Getting Started With AWS Elemental MediaTailor
This section will learn how to set up AWS Elemental MediaTailor for ad insertion service.
Step 1: Set up and log into the AWS account.
First of all, we need to create an account or log in to the AWS management console to set up our account. We can also create IAM (Identity and Access Management) role.

AWS Management Console
Step 2: Prepare a video stream.
Now we need to create a video stream on which we can implement AWS Elemental MediaTailor ad insertion. We can configure the origin server for video stream by clicking on the "AWS Elemental MediaPackage" from the services option, as shown in the image below.

All Services option in AWS Management Console
Here, we can create a new channel for live streaming or can add image assets for video-on-demand service by clicking on the respective button from the MediaPackage page, as shown in the image below.

AWS Elemental MediaPackage
It will create the manifests for HLS (HTTP Live Streaming protocol) or DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) compatible with MediaTailor.
Step 3: Create a configuration
A configuration is an object that we interact with within AWS Elemental MediaTailor. It holds the mapping information or data for the origin and ADS (ad decision servers). We can also define a default playback for the MediaTailor to use when no ad is available or doesn't fill the entire available ad.
If we use a CDN (content distribution network) with MediaTailor, we must set up the behavior rules in the CDN before we add CDN information to the configuration.
To create a configuration, let's open the MediaTailor Console page, move on to the configuration page, and then select the Create Configuration option. And then fill in the details to proceed.
Step 4: Deliver content with dynamic ad insertion
Serve targeted ads to the viewers via video stream using a CDN (Content Delivery Network) such as Amazon CloudFront and Cloudflare.
Working of MediaTailor
MediaTailor interacts between our CDN (content delivery network), origin server, and the ADS (ad decision server) to stitch personalized ads into the live stream and video on-demand content. We can understand the workflow of AWS Elemental MediaTailor with the below Image:

Working of AWS Elemental MediaTailor
Source: docs.aws.amazon.com
Advantages of MediaTailor
AWS Elemental MediaTailor offers a lot of important advances over other traditional ad-tracking systems. Some of them are listed below:
- Ads are more consistent in resolution and video quality, better monetized, and easier to manage among multi-platform environments.
- Ad workflow is simplified by letting all connected devices render ads in the same way as they render any other content.
- Advanced monitoring and tracking of ad views may increase the monetization of content.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the other ad-tracking options available in the market?
We have a lot of ad-tracking services offered by various companies like Google Marketing Platform (formerly DoubleClick), Google Ad Manager, Google Ads, Facebook pixel, etc.
How do I get access to MediaTailor in the AMS account?
We can request access to MediaTailor by submitting an RFC(Request for Change) with the Management. This RFC provisions the IAM role to our account: customer-mediatailor-role. After it's provisioned in our account, we must take onboard the role in our federation solution.
What are the restrictions of using MediaTailor in an AMS account?
We have no restrictions for the use of MediaTailor in the AMS account.
What are the prerequisites for using MediaTailor in my AMS account?
We do not have any prerequisites or requirements for using MediaTailor in the AMS Account.
Conclusion
In this article, we have extensively discussed the AWS Elemental MediaTailor.
We hope that this blog has helped you enhance your knowledge of AWS Elemental MediaTailor, its setup, and its advantages and if you would like to learn more, check out our articles on AWS CloudHSM, AWS License Manager, AWS DeepRacer Part-1. Do upvote our blog to help other ninjas grow. Happy Coding!