Meet Podscribe’s SmartServe: Unlock Realtime Optimization and Control on Media Buys
Podscribe’s SmartServe unlocks programmatic-style control and targeting for any media buy where a VAST tag can be accepted – both direct and even on top of already programmatic buys.
By simply sending the publisher a VAST tag generated in the Podscribe UI, even for already purchased or live campaigns, powerful, new capabilities become available for both buyers and sellers such as:
Manage frequency across multiple campaigns & publishers
Exclude existing customers
Retarget site visitors
Configure real-time targeting in the UI, determining episodes, geos, apps, devices, days, audience segments, and more that impressions should be served to
Run sequential creative delivery or AB testing that separates listeners into groups
See true incrementality through built-in randomized holdout groups for control groups
…and more!
SmartServe gives similar control & targeting abilities as a programmatic buy on a DSP, but also with these additional benefits:
Can be layered onto any direct buy that accepts VAST tags
Can use the intelligence across an advertiser’s entire channel efforts which can be used for targeting tactics like global frequency capping or new customer
Intertwined alongside measurement, to make easy the fine-tuning of targeting based on what’s working
Pricing? The SmartServe CPM is FREE through EOY, for up to 3M impressions per advertiser.
Benefits For Advertisers
Performance from day one: Start with what already works, segments surfaced in Podscribe reporting.
Cross-publisher intelligence: Optimize using the combined learnings from your entire channel, not just a single campaign.
Streamlined with fewer fees: Keep your current deals; avoid extra DSP/SSP tolls where possible.
Easy to implement: If you can send a pixel, you can send this VAST URL.
Create your first Targeting Profile and share the VAST URL with your publisher.
Benefits For Publisher
Incremental revenue: Add targeted lines to existing IOs and unlock new budget without disrupting base buys.
Advertiser-led demand: Buyers bring the tag; you keep pacing, priority, and approvals.
Low operational lift: Treat it like any third-party VAST creative—no SDKs, no re-platforming.
Aligned with audio workflows: Designed for direct/PMP/PG, not open exchange.
How it works for Publishers
Receive the advertiser’s Podscribe VAST URL.
Traffic it in your ad server/hosting platform like any third-party VAST creative.
Deliver as usual. Podscribe enforces the Targeting Profile in-tag. You keep your normal reporting and controls.
When an advertiser asks for a Podscribe VAST tag, we can help get you set up fast! Reach out to partnerships@podscribe.com.
How To Activate SmartServe
Create a campaign in Podscribe as usual.
In the pixel generation window, click Setup to generate your VAST URL.
Upload creative, set your Targeting Profile, switch to Active.
Share the VAST URL with your publisher/network to traffic on your existing line.
Need more? Check out our help articles on How To Serve a Campaign Through Podscribe SmartServe and Why Serve a Campaign Through Podscribe
Availability
Podscribe’s SmartServe works today with publishers and networks that accept Podscribe’s third-party VAST tag on direct/PMP/PG deals. Not sure if a partner supports it? Email partnerships@podscribe.com and we’ll help.
Want to explore more?
These updates are live in your dashboard, go check it out! →
Need help getting started or want a quick walkthrough?
Reach out anytime at adops@podscribe.com or request a demo.
