Troubleshooting
Diagnose the API path in this order: key class, activation, client_id, decision response, brand-safety or consent gating, then beacon delivery. That order usually exposes the real fault faster than debugging renderer details first.
Checklist
Trace the REST path in six stages
- 1. Check authorization. A 401
unauthorizedresponse means “Missing secret key.” A 403forbiddenresponse means “Wrong key type for the request.” - 2. Check the request body.
client_id,session_id, andjob_typeare required. A 400validation_errormeans “The request body failed validation.” - 3. Check the content type and rate limit. A 415
unsupported_media_typemeans “Non-empty request bodies must use Content-Type: application/json.” A 429rate_limitedmeans “Key exceeded its rate limit; retry after the Retry-After header.” - 4. Check the placement result.
placementcan benull; treat that as an optional sponsor-path outcome while the primary product flow continues. - 5. Check rendering and beacons after a fill. A filled placement includes
placement.render; use the hosted descriptor, then inspect the documented beacon path for rendered or clip-completion evidence. - 6. Preserve the endpoint error and route. Record the status, documented error code, and whether the failure occurred before or after a placement response when escalating an integration issue.
Why am I not seeing ads?
Check for no-fill first. Then validate whether activation, allowed origins, blocked categories, or missing consent are gating the sponsor path intentionally.
Why is the browser path failing?
Confirm that you are using a publishable key, the active origin is allowed, and activation succeeded before calling protected runtime routes.
Why is the backend path failing?
Check the secret key, the client_id, and whether your backend is calling the canonical /v1 surface rather than older compatibility routes.
Why is billing missing?
Validate the beacon path. Rendering alone is not enough for billable completion. The missing evidence is usually in visibility or clip-completion events.
Need rollout review?
Start with the Server API. Use contact only when you need rollout review, enterprise coordination, or non-standard integration help.