Telos SSAI - User Guide

This guide explains how to implement Smart Ad Stitching technology using the provided URL structure and macros. Its goal is to help content owners, broadcasters, and publishers seamlessly integrate Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI) into their CTV (Connected TV) environments.  By following the steps, you’ll learn how to configure SSAI parameters, understand how each macro works and deliver a smooth, ad-supported streaming experience.

Find and manage streams

Navigate to Ad Insertion → Streams to view your existing streams.

This page provides a searchable table where you can review stream configurations, check their status, and access settings and reporting.

Find a stream

Use the controls above the table to narrow the list:

• Lookup: search for a stream.
• Select Source: filter by the connected Source.
• Select Traffic Router: filter by the connected Traffic Router.
• Status: show all, paused, or started streams.
• Archive: switch between non-archived and archived streams.

The table displays each stream’s ID, name, type, connected Source or Traffic Router, status, and last-updated information. Use the pagination and rows-per-page controls to navigate longer lists.

Manage a stream

From this page, you can:

• Select Create new Stream to open the stream configuration screen.
• Edit an existing stream.
• Pause an active stream or start a paused stream.
• Open a stream’s reporting to access Analytics and the Monetization Dashboard.
• Export the stream list using Export to CSV.

The Actions column provides shortcuts for managing individual streams.

Create and configure a stream

Select Create new Stream, or edit an existing stream, to open its configuration screen. This is where you identify the stream, provide its content origin, select its ad-serving connection, and configure insertion settings.

Enter the stream details

1. Enter a Stream Name that makes the stream easy to identify.
2. Review the Stream Type.
3. Enter the original HLS manifest URL in Origin URL.

Connect a Source or Traffic Router

Under Source Connection, choose how the stream will connect to IndiCue’s ad-serving configuration:

• Source:
  • Campaigns, ad tags, and tracking settings are managed on the connected source. This stream only controls how SSAI stitches ads into the video.
• Traffic Router:
  • Campaign and ad tag logic are managed on the connected traffic router. Tracking settings are inherited from the traffic router configuration.

Choose the appropriate connection from the selection field. You can return to this section to change the connection later.

Configure Ad Insertion Configuration

Use Ad Insertion Configuration to define when ads should play and the maximum duration of each ad break.

Choose an insertion method

• Cue Point (SCTE-35): Insert ads at SCTE-356 markers included in the stream.
• Interval-based (No SCTE): Specify ad insertion frequency when SCTE markers are not present.

Set the maximum ad pod duration

Enter the Maximum Ad Pod Duration in seconds. This defines the maximum duration of each ad break (block) in seconds. This controls how long each ad segment will play before returning to the main content.

Enable No Slate Mode

Control whether ads are inserted as additional content or replace part of the main content. Check ON if you want ads to be inserted alongside the main content (without interruption)

Enable pre-roll Ads

Select Enable Pre-roll Ads if you want to enable a pre-roll ad opportunity when a viewer starts the stream.

Configure CTV macros and generate a stitched URL

The CTV Macros section lets you select parameters to append to the stitched URL. Your CMS, video player, or integration can then populate the necessary values when requesting playback.

Available groups include General, Site, Device, Application, Privacy, Player, Content, Ad Podding, and DOOH. Select the macros relevant to your integration rather than adding every available parameter.

More details can be found in Platform Integration Macros

Copy the generated stitched URL

The Generated Stitched URL section combines the stream’s configuration and selected parameters into an output URL. The screen notes that only parameters with values are included and empty optional fields are omitted.

Copy the URL for use in your CMS, video player, or distribution integration. Before using it for playback, confirm that any placeholders are replaced with actual values or supported runtime substitutions.

Use Stream Analytics

Open a stream’s Analytics view to review streaming activity and ad-serving trends. Use the date selector to choose the reporting period and Refresh to reload the view.

The summary area contains:

• Stream Starts
• Avg Session Duration
• Unique Viewers

The Session & Ad Serving Trends chart displays:

• Session Counts
• Ad Calls
• Ad Requests
• Bids
• Wins

together over time.

The Stream Activity section provides separate charts for:

• Total Stream Starts.
• Total Ad Starts.

Use these views to inspect when activity occurred and compare streaming activity with ad-serving activity during the selected period.

Use the Monetization Dashboard

Open the Monetization Dashboard to review the monetization information presented for the stream’s connected Source. Select a reporting period and use Refresh to reload the dashboard.

Review the summary metrics

The dashboard displays:

The Source Monetization Over Time chart displays revenue and impressions across the selected period.

Review performance by time bucket

The Performance by Time Bucket table provides a more detailed breakdown, including:

• Date and hour.
• Stream Starts.
• Ad Requests.
• Impressions.
• Revenue.
• Revenue per Stream Start.
• Impressions per Stream Start.
• Fill Rate.

Use the table to inspect individual reporting periods alongside the dashboard totals.