Prebid Server Overview
Prebid Server is an open-source solution for server-to-server header bidding. It supports a number of key use cases: mobile app, AMP, server-side web with Prebid.js, and long-form video.
Prebid Server is a header bidding server with a growing list of features. At a high level, it works like this:
- Prebid Server completes and validates incoming requests
- Resolves dynamic stored requests
- Enforces privacy regulations
- Next, it calls server-side bid adapters
- There are currently 100+ server-side bid adapters available
- After everyone’s responded (or the timeout period has expired), it formulates an appropriate response
- Handles currency conversion
- Quantizes bids
- Caches VAST XML or creatives as needed
It also has optional analytics support.
The Prebid Cache is an adjunct to Prebid Server that stores VAST and bids as needed, supporting video and AMP use cases.
Explore Prebid Server features in more detail.
Where to Run Prebid Server
Unlike Prebid.js, Prebid Server is a server. It needs somewhere to run, and that somewhere ought to be scaleable, distributed, and fast.
Hosted
The simplest route to working with Prebid Server is to sign up for a hosted solution. Several Prebid.org members host up-to-date server software with a global footprint, and provide tools to manage stored requests.
DIY
But of course this is open source, so you’re welcome to do this on your own. If you decide to implement your own Prebid Server solution, first check out the general Prebid Server host company overview.
Then you need to decide which of the two implementations to utilize:
- Prebid Server (Go) - the original Prebid Server is written in the Go language.
- Prebid Server (Java) - Prebid Server with a Java language port.
To choose between them, see the Prebid Server version overview and the FAQ.
Which Server-Side Bidders to Utilize
We’ve provided a full list of Prebid Server bidders, including various details about those bidders, such as media types supported and contact info.
If you’re a demand source, we also have information about creating your own server-side adapter.
Where to Find Help
If you need help with Prebid Server, the best ways to communicate with us are:
- Post an issue in the prebid-server GitHub repo.
- Join prebid.org and get access to our Slack workspace.