad creation, scheduling, targeting, and optimization. By using an ad server, publishers can streamline their ad campaign management processes and save time.
  • Targeted Advertising: Ad servers allow publishers to target their ads to specific audience segments ranging from demographics and interests to behavior and more. This, in turn, improves ad relevance and effectiveness. Such improvement leads to higher click-through rates (CTR) and conversion rates.
  • Improved Ad Performance: Ad servers provide detailed performance metrics. These include impressions, clicks, conversions, and revenue. Publishers can use this data to optimize ad campaigns for better performance and ROI.
  • Ad Rotation: Ad servers can rotate ads automatically to prevent ad fatigue and ensure visitors see new ads each time they visit a website. This helps to keep audiences engaged and can lead to higher CTR and conversion rates.
  • Ad Fraud Prevention: Ad servers can act as an ad vertification tool and help to prevent ad fraud by detecting and blocking fraudulent traffic and invalid clicks. This helps to ensure that ad budgets are spent on genuine traffic and improves the accuracy of performance metrics.

Overall, ad servers offer publishers a range of benefits. These benefits help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of online advertising campaigns.

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SpringServe is a leading ad server solution known for its high-performance capabilities and advanced optimization features. Catering to publishers and advertisers alike, SpringServe ensures seamless ad delivery, maximizing revenue through precise targeting and real-time analytics. With an impressive 99.9% uptime and support for various ad formats, it stands out as a robust choice in the competitive ad tech landscape. SpringServe's intuitive platform handles over 5 billion daily ad requests, providing unparalleled scalability and efficiency. Its comprehensive suite of tools includes demand path optimization and automated bidding, empowering users to achieve superior yield management. Join the ranks of top publishers leveraging SpringServe to enhance ad performance and drive substantial growth.

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Aniview, a prominent player in the Ad Servers category, offers cutting-edge solutions for video ad serving, boasting over 10,000 publishers and reaching millions of viewers daily. Their advanced technology ensures high fill rates and optimal ad delivery, enhancing user experience and maximizing revenue. With Aniview's robust platform, publishers experience a 30% increase in ad performance and seamless integration across all devices. Trusted by industry leaders, Aniview provides unparalleled support and innovative features, making it a top choice for effective and efficient ad serving.

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AdButler is an internet advertising platform for publishers and marketers. It facilitates direct ad sales by publishers (instead of through ad networks), which yields larger profits. Its fully automated ordering system makes it simple for advertisers to purchase advertisements.

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Connatix's ad server empowers publisher's sales team with regard to video ads. Using its DSP integrations, publishers are delivered direct deals and are given the flexibility to create contextual targeting rules. Publishers have access and power to manage campaigns with various thresholds.

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Adform flow is a global, independent, and fully integrated advertising platform built for modern marketing.

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Smart AdServer is a leading ad server and monetization platform that enhances publishers' revenue through efficient ad management and dynamic optimization. Handling over 1 trillion ad impressions annually, Smart AdServer supports multiple ad formats, including display, video, and native ads, ensuring seamless integration and high performance. Its powerful features, such as real-time bidding and advanced targeting, empower publishers to maximize their ad revenue. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive analytics provide actionable insights, driving significant growth. Join the numerous top-tier publishers who trust Smart AdServer to streamline their ad operations and boost profitability in the competitive ad tech landscape.

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Epom, a standout in the Ad Servers category, delivers versatile ad serving solutions that cater to over 60,000 advertisers and publishers globally. Their platform supports various ad formats, ensuring high engagement and increased revenue through precise targeting and seamless delivery. With Epom, users experience a 35% boost in ad performance and benefit from an intuitive, scalable interface. Known for its powerful features and exceptional customer service, Epom remains a top choice for efficient and effective ad serving in today's competitive digital landscape.

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SpotX is a premier ad server and video ad monetization platform that empowers publishers and broadcasters to maximize their revenue. With a global reach and support for multiple ad formats, SpotX delivers over 10 billion video ad impressions monthly, ensuring high fill rates and optimized yield through advanced programmatic solutions. SpotX's cutting-edge technology includes real-time analytics, audience segmentation, and demand optimization, making it a trusted partner for top-tier publishers. Its user-friendly interface and robust security measures provide a seamless experience, driving significant growth and engagement. Partner with SpotX to elevate your ad strategy and achieve unparalleled success in the digital advertising ecosystem.

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Kevel, a leader in the Ad Servers category, empowers developers to build custom ad platforms with ease, serving billions of API requests monthly. Their innovative solutions enhance ad management and personalization, driving higher engagement and revenue for publishers. With Kevel, publishers see a 40% improvement in ad performance and enjoy seamless scalability across various platforms. Renowned for its robust API and exceptional support, Kevel is the go-to choice for creating tailored ad experiences that captivate audiences and maximize returns.

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Broadstreet Ads specializes in providing a robust ad server for local and B2B publishers, designed to enhance direct sales efforts. Their platform is trusted by over 500 companies, delivering features such as automated reporting and HTML5 ad formats, which can boost click-through rates by up to 400%. It also offers a seamless user experience with tools like a spec ad library, newsletter advertising management, and a sponsored content tracker. This ad server helps publishers maintain content integrity while driving revenue, making it a top choice for efficient and impactful ad management.

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How to Choose the Best Ad Servers for Publishers?


Choosing the best ad server for your publishing needs can be daunting. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating ad server options:

  • Features: Look for an ad server with the features you need to manage your advertising campaigns effectively. Some key features to consider include ad creation, targeting, optimization, reporting, and fraud prevention.
  • Ease of Use: Consider how user-friendly the ad server is. Look for a platform that is intuitive and easy to navigate. This means it provides clear instructions and minimal technical knowledge required.
  • Customization: Consider how much control you want over the ad-serving process. A self-hosted ad server may be the best option if you wish to have complete control. If you prefer a simpler, more streamlined approach, a hosted ad server may be more suitable.
  • Scalability: Consider how well the ad server can handle increasing traffic and ad volumes. Look for a platform that can scale with your needs and provide fast, reliable service.
  • Integration: Consider how well the ad server integrates with other tools and platforms you use. These include website analytics or third-party ad networks.
  • Support: Look for an ad server provider that offers comprehensive customer support. These include online resources, documentation, and live support options.
  • Cost: Finally, consider the cost of the ad server. Look for a platform that offers a reasonable price point and a transparent pricing structure.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the ad server that best meets your publishing needs by carefully assessing these factors.
Ad servers offer publishers a powerful tool for managing and optimizing their online advertising campaigns. By providing a centralized platform for ad creation, targeting, optimization, and reporting, ad servers can help publishers improve their campaigns' effectiveness. They also reduce ad fraud and ensure accurate performance metrics. When choosing an ad server, it's essential to consider factors such as features, ease of use, customization, scalability, integration, support, and cost. This is done to find the best fit for your publishing needs. Ultimately, by choosing the right ad server and using it effectively, publishers can enhance the performance of their online advertising campaigns and maximize their return on investment (ROI).

Ad Servers FAQs

The cost of an ad server for publishers varies depending on the specific platform and the features and benefits it provides. Some ad servers offer pricing based on the number of impressions. Others have a subscription model, while others may provide custom pricing based on specific needs and requirements.

Some popular ad servers for publishers include Google Ad Manager, AdButler, Revive Adserver and OpenX.

Look for features such as advanced targeting and optimization. Also, look for support for multiple ad formats and sizes, easy integration with other ad tech platforms, real-time reporting and analytics, and robust ad management tools.

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