What document serves as the best confirmation that a campaign has officially launched?

The signed insertion order (IO) is best understood as the official contract between the media buyer and the publisher or ad network. This document outlines all the details related to the advertising campaign, including objectives, budget, inventory, targeting, and specific terms of placement.

Once both parties have signed the insertion order, it solidifies the agreement and confirms that all necessary preparations for the campaign are complete, allowing the campaign to officially launch as per the agreed terms. The signed IO serves as a legal document that both parties can refer to regarding their commitments and expectations, providing clarity and reducing the chances for disputes.

Other options, while they may provide information or indications about the campaign status, do not serve as the definitive legal confirmation of launch. An ad server report, for example, generally provides data on impressions, clicks, and performance metrics after the campaign has begun but does not indicate whether the campaign is officially launched. A homepage announcement might signal the campaign’s kickoff to the public, but it lacks the formal agreement aspect provided by an IO. Finally, an email confirmation from the advertiser may verify understanding or agreement informally but does not carry the enforceable weight of a signed insertion order.