MediaTailor server-guided ad insertion configuration for live streams
AWS Elemental MediaTailor server-guided ad insertion for live content provides significant performance benefits through cacheable manifests. Configuring SGAI for live content uses the same core parameters as VOD, with specific considerations for live stream characteristics and real-time processing.
Requirements for live SGAI
Before you enable SGAI for live content, ensure that you have the following:
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Your live stream includes properly formatted DATERANGE markers
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Ad break durations are consistent and predictable
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Your CDN is configured to cache SGAI manifests appropriately
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Players support server-guided ad insertion workflows
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Your ad decision server can handle real-time requests for live content
Player requirements
Players must be configured to handle SGAI live manifests properly:
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Support for server-guided ad insertion workflows
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Ability to process ad insertion guidance from manifests
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Proper handling of live stream timing and synchronization
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For HLS content: Support for HLS version 8 and EXT-X-DATERANGE with CLASS attribute. Version 11 for server-side beaconing.
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For HLS content: EXT-X-DEFINE variable substitution support
Live playback configuration
To enable SGAI for live content, create a playback configuration that has the following settings:
Example SGAI live playback configuration
{ "Name": "LiveSGAIConfig", "VideoContentSourceUrl": "https://your-live-origin.com/live/stream.m3u8", "AdDecisionServerUrl": "https://your-ads.com/ads", "PersonalizationThresholdSeconds": 1, "InsertionMode": "PLAYER_SELECT" }
The following are key considerations for live SGAI configuration:
VideoContentSourceUrl-
Must point to a live HLS stream with properly formatted SCTE-35 DATERANGE markers. The stream should maintain consistent segment durations and bitrate variants.
SGAI live manifest requests
SGAI live manifests use the same URL pattern as traditional ad insertion:
https://your-config.mediatailor.region.amazonaws.com/v1/master/config-name/manifest.m3u8?aws.insertionMode=GUIDED
Testing SGAI live configuration
Verify your SGAI live setup with these validation steps:
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Test manifest generation
Request the SGAI live manifest URL and verify it returns cacheable content with proper ad insertion guidance.
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Verify CDN caching
Check that your CDN is caching SGAI manifests according to the configured TTL values.
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Test ad insertion
Confirm that players can successfully insert ads using the guidance provided in SGAI manifests.
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Monitor performance
Use CloudWatch metrics to verify reduced origin load and improved cache hit rates.
