Get Started
Set up a screen, open ad slots, get paid. Step-by-step guides for venues and advertisers.
Get the apps
One player app for the TV, one app for your pocket.
Install on the stick already behind your TV, pair with the code on screen, and manage everything from the web or the iOS app. Free for partner screens.
Fire TV · Amazon Appstore
PiAds for Fire TV
Sticks, Cubes, Fire TV Edition, Vega OS
OpenAndroid TV · Google Play
PiAds Player
Android TV, Google TV, tablets
OpeniPhone · App Store
PiAds for iOS
Status, approvals, and what's playing
OpenNo hardware · Web player
Try it in a browser
Pair a browser tab as a screen in a minute
OpenGetting Started
Step 1: Create your accountCreate your account (opens in a new tab)
Use the signup button above. Create an account with your email or Google and verify your email if prompted. No card is required to try PiAds.
Step 2: Tell us about your space
Enter your space name, type, and address. PiAds prepares your first venue, Main screen, and starter playlist. Rental spaces get guest welcome content you can personalize.
Step 3: Preview and customize
The Screens page shows your prepared screen as Ready to connect. Follow the first-visit tour. Choose Play preview to see your content inside the dashboard; use Assign content or Layout to make changes.
Step 4: Connect to your TV
Choose Connect to TV for the prepared screen. Open a compatible PiAds player on the TV and enter the pairing code shown there. You do not need to create a second screen for the same TV.
WHAT IT COSTS
New accounts can start with a 14-day trial for up to two screens, with no ads required. After the trial, screens with qualifying marketplace ad slots can use the Partner plan for $0. Ad-free signage is $10 per screen per month or $100 per screen per year. Your dashboard shows each screen’s eligibility and billing.
Choose a compatible player for your TV. Check the current app-store listing before buying hardware.
FIRE TV
Install PiAds from the Amazon Appstore on a compatible Fire TV device: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTRC4JTN
ANDROID TV / GOOGLE TV
Install PiAds Player from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.piads.kiosk
TRY IT IN THE DASHBOARD
Choose Play preview on your screen card to preview its content inside PiAds. A preview does not pair the computer as a physical screen.
PAIR YOUR TV
1. Open the player on your TV to display its pairing code.
2. On Screens, choose Connect to TV for your prepared screen.
3. Enter the code and complete the connection.
4. Confirm the screen is online and check playback on the actual TV. Your prepared playlist is already assigned; use Assign content to change it.
MOVING FROM A BROWSER TO A TV
If you paired a browser for testing, use the screen’s menu to unpair that player, then pair the TV using its new code. Keep your existing screen and content.
MANAGE FROM YOUR PHONE
The PiAds iPhone and iPad app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/piads/id6759892788) lets you manage screens, content, playlists, and schedules.
FIRE TV
Install PiAds from the Amazon Appstore: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTRC4JTN. Use the listing to check device compatibility.
ANDROID TV / GOOGLE TV / ANDROID
Install PiAds Player from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.piads.kiosk. Availability depends on the device.
RASPBERRY PI
Contact PiAds for the appropriate player image and supported board before installing. Follow the supplied setup instructions, then pair using the code on the display.
WEB BROWSER
For a quick content check, choose Play preview on your screen card. To use a browser as a connected player, choose the browser player option in the screen connection flow and pair it using its code. Keep the player open and the device awake.
IPHONE AND IPAD
Use the PiAds management app to control screens and content. A compatible player connected to the TV handles playback.
For current options and limitations, see piads.co/devices. Resolution, offline support, and video playback depend on the device and content.
Content Management
Step 1: Go to Media Library
From your dashboard sidebar, click "Media".
Step 2: Upload your files
• Click "Upload" button or drag-and-drop files
• You can upload multiple files at once
Supported formats:
• Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
• Videos: MP4, WebM (recommended under 100MB)
Recommended specs:
• Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD) for landscape
• Resolution: 1080x1920 for portrait displays
• Videos: 15-30 seconds optimal for ads
Step 3: Organize with folders (optional)
Create folders to organize media by category:
• Promotions
• Menu items
• Announcements
• Background content
Tip: Name your files descriptively (e.g., "summer-sale-2025.jpg") for easy searching!
Step 1: Navigate to Playlists
From your dashboard sidebar, click "Playlists".
Step 2: Click "Create Playlist"
Give your playlist a descriptive name (e.g., "Morning Specials", "Happy Hour Promos").
Step 3: Add content items
Click "Add Item" and choose from:
• From Library: Select uploaded images/videos
• YouTube: Paste any YouTube video URL
• Website: Enter any URL (dashboards, menus, etc.)
• Instagram: Paste Instagram post URL
• TikTok: Paste TikTok video URL
• Embed: Custom HTML embed code
Step 4: Set duration for each item
• Images: 10-15 seconds recommended
• Videos: Plays full length by default
• Websites: 30-60 seconds recommended
Step 5: Arrange order
Drag and drop items to reorder them. Content plays in sequence and loops.
