Video Multiple Ad Playlist (VMAP)

An IAB XML spec that lets content owners define where ad breaks (pre-, mid-, post-roll) occur in a video when they don't control the player.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

Video Multiple Ad Playlist (VMAP) is an IAB XML specification that lets content owners define where ad breaks, such as pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll, occur within a video when they do not control the video player. It describes the timing and structure of breaks, while VAST describes the individual ads served within them.