Client-Side Ad Insertion (CSAI)

A method where the viewer's video player requests and plays ads separately from the content, typically allowing richer tracking but more susceptibility to ad blockers.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Client-side ad insertion (CSAI) is a method in which the viewer's video player requests and plays ads separately from the content stream. Because the player calls the ad server directly, CSAI typically allows richer tracking and interactivity, but it is more susceptible to ad blockers and can cause buffering or visible transitions between content and ads.