Step 6: Save your playlist
Click "Save" to finalize. Your playlist is now ready to assign to screens!
Tip: Create different playlists for different dayparts - breakfast menu, lunch specials, evening events.
PiAds uses "dayparts" to automatically switch content throughout the day.
DAYPARTS EXPLAINED:
• Breakfast: 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Lunch: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Evening: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Step 1: Navigate to Schedules
From your dashboard sidebar, click "Schedules".
Step 2: Click "Create Schedule"
Name your schedule (e.g., "Weekday Schedule", "Weekend Schedule").
Step 3: Assign playlists to dayparts
For each daypart, select which playlist should play:
• Breakfast → "Morning Coffee Menu" playlist
• Lunch → "Lunch Specials" playlist
• Evening → "Happy Hour Promos" playlist
You can also leave a daypart empty if you don't want content during that time.
Step 4: Assign schedule to your screen
Go to Screens > Select your screen > Click "Schedule" tab > Choose your schedule.
How it works:
• At 7:00 AM, your Breakfast playlist starts automatically
• At 11:00 AM, it switches to your Lunch playlist
• At 5:00 PM, it switches to your Evening playlist
• Outside these hours, the screen shows your default playlist
Tip: You can have different schedules for weekdays vs weekends!
IMAGES
• Formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
• Best size: 1920x1080 (landscape) or 1080x1920 (portrait)
• Use for: Promotions, menu items, announcements
VIDEOS
• Formats: MP4, WebM
• Best specs: 1080p, H.264 codec, under 100MB
• Use for: Ads, promos, ambient content
YOUTUBE
• Just paste any YouTube URL
• Video plays with or without sound (configurable)
• Great for: Music videos, tutorials, brand content
INSTAGRAM
• Paste Instagram post or reel URL
• Shows the embedded post/video
• Great for: Social proof, user content
TIKTOK
• Paste TikTok video URL
• Plays the video with attribution
• Great for: Trendy content, viral videos
WEBSITE / WEBPAGE
• Enter any URL
• Displays the full webpage
• Great for: Live dashboards, Google Slides, menus, weather
EMBED (Advanced)
• Paste custom HTML/iframe code
• For advanced integrations
• Great for: Custom widgets, live feeds
Pro tip: Mix content types to keep your display interesting and engaging!
Earning with Ads
Enabling approved ad slots is what makes a screen a partner screen - and partner screens use PiAds for $0. You choose the dayparts, set the price, and approve every ad before it plays.
To enable ads, you create a schedule with the "Enable Ads" option turned on.
Step 1: Go to Schedules
From your dashboard sidebar, click "Schedules".
Step 2: Click "Create Schedule"
This opens the schedule creation form.
Step 3: Enter schedule details
• Schedule Name: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Weekday Ads")
• Group Name: Organize schedules into groups (e.g., "Main Floor")
Step 4: Enable the "Enable Ads" option
Toggle the "Enable Ads" switch to ON. This tells PiAds that this time slot is available for advertisers.
Step 5: Select the time slots
Choose which dayparts you want to accept ads:
• Breakfast (7 AM - 11 AM)
• Lunch (11 AM - 3 PM)
• Evening (5 PM - 10 PM)
Note: You don't need to attach a playlist - just enable ads and select the times.
Step 6: Set your pricing
Set your price for each daypart you enabled:
• Breakfast: Suggested $8-12/day
• Lunch: Suggested $12-18/day (highest traffic)
• Evening: Suggested $15-25/day
Step 7: Save the schedule
Click "Create" to save. Your screen is now listed in the PiAds Marketplace!
Pricing tips:
• Higher foot traffic = charge more
• Start lower to attract first advertisers, then increase
When an advertiser books your screen, you have full control:
Step 1: Get notified
You'll receive an email and in-app notification when someone books your screen.
Step 2: Review the ad request
Go to Ads > Pending Approvals to see:
• The advertiser's business name and profile
• Their ad creative (image or video)
• The dates and dayparts they booked
• Total value of the booking
Step 3: Preview the creative
Click on the ad to see exactly what will display on your screen. Check for:
• Appropriate content for your venue
• Professional quality
• No competing businesses (e.g., a coffee shop showing an ad for a rival cafe)
Step 4: Approve or Reject
• Approve: The ad is scheduled and will play during booked times
• Reject: The advertiser is refunded, and they can try another venue
Step 5: Set up auto-approval (optional)
In Settings, you can enable auto-approval for:
• Trusted advertisers you've approved before
• Specific business categories
• All advertisers (not recommended)
Note: You can also set content guidelines in your venue profile to let advertisers know what you accept.
