Glossary A–ZLetter A
Ad slot
An ad slot is a fixed position in a screen network's loop that is reserved for a spot of a certain length.
In German it is called Werbeplatz. Ad slots are the unit in which many networks sell advertising time.
A sixty-second loop might, for example, contain six ad slots of ten seconds each, with the operator's own content running in between. If an advertiser books one slot, its spot appears once in every loop. In some networks two advertisers share a slot alternately, so that each runs only in every second loop.
Operators should set the number of slots per loop so that enough room remains for their own content and the loop does not become too long. Empty slots are filled with house ads or filler content so that the agreed frequency of all other spots stays correct. Whether a slot means a fixed position in the loop or only a commitment on frequency should be stated clearly in the offer.