Monetizing live streams requires more than just delivering video — it requires precise ad signaling, reliable workflows, and platform-ready SCTE-35 support.
That’s why SCTE-35 has become the industry standard for:
- Live stream ad insertion
- FAST platform monetization
- Server-side ad insertion (SSAI)
- Broadcast-grade streaming workflows
At 5centsCDN, we support SCTE workflows in two powerful ways:
- SCTE-35 Marker Pass-through (from your encoder)
- SCTE-35 Marker Insertion + SSAI (by 5centsCDN)
This guide explains how SCTE-35 support works for pass-through, marker insertion, and SSAI monetization in live streaming.
What is SCTE-35 in Live Streaming?
SCTE-35 is a signaling standard used to mark ad break opportunities in live video streams.
These markers allow streaming platforms to insert ads through:
- Platform-side ad insertion (FAST platforms like Roku)
- Server-side ad insertion (SSAI), where ads are stitched into the stream
SCTE-35 is essential for broadcasters who want scalable monetization without disrupting playback.
How 5centsCDN Provides SCTE-35 Support for Live Streaming
5centsCDN supports SCTE-35 in two main ways:
1. SCTE Marker Pass-through
Markers are generated upstream by your encoder and preserved throughout delivery.
2. SCTE Marker Insertion (by 5centsCDN)
Markers are inserted at the CDN level when your ingest does not include SCTE markers or when you want full break control.
We can support both:
- Marker delivery (FAST platforms insert ads)
- SSAI ad insertion (5centsCDN inserts ads server-side)
Clients keep 100% of ad revenue. 5centsCDN charges only the technology/service fee where applicable.
A) SCTE-35 Marker Pass-through (From Source Encoder)
What Pass-through Means
Your encoder inserts SCTE-35 markers, and 5centsCDN ensures those markers remain intact through the streaming pipeline.
Supported Input and Output
- Input: SRT only
- Output: HLS only
Pass-through supports SCTE markers:
- With transcoding
- Without transcoding
Transcoding Note
If transcoding is enabled (for ABR ladders or multi-device delivery), transcoding fees apply.
Typical Use Cases
Pass-through is ideal when:
- Your broadcast pipeline already generates SCTE markers
- You want to deliver HLS with markers to FAST platforms
- Roku or Samsung TV Plus will handle ad insertion downstream
B) SCTE-35 Marker Insertion (By 5centsCDN)
What Marker Insertion Means
5centsCDN inserts SCTE-35 markers directly at the CDN level — even if your ingest stream does not carry SCTE markers.
This is especially useful for protocols like:
- RTMP ingest
- Non-broadcast contribution workflows
- Streams without upstream ad signaling
Supported Ingest Protocols
Marker insertion works with any ingest protocol supported by 5centsCDN, including:
- SRT
- RTMP
- Other supported live ingest protocols
Insertion Modes Supported
Scheduled SCTE-35 Insertion
Define ad breaks on a time schedule, such as:
- Every X minutes
- Fixed break windows
Dynamic SCTE-35 Insertion
Ad breaks triggered dynamically depending on workflow requirements.
Output Options
Marker insertion can deliver:
- HLS with SCTE markers (for FAST platforms), or
- HLS with SSAI ads inserted (server-side)
Typical Use Cases
Marker insertion is best when:
- Your encoder does not generate SCTE-35
- You want 5centsCDN to standardize breaks across streams
- You want SSAI without relying on upstream markers
C) SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) Using Ad Managers
What is SSAI in Live Streaming?
SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) means ads are stitched directly into the live stream before reaching viewers.
This improves:
- Playback consistency
- Ad-block resistance
- Monetization scalability
5centsCDN supports SSAI using your Ad Manager VAST URL.
SSAI Requirements
To enable SSAI, you provide:
- A VAST 3.0+ tag URL
- Ad break strategy (pass-through, scheduled, or dynamic)
- Stream input/output details
Google Ad Manager is one example — all major ad managers are supported.
Billing Note
- SSAI includes a technology/service fee
- Client keeps 100% of ad revenue
- No revenue share with 5centsCDN
Alternative Without SSAI
If you deliver HLS with SCTE markers to FAST platforms like Roku:
- They insert ads on their side
- SSAI fee does not apply
Pricing & Billing Notes (High Level)
SCTE workflows depend on which services are enabled:
- Transcoding Fee → applies whenever transcoding is enabled
- SSAI Fee → applies only when ads are inserted server-side
- Marker Pass-through without transcoding → no SSAI fee
Pricing for SCTE-35 support depends on whether transcoding or SSAI ad insertion is enabled.
Contact Sales/Billing for the applicable rate card.
Quick Decision Guide
- You have SCTE in your encoder + SRT ingest → Use Pass-through (SRT → HLS)
- You want 5centsCDN to insert SCTE markers → Use Marker Insertion
- You want ads inserted server-side (SSAI) → Provide a VAST 3+ tag
- You want Roku/FAST platforms to insert ads → Deliver HLS with markers
Implementation Checklist (What We Need From You)
To enable SCTE-35 or SSAI workflows, share:
- Stream ingest type: SRT, RTMP, or other
- Output required: HLS
- SCTE method: Pass-through or 5centsCDN insertion
- Ad insertion: Platform-side or SSAI
If SSAI:
- VAST tag URL (VAST 3.0+)
- Expected break pattern (timing/duration)
- Whether transcoding is required (ABR ladder)
Get Started with SCTE-35 & SSAI
If your team needs broadcast-grade monetization workflows with:
- SCTE-35 passthrough
- Marker insertion
- SSAI with VAST support
- FAST platform delivery
Ready to monetize live streams with enterprise-grade SCTE-35 support and SSAI workflows? Contact 5centsCDN to get started.
