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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryCTV, Video & AudioMezzanine File

CTV, Video & Audio

Mezzanine File

A high-quality master video file supplied with a VAST ad so streaming platforms can transcode it into formats suitable for server-side ad insertion.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A mezzanine file is a high-quality master video file supplied with a VAST ad so streaming platforms can transcode it into the formats and bitrates they need, particularly for server-side ad insertion. Providing a mezzanine file helps ensure ads match content quality and reduces failed impressions caused by incompatible creative files.