If you’re a small or mid-sized publisher looking to boost your site’s revenue with video ads—but you’re tired of YouTube’s ever-changing algorithms and limitations—there’s good news. You don’t need a massive audience or a degree in programmatic advertising to start earning real money from video ads. Many alternative video ad networks are now tailored specifically for smaller publishers, providing high RPMs (Revenue per Mille) and easy setup options that can get your video monetization strategy rolling—fast.
TL;DR
If YouTube isn’t cutting it for your monetization goals, several video ad networks offer fast and profitable ways to implement video ads directly on your site. These platforms support small publishers with easy integration, decent to high RPMs, and flexible ad formats. From native video placements to outstream autoplay ads, there’s a perfect fit for nearly every niche. Here’s a rundown of the top 7 networks to consider for instantly increasing your video ad revenue.
1. Primis
Primis is a leading video discovery platform tailored for small to medium publishers, offering excellent RPMs and engaging player layouts. The platform works by embedding a video widget on your site that shows contextually relevant content.
- RPM: Often ranges from $4 to $12, depending on site traffic and geography.
- Ad Types: Instream, outstream, and customizable video units.
- Best For: Informational blogs and news sites seeking non-intrusive video monetization.
Primis is known for its sleek integration and native-style video placement, allowing you to maintain your site’s aesthetic without disrupting content flow.
2. Outstream by Teads
Teads invented outstream video advertising, and their platform is ideal for publishers who don’t produce original video content but still want video ad revenue. Their ad units play between paragraphs or in suitable content spaces without requiring a hosted video file.
- RPM: Typically ranges from $5 to $15.
- Ad Types: Outstream only, fully responsive.
- Best For: Sites with high scroll depth and lots of written content.
The unobtrusiveness of outstream ads makes them appealing to both publishers and advertisers while maintaining solid user experience and revenue potential.
3. ExoClick
ExoClick is typically associated with the adult industry, but in recent years, it has diversified its offerings to serve mainstream publishers too. It includes robust video ad formats with global ad demand and niche targeting.
- RPM: Varies widely but can reach $10+ in high-performing verticals.
- Ad Types: Instream, pre-roll, post-roll.
- Best For: Niche websites and entertainment blogs with traffic from multiple geos.
With its simple dashboard and fast payout options, ExoClick is perfect for publishers willing to experiment with more unique monetization angles.
4. Unruly
Unruly focuses on emotional targeting and brand-safe video ads, which is great for publishers aiming to align with premium advertisers. Their video units are known for being high quality and engaging.
- RPM: $6 to $20 depending on audience and content category.
- Ad Types: Outstream, instream, custom formats.
- Best For: Lifestyle, news, and cultural content publishers wanting brand-safe ads.
With access to premium campaigns and guaranteed fill rates in Tier 1 geos, Unruly is an excellent choice if you maintain a clean, content-heavy site.
5. Brid.TV
Brid.TV is a full-fledged video platform offering Hosting + Monetization, making it a solid alternative to using YouTube for video hosting. You can upload your own content or use syndicated content, and they provide built-in advertising via programmatic partners.
- RPM: Typically between $4 and $15, depending on volume and geography.
- Ad Types: Pre-roll, mid-roll, post-roll, outstream, and display-to-video units.
- Best For: Publishers who want more control over video hosting and branding.
It’s particularly good for niche publications or those committed to having video content in-house without relying on third-party platforms like YouTube.
6. Magnite (formerly SpotX)
Magnite is one of the largest independent sell-side ad platforms, offering robust video monetization tools for smaller websites through their self-serve options. While traditionally used by big publishers, partners like JW Player and SpringServe make it more accessible for smaller publishers via third-party integrations.
- RPM: Can range from $8 to over $20 with good audience engagement.
- Ad Types: Instream video, CTV/OTT formats, display extensions.
- Best For: Publishers that already host their own videos or use a video CMS.
If you have consistent traffic and some technical know-how, Magnite can unlock access to premium advertisers and offer a strong uplift in revenue.
7. Media.net’s Video Ads (via Yahoo SSP)
Media.net is known for contextual display ads, but they now offer a relatively new video monetization suite powered by Yahoo’s SSP (Supply Side Platform). It supports native video placements and offers fairly simple integration for smaller sites.
- RPM: $5 to $12, based on region and ad visibility.
- Ad Types: Contextual video, outstream, native units.
- Best For: Publishers already using Media.net display ads.
This can be a good cross-sell opportunity for existing Media.net customers to add even more value to their existing display inventory with contextual video monetization.
How to Choose the Right Video Ad Network
When you’re deciding which video ad platform to implement, consider your site’s:
- Traffic location: RPMs vary widely based on geography. Networks like Primis and Teads perform best in the US and EU regions.
- Content type: If you don’t have your own videos, opt for outstream solutions like Unruly or Teads.
- Site layout: Make sure the video player or ad slot doesn’t disrupt user experience.
- Ease of setup: Some platforms like Brid.TV and Primis offer plug-and-play widgets ideal for non-techy users.
Tips to Maximize RPM with Video Ads
- Focus on high-quality traffic: Advertisers pay more for engaged users from Tier 1 countries.
- Place videos above-the-fold: Visibility increases, which directly affects viewability and CPMs.
- Monitor load speed: Heavy video players can slow down your site; use lightweight scripts.
- Test multiple strategies: Combine outstream with instream ads to find your highest-performing mix.
Final Thoughts
As more advertisers shift budgets to video, small publishers no longer need YouTube to tap into this lucrative revenue stream. From contextual outstream players to fully-hosted video content with ad layers, the tools are more accessible than ever. By choosing the right network and maximizing placement strategies, you can see impressive RPM results—even with modest traffic.
Whether you’re running a niche content site, a news aggregator blog, or a lifestyle portal, these seven high-RPM video ad networks offer an instant and scalable way to diversify and grow your online earnings without relying solely on YouTube.