From an empty overlay to a paid, tracked ad in minutes
AD on Live connects a streamer's overlay with a self-serve booking page. Here is exactly what happens at every step — who does what, when money moves, and what each side sees.
Seven steps, two people, one PayPal hold
Each booking follows the same path. Nothing is charged until the streamer approves, and every approved ad gets a tracked QR code.
The streamer adds the overlay
The streamer creates a free channel, sets a price per minute and a banner size, and adds their personal overlay URL to OBS as a Browser Source.
Viewers and brands see the idle QR code
When no ad is running, the overlay shows a QR code to the streamer's booking page and the price per minute.
The advertiser books a slot
On the booking page the advertiser enters an email, an optional destination URL and 1–60 minutes, uploads and crops a banner, and checks the total.
PayPal authorizes the payment
Checkout places a hold on the amount. Nothing is charged yet, and the streamer gets an email about the new request.
The streamer approves or rejects
While on air, the streamer approves the ad (the payment is captured) or rejects it (the hold is voided). Requests not answered within 3 days are voided automatically.
The ad runs with a tracked QR code
Approved ads run back to back. The banner shows with a QR code and a countdown; every scan goes through a short link that counts clicks.
Reports and payouts
The advertiser gets an email summary with the click count when the ad ends. The streamer's share is paid out weekly via PayPal.
Money moves only on approval
Checkout creates a PayPal authorization — a hold, not a charge. Approval captures it. Rejection, or no answer within 3 days, voids it and the advertiser pays nothing.
What the overlay shows
The overlay is a transparent web page your broadcasting software renders on top of your video. It checks for updates every few seconds.
Idle: book the next slot
No ad running? The overlay shows your price per minute and a QR code to your booking page. Add ?idle=hide to show nothing instead.
Live ad: banner + QR + timer
The advertiser's banner fills your banner area, with a QR code on the left and a countdown, for exactly the minutes they bought.
Queue: back to back
Approved ads run one after another. When one ends, the next starts automatically — even if the overlay page reloads.
What each booking status means
| Status | What it means | Advertiser charged? |
|---|---|---|
| Pending | Paid (authorized) and waiting for the streamer's decision. | Not yet — on hold |
| Scheduled | Approved and queued behind the ad that is running. | Yes |
| Active | On screen right now, with its countdown. | Yes |
| Completed | Ran for the full time; the advertiser got a click summary. | Yes |
| Rejected | The streamer declined the ad. | No — hold released |
| Cancelled | Not approved within 3 days. | No — hold released |
Common questions
When am I charged?
At checkout PayPal only authorizes (holds) the amount. The payment is captured when the streamer approves the ad. If the streamer rejects it, or does not approve it within 3 days, the authorization is voided and you are not charged.
What happens if I do not respond to an ad request?
Requests stay pending for 3 days. After that the PayPal authorization is voided automatically and the advertiser is not charged. You get an email for every new request so you can answer in time.
Do I have to be live to approve an ad?
Yes. So advertisers only pay for minutes that are actually on air, approving requires your overlay to be online (the browser source open in OBS) or a live session started in the desktop app. Approved ads start right away and run back to back.
What does the overlay show when no ad is running?
A QR code that opens your booking page, plus your price per minute ("AD Here — $X/min"), so viewers and brands watching can book the next slot. Add ?idle=hide to the overlay URL if you prefer to show nothing between ads.
Ready to try it?
Streamers can be set up in about ten minutes. Advertisers can book a slot in about two.