What is Dynamic Ad Insertion?
Dynamic ad insertion (DAI) is technology that inserts ads into podcast episodes at the moment of download or streaming, rather than permanently embedding them in the audio file. This enables targeted advertising, campaign updates, and monetization of back-catalog episodes.
How Dynamic Insertion Works
Listener requests episode
↓
Server identifies ad markers in audio
↓
Selects appropriate ads based on:
- Listener location
- Campaign availability
- Targeting criteria
- Time/date rules
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Stitches audio: content + selected ads
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Delivers personalized episode to listener
Dynamic vs Baked-In Comparison
| Aspect | Dynamic (DAI) | Baked-In |
|---|---|---|
| Can update ads | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Monetize back catalog | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Targeted delivery | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Campaign flight dates | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Host-read feel | Varies | ✓ Authentic |
| Always sounds fresh | ✓ Yes | ✗ May date |
DAI Ad Insertion Points
Marker-based insertion:
[Episode audio]
├── Intro
├── 🔸 Marker: pre-roll
├── Content
├── 🔸 Marker: mid-roll-1
├── More content
├── 🔸 Marker: mid-roll-2
├── Final content
└── 🔸 Marker: post-roll
Targeting Capabilities
| Targeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Geographic | Country, state, city, DMA |
| Time-based | Day of week, time of day |
| Device | iOS, Android, desktop |
| Frequency | Limit impressions per listener |
| Sequential | Ads in specific order |
| Campaign | Start/end dates |
DAI Benefits
| Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|
| Back catalog monetization | Old episodes earn revenue |
| Fresh campaigns | Replace expired sponsors |
| Reduced dated content | No more "visit 2019 conference" |
| Better targeting | Right ad to right listener |
| Flexible inventory | Adjust without re-uploading |
Why It Matters
Dynamic ad insertion transforms your podcast catalog from a static archive into an ongoing revenue-generating asset. Episodes you recorded years ago can earn money today.
Why DAI matters for monetization:
-
Back catalog value: Your archive of 200 episodes becomes 200 ongoing revenue opportunities, not historical artifacts.
-
Campaign flexibility: Run two-week campaigns without permanent audio changes.
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Relevance: No more "sign up for our 2022 conference" playing in 2025.
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Yield optimization: Fill inventory with highest-paying available ads.
Economic impact of DAI:
| Scenario | Baked-In Only | With DAI |
|---|---|---|
| New episode (10K downloads) | $280 | $280 |
| Old episode (1K downloads) | $0 | $28 |
| 100-episode catalog monthly | $0 | $2,800+ |
DAI considerations:
| Factor | Advantage | Challenge |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | Maximizes monetization | Requires technology |
| Listener experience | Relevant ads | May feel less personal |
| Host authenticity | N/A | Hard to match host-read |
| Implementation | Flexible | Needs proper marker placement |
The hybrid approach: Many podcasters use both—baked-in ads for flagship host-read sponsors that benefit from personal delivery, and DAI for programmatic inventory, back-catalog, and campaign-based sponsors.
How to Use This in Dispatch
Enable dynamic ad insertion in your monetization settings:
Setting up DAI:
- Go to Settings → Monetization
- Enable Dynamic Ad Insertion
- Configure your ad markers for each episode
Marking insertion points:
- Add markers in the episode editor at desired insertion points
- Label as pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll
- Set marker duration (time reserved for ads)
Campaign management:
- Create campaigns with start/end dates
- Upload audio for each campaign
- Set targeting rules (geographic, device, etc.)
- Monitor impression delivery
Back catalog: Apply insertion markers to existing episodes to monetize your archive without re-uploading audio.
Revenue tracking: View DAI performance alongside baked-in metrics in your Analytics dashboard.