Video ad swapping in a video streaming system

An apparatus, comprising:

• at least one processor configured for:
• selecting one or more default video advertisements configured for play during a defined ad break in identified digital video content, using a selection algorithm;
• determining a first number of the one or more default video advertisements;
• determining a second number based on the first number, wherein the second number is not less than the first number;
• selecting a second number of alternative video advertisements, using the selection algorithm operating on the computer;
• and
• providing identifiers for the alternative video advertisements for transmitting to a client device prior to occurrence of the ad break;
• and
• a memory coupled to the at least one processor for storing data.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code for selecting one or more default video advertisements configured for play during a defined ad break in identified digital video content, using a selection algorithm;
• determining a first number of the one or more default video advertisements;
• determining a second number based on the first number, wherein the second number is not less than the first number;
• selecting a second number of alternative video advertisements, using the selection algorithm operating on the computer;
• and
• providing identifiers for the alternative video advertisements for transmitting to a client device prior to occurrence of the ad break.

A method for enabling a user to swap streaming video advertisements, the method comprising:

• playing video content including a defined ad break on a client device, using a media player component;
• playing a first video advertisement during the defined ad break;
• displaying a link to a second video advertisement during the playing of the first video advertisement;
• receiving user input indicating selection of the link;
• and
• in response to receiving the user input, stopping the playing of the first video advertisement and initiating playing of the second video advertisement.

An apparatus, comprising:

• at least one processor configured for:
• playing video content including a defined ad break;
• playing a first video advertisement during the defined ad break;
• displaying a link to a second video advertisement during the playing of the first video advertisement;
• receiving user input indicating selection of the link;
• and
• in response to receiving the user input, stopping the playing of the first video advertisement and initiating playing of the second video advertisement;
• and
• a memory coupled to the at least one processor for storing data.

A computer program product, comprising:

• a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising code for:
• playing video content including a defined ad break, using a media player component;
• playing a first video advertisement during the defined ad break;
• displaying a link to a second video advertisement during the playing of the first video advertisement;
• receiving user input indicating selection of the link;
• and
• in response to receiving the user input, stopping the playing of the first video advertisement and initiating playing of the second video advertisement.