Release Notes – June 2026

This release brings major Ad Manager enhancements in V4, two new product launches — FAST Channel Builder and VOD Ad Insertion — an updated Developer Hub, and V5 bug fixes across invoice and critical backup workflows.

General Updates

Developer Hub – Refreshed UI & Navigation

• The Developer Hub has been updated with a new interface designed for easier navigation and faster access to API references, guides, and integration documentation.
• 📖 Explore: developer.5centscdn.net

New Product Launches

Product Launch: FAST Channel Builder

• FAST Channel Builder is now available — a complete end-to-end solution for launching a Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV channel on one platform.
• Covers the full pipeline in one place:
  • Schedule – build a 24/7 linear channel from your VOD library using the Scheduler.
  • Transcode – encode into a full ABR ladder for every device and screen size.
  • Monetize – insert ads server-side at every break via SSAI and SCTE-35, using your own VAST tag or Ad Manager.
  • Deliver – stream to Roku, Samsung TV Plus, Tubi, Pluto TV, LG Channels, and more.
• Two delivery paths supported:
  • Path A (Aggregator-Distributed) – deliver a clean HLS feed with SCTE-35 markers to a third-party FAST platform, which handles ad insertion on their end.
  • Path B (Self-Distributed / SSAI) – own the full pipeline including ad insertion, inventory management via Ad Manager, and delivery of the finished monetized stream.
• The stack is modular — join at any stage you haven't already solved.
• Clients retain 100% of ad revenue; 5centsCDN charges only the applicable technology/service fee.
• 📖 Learn more: 5centscdn.net/monetization/fast-channel-builder

Product Launch: Ad Insertion for VOD (SSAI, CSAI & SGAI)

• VOD Ad Insertion is now available, bringing server-side, client-side, and server-guided ad insertion support to on-demand video content.
• Three insertion modes supported:
  • SSAI (Server-Side Ad Insertion) – ads are stitched directly into the VOD stream server-side, ensuring seamless playback and full ad-blocker resistance.
  • CSAI (Client-Side Ad Insertion) – ads are fetched and played by the player, enabling rich measurement and interactive ad formats.
  • SGAI (Server-Guided Ad Insertion) – a hybrid approach where the server decides the ad and signals the opportunity via the manifest, while the player fetches, plays, and tracks the ad client-side — combining SSAI's ad-blocker resistance with CSAI's measurement accuracy and interactivity.
• Clients retain 100% of ad revenue; 5centsCDN charges only the applicable technology/service fee.
• 📖 Learn more: Blog – What is SGAI?

V4 Updates

Feature: Ad Manager – Advanced Filter Parameters

• Ad Manager now supports advanced filtering parameters including OS, Browser, Content ID, and more.
• Enables more precise ad targeting and audience segmentation for served campaigns.

Feature: Ad Manager – Improved Variables & Query Parameter Support

• Enhanced support for dynamic variables and query parameters within Ad Manager configurations.
• Enables more flexible and precise ad request customization across campaigns.

Feature: Ad Manager – VMAP Support

• Ad Manager now supports VMAP (Video Multiple Ad Playlist), allowing structured multi-break ad schedules to be defined in a single tag response.
• Simplifies ad break management for longer-form content with multiple ad slots.

Feature: Service Activity Logs – Advanced Search & Export

• Service Activity Logs now include advanced search capabilities and an export option.
• Users can filter log entries with greater precision and export data for external reporting, auditing, or analysis.

Feature: SSAI Live Streaming – Advanced Reports & Logs

• SSAI Live Streaming now includes advanced reporting and detailed logs, with full export support.
• Provides deeper visibility into ad delivery performance, fill rates, and session-level SSAI activity.

Coming Soon to V5

• All V4 Ad Manager enhancements and the features listed above are currently in testing for V5, with a rollout expected shortly.

V5 Updates

Bug Fixes

• Resolved UI issues within the Invoice workflow for improved billing reliability.
• Resolved UI issues within the Critical Backup module for a smoother management experience.