Google launches a beta for audio ads in Ad Manager

Google this week launched a beta for audio ads in Ad Manager. Publishers in the beta can now traffic in-stream audio ads and manage audio campaigns in Ad Manager.

Audio ads work like video - the same metrics - however there is no video - just audio and companion banners (normally 300x250px).

According to Google, publishers can set up the audio inventory the same as they would do with any other inventory. When creating an ad unit, publishers need to select Audio as the VAST master size to target in the line items.

On the reporting, publishers can use the creative type report dimension to see the audio campaigns. The “Video creative sets” type currently includes audio ads.

Google clarifies that Ad Manager counts an impression for any audio ad once the IMA SDK integrated audio player has begun playback of the ad.