Server-based content tracking apparatus and method

A method comprising:

• (a) receiving, at a content server, primary digital content data from a primary content provider;
• (b) receiving, at a content server, a secondary digital content data from a secondary content provider;
• (c) generating, at the content server, a client digital content data stream, wherein the client digital content data stream comprises at least the primary digital content data and the secondary digital content data;
• (d) sending the client digital content data stream from the content server to a client system;
• and
• (e) sending a signal from the content server to a tracking system when an event is triggered by at least one of (1) a status of the client digital content data stream, (2) a placeholder associated with the client digital content data stream, (3) an external event, and (4) metadata in the client digital content data stream.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having executable instructions that are operable, when executed, to cause an apparatus to:

• (a) receive, at a content distribution system, primary digital content data from a primary content provider;
• (b) generate, at the content distribution system, a client digital content data stream, wherein the client digital content data stream comprises at least the primary digital content data;
• (c) send the client digital content data stream from the content distribution system to a client system;
• and
• (d) send a signal from the content distribution system to a tracking system when an event is triggered by at least one of (1) a status of the client digital content data stream, (2) a placeholder associated with the client digital content data stream, (3) an external event, and (4) metadata in the client digital content data stream.