AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) is a streaming model where viewers watch content for free and the platform earns revenue from advertising. Advertisers pay a CPM (cost per thousand impressions) for ad slots that run before and during content. The viewer pays nothing; the advertiser funds the service.
On CTV, AVOD typically means non-skippable 15- and 30-second ads in pre-roll and mid-roll positions, delivered in ad pods (back-to-back ad breaks). Because viewers are logged in to access free content, AVOD platforms hold registration data that enables audience targeting beyond cookies. In India, AVOD is the dominant CTV advertising model — JioHotstar's free tier, MX Player, Zee5's free catalogue, and YouTube on connected TV all operate as AVOD. If you are planning CTV advertising in India, you are primarily planning an AVOD buy.
AVOD differs from SVOD (paid subscription, no ads) and FAST (free linear-scheduled channels, also ad-supported but not on-demand). For advertisers, the key check: confirm which tier of a hybrid platform your inventory comes from — the AVOD free tier reaches a different and typically larger audience than the SVOD paid tier on the same platform.
Full guide
For a complete explanation, read: What is AVOD? Ad-supported video on demand explained for CTV publishers and advertisers