Prebid Integration

Category: Demand Wrapper Status: Production Type: Header Bidding

Overview

The Prebid integration enables server-side header bidding through Prebid Server while maintaining first-party context and privacy compliance.

What is Prebid?

Prebid is the leading open-source header bidding solution that allows publishers to offer ad inventory to multiple demand sources simultaneously, maximizing revenue through competition.

Configuration

[integrations.prebid]
enabled = true
server_url = "https://prebid-server.example.com/openrtb2/auction"
timeout_ms = 1200
bidders = ["kargo", "rubicon", "appnexus"]
auto_configure = true
debug = false

Features

Server-Side Header Bidding

Move header bidding to the server for:

• Faster page loads (reduce browser JavaScript)
• Better mobile performance
• Reduced client-side latency
• Improved user experience

OpenRTB 2.x Support

Full OpenRTB protocol conversion:

• Converts ad units to OpenRTB imp objects
• Injects publisher domain and page URL
• Adds synthetic ID for privacy-safe tracking
• Supports banner, video, and native formats

Synthetic ID Injection

Automatically injects privacy-preserving synthetic ID into bid requests for user recognition without cookies.

Request Signing

Optional Ed25519 request signing for bid request authentication and fraud prevention.

Endpoints

GET /first-party/ad

Server-side ad rendering for single ad slot.

Query Parameters:

• slot - Ad unit code
• w - Width in pixels
• h - Height in pixels

Response: Complete HTML creative with first-party proxying.

POST /third-party/ad

Client-side auction endpoint for TSJS library.

Request Body: Ad units configuration Response: OpenRTB bid response with creatives

GET /prebid.js (Optional)

Empty script override to prevent client-side Prebid.js loading when using server-side bidding.

Use Cases

Pure Server-Side Header Bidding

Replace client-side Prebid.js entirely with server-side auctions for maximum performance.

Hybrid Client + Server

Use server-side for primary demand, client-side for niche bidders.

Mobile-First Monetization

Optimize mobile ad serving with reduced JavaScript overhead.

Implementation

See crates/common/src/integrations/prebid.rs for full implementation.

OpenRTB Request Construction

Located in build_openrtb_from_ts() function (line 335):

• Converts ad units to impressions
• Adds site metadata
• Injects bidder parameters
• Generates unique request ID

Best Practices

1. Configure Timeouts: Set timeout_ms based on your latency requirements
2. Select Bidders: Enable only bidders you have direct relationships with
3. Monitor Performance: Track bid response times and fill rates
4. Test Thoroughly: Validate bid requests in debug mode before production

Next Steps

• Review Ad Serving Guide for general concepts
• Check OpenRTB Support on the roadmap for enhancements
• Explore Request Signing for authentication
• Learn about Synthetic IDs for privacy-safe tracking