New in the Media Cloud: Create FAST Channels with 24/7 Scheduler Ad Breaks for SSAI

We’re excited to introduce a powerful new feature in the Media Cloud that helps you prepare your 24/7 Scheduler Channels for ad-supported streaming: Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI).

With SSAI ad-break support enabled, you can schedule ad-break opportunities directly within your existing 24/7 Scheduler Channel and generate a Channel feed for a compatible third-party FAST or SSAI provider – making it easier to prepare your Channels for monetization.

How Does It Work?

Continue building and managing your programming schedule in the Media Cloud just as you do today. Then, use the new ADS tab to schedule ad breaks throughout your 24/7 programming.

The Media Cloud generates a Channel feed with scheduled ad markers that can be shared with a compatible third-party FAST or SSAI provider. Your provider uses those markers to insert advertisements and create the final ad-enabled playback feed.

Send that completed feed to Lightcast for compatibility review and integration into your supported Apps and Web Player.

Once your Channel feed has been shared with your provider, you can generally continue updating your programming schedule and ad breaks without sending a new feed URL for routine changes.

Why This Matters

With SSAI ad-break support for 24/7 Scheduler Channels, you can:

• Create new monetization opportunities for scheduled programming

• Add ad-break opportunities without leaving your existing Scheduler workflow

• Continue updating your programming and ad breaks in the Media Cloud

• Maintain a seamless viewing experience across your Apps and Web Player

A Quick Note

SSAI ad-break support must be enabled for your 24/7 Scheduler Channel, and a compatible third-party FAST or SSAI provider is required to insert advertisements into the stream.

If you’re interested in enabling SSAI ad-break support, our team will be happy to help guide you through the setup and integration process.

If you have any questions about SSAI ad-break support for 24/7 Scheduler Channels, our team is here for you!

Enjoy the latest Media Cloud improvements — and happy streaming!

P.S. Check out our Release Page for more information about our releases.
Your Lightcast Success Team