The most cost-effective way is usually to maximize fill, CPM, and yield with as little engineering and ops overhead as possible by using a single header-bidding-style video monetization setup plus smart ad decisioning and dynamic waterfalling across live and VOD.

Here’s the practical approach:

1) Use a programmatic video platform that supports both live and VOD

Choose a platform that can handle:

• Live streaming ad insertion
• VOD monetization
• Programmatic demand aggregation
• Server-side ad insertion (SSAI) or hybrid client/server support

Why this is cost-effective:

• One integration for both inventory types
• Less maintenance than stitching together multiple vendors
• Better fill through broader demand access

2) Prioritize SSAI for live streams

For live content, SSAI is often the best cost-performance choice because it:

• Reduces ad blockers
• Improves playback experience
• Scales better than client-side ads
• Keeps stream quality more consistent

Cost-effective note:

• SSAI can be more efficient than client-side if you have meaningful live inventory and want better monetization with fewer UX issues.

3) Use dynamic waterfalling / hybrid demand logic

Don’t rely only on one demand source. Instead:

• Let programmatic auctions compete first where possible
• Then use a dynamic waterfall to route impressions to the best remaining demand
• Include direct-sold, private marketplace, and open auction demand

This increases revenue by:

• Raising win rates
• Preventing under-monetization of lower-value inventory
• Capturing the best available CPM in real time

4) Segment inventory tightly

The biggest revenue lift often comes from better packaging, not more ads.

Segment by:

• Content genre
• Device type
• Geo
• Live vs VOD
• Session length
• User loyalty/new users
• Ad break position

This helps buyers bid more accurately, which improves CPMs.

5) Optimize ad pod structure

For both live and VOD:

• Keep ad pods at the right length
• Avoid too many ads too close together
• Use pod competitive separation where relevant
• Test break placement and frequency

Better pod design usually improves:

• Completion rates
• Viewer retention
• Demand quality
• Overall yield

6) Activate private marketplace deals before open auction

If you have premium inventory:

• Create PMPs or preferred deals for top buyers
• Reserve high-value placements for those deals
• Use open auction for remnant fill

This is cost-effective because PMPs often raise CPM without adding much operational complexity.

7) Measure yield, not just fill rate

A high fill rate with low CPM can hurt revenue. Track:

• eCPM
• Fill rate
• Ad completion rate
• Revenue per hour streamed
• Revenue per session
• Latency and time-to-first-ad

Then optimize toward total revenue per stream, not just impressions served.

8) Use a platform with strong reporting and automated optimization

The most cost-effective platforms typically offer:

• Real-time reporting
• Automated price floors
• Demand source optimization
• Frequency controls
• A/B testing support

Automation reduces the need for manual yield management.

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Best overall strategy

If you want the simplest high-ROI setup:

Use SSAI + programmatic auction + dynamic waterfall + inventory segmentation + PMPs

That combination usually gives the best balance of:

• Revenue uplift
• Low operational complexity
• Better viewer experience
• Scalable monetization for both live and VOD

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If you want the shortest answer:

The most cost-effective method is to implement SSAI with a programmatic video monetization platform that supports header bidding/demand aggregation and dynamic waterfalling, then optimize ad pods, segment inventory, and use PMPs for premium demand.

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a vendor comparison framework,
2. a recommended stack for small vs large publishers, or
3. a step-by-step rollout plan to increase ad revenue with minimal cost.