On December 4, 2024, the IAB Tech Lab, a pivotal entity in setting technical standards for digital advertising globally, announced the commencement of a public comment period for the Ad Creative ID Framework (ACIF) Validation API. This innovative API is designed to automate the validation of registered creative IDs, thus creating a more streamlined and efficient workflow for TV and video advertising operations. Following this announcement, industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback and insights during the 45-day comment period, which runs until January 18, 2025.
The introduction of the ACIF Validation API marks a significant advancement aimed at resolving persistent challenges within the fragmented ad landscape. According to Anthony Katsur, CEO of IAB Tech Lab, this API targets inefficiencies that have historically plagued the industry. "ACIF Validation API cuts through the noise and addresses a fundamental challenge in our industry," he stated, emphasizing the role the API plays in empowering publishers and platforms to simplify their operations.
The API functions as a vital component in the ongoing effort to normalize technology across TV and video platforms. By requiring ad registration authorities to adopt the framework and encouraging its integration into various ad tech platforms, the ACIF Validation API promises to facilitate smoother decision-making, placement, and measurement processes. This initiative ultimately benefits all players in the advertising ecosystem, from registration authorities to publishers managing automated creative workflows.
Prominent figures in the advertising sector have voiced their support for this initiative. Bob Liodice, CEO of the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), noted that the ACIF Validation API simplifies critical operations in addressing the challenges faced by advertisers in understanding the complexities of the CTV advertising environment. "Advertisers need to make sense of a fragmented CTV advertising ecosystem while maximizing the return on their media spend. The ACIF Validation API streamlines a critical part of that process by automating creative ID validation," Liodice shared.
Ryan McConville, Executive Vice President at NBCUniversal, reiterated the importance of this API in enhancing operational efficiency across the supply chain. In his statement, he highlighted that standardization would make scaling Advanced TV operations significantly more manageable for both publishers and platforms. Additionally, Kevin O'Reilly, Chief Strategy Officer at XR Extreme Reach, pointed out that the API simplifies the creative ID validation process, enabling publishers to function more effectively as they manage advertiser messaging across multiple platforms.
Nada Bradbury, CEO of AD-ID, elaborated on the framework's potential benefits for registration authorities, emphasizing the importance of creative registration and its scalability for growth in Advanced TV advertising. Jarred Wilichinsky, Senior Vice President of Ad Operations at Paramount, recognized the API as an essential tool for validating creative IDs, which would streamline workflows and enhance ad quality.
The IAB Tech Lab invites all stakeholders in the advertising ecosystem to engage in reviewing the ACIF Validation API and to contribute insights that will help refine this crucial tool. For those interested in participating, further details can be found on the IAB Tech Lab's official website. With the growing demands of the digital advertising landscape, initiatives like the ACIF Validation API represent a vital shift towards greater efficiency, transparency, and standardization, thus paving the way for innovation in CTV advertising and beyond.
For more information on the ACIF Validation API and to join the public comment period, please visit
IAB Tech Lab.
About IAB Technology Laboratory: The IAB Tech Lab is a non-profit consortium established in 2014, focusing on developing foundational technology and standards that promote growth and trust within the digital media ecosystem. Their work spans various initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues such as brand safety, ad fraud, privacy, and programmatic advertising effectiveness. The collaborative efforts of its member community containing digital publishers, ad tech companies, and agencies enable the creation of essential standards and guidelines to match the evolving needs of the industry.