REVENUE SPLIT
• You keep: 70% of all ad revenue
• PiAds fee: 30% (covers platform, payment processing, support)
EXAMPLE EARNINGS
If an advertiser pays $100/week for your screen:
• You receive: $70/week
• Monthly: $280/month per screen
• With 3 screens: $840/month potential
SETTING UP PAYOUTS
Step 1: Go to Settings > Payouts
Step 2: Click "Connect Stripe" to link your bank account
Step 3: Complete Stripe's verification (takes ~5 minutes)
Step 4: You're all set to receive payments!
PAYOUT SCHEDULE
• Earnings are calculated in real-time
• Payouts processed monthly
• Minimum payout threshold: $25
• Direct deposit to your bank account
TRACKING YOUR EARNINGS
Go to Dashboard > Revenue to see:
• Total earnings this month
• Earnings by screen
• Pending vs. paid amounts
• Historical earnings
Note: Stripe connection is optional but required to receive payouts. You can run the platform without it if you just want to manage your own content.
THE TWO STATES A SCREEN CAN BE IN
• Partner screen: has approved ad slots enabled. Software is $0. You keep 70% of every cleared booking.
• Ad-free screen: no ad slots. $10 per screen per month, or $100 per screen per year.
You can mix them - a menu board that never shows ads at $10/month next to a partner screen in the lobby at $0.
HOW TO MAKE A SCREEN FREE
Step 1: Create a schedule with "Enable Ads" turned on (see "Enable ads on your screens")
Step 2: Choose the dayparts you're willing to sell and set a price for each
Step 3: Assign the schedule to the screen
Your own content keeps playing first. Ads fill only the slots you opened, and nothing runs until you approve it.
STARTING OUT
New venues start on a free trial with one screen and no card. Before it ends, either enable approved ad slots (the screen stays free) or add a card under Settings > Billing.
WHERE TO SEE IT
Settings > Billing shows each screen's plan, the next invoice for any ad-free screens, and your payouts.
FAQ
• Can I turn ads off later? Yes. Disable the ad schedule and the screen moves to the $10/month plan at the next billing cycle.
• Is there a limit on free screens? No. Every partner screen is $0.
• Do I have to accept every ad? No. Approve or decline each campaign; you can also block categories.
Advanced Features
Screen zones let you divide your display into multiple areas, each showing different content.
EXAMPLE LAYOUTS
• Main + Sidebar: 75% main content, 25% sidebar with announcements
• Grid: 4 equal sections showing different content
• Picture-in-picture: Full-screen video with small overlay
HOW TO SET UP ZONES
Step 1: Go to Screens > Select your screen
Step 2: Click "Configure Zones"
Step 3: Choose a layout template or create custom
Step 4: Assign a playlist to each zone
Step 5: Save and preview
ZONE CONTENT IDEAS
• Main area: Your primary playlist
• Sidebar: Social media feed, announcements
• Bottom ticker: Scrolling text, specials
• Corner: Clock, weather, or logo
Note: Zones work on all player types. More complex layouts may require higher-spec devices.
Overlays are elements that display on top of your playlist content.
AVAILABLE OVERLAYS
Clock Overlay
• Shows current time
• Multiple formats (12h, 24h)
• Customizable position (corners)
Weather Overlay
• Current temperature and conditions
• Updates automatically
• Based on your venue location
QR Code Overlay
• Display a QR code linking to your website, menu, or special offer
• Customizable size and position
• Track scans in analytics
Announcement Overlay
• Scrolling text banner
• Great for daily specials, WiFi password, events
• Customizable colors and speed
HOW TO ADD OVERLAYS
Step 1: Go to Screens > Select your screen
Step 2: Click "Overlays" tab
Step 3: Toggle on desired overlays
Step 4: Configure position, style, and content
Step 5: Save changes
The overlays will appear immediately on your player!
Troubleshooting
If your screen shows as "Offline" in the dashboard:
CHECK THESE FIRST
1. Is the device powered on?
2. Is the device connected to the internet?
3. Is the PiAds app/player running?
FOR RASPBERRY PI
• Check the power light (should be solid)
• Check Ethernet cable or WiFi connection
• Try unplugging and replugging power
• The device should auto-reconnect within 2 minutes
FOR FIRE TV / ANDROID
• Make sure the PiAds app is open and running
• Check WiFi connection in device settings
• Force close and reopen the app
• Check if the device needs a software update
FOR WEB BROWSER
• Refresh the browser page (F5)
• Check if the URL is correct: app.piads.co/player/[screen-id]
• Try a different browser
• Clear browser cache and cookies
STILL OFFLINE?
• Generate a new pairing code in dashboard
• Re-pair the device with the new code
• Contact support@piads.co with your screen ID
Content typically syncs to your player within 1-2 minutes.
IF CONTENT ISN'T UPDATING
Step 1: Check your dashboard
Make sure your changes were saved:
• Go to Playlists and verify items are there
• Go to Screens and verify playlist is assigned
• Check which daypart is currently active
Step 2: Force a refresh on the player
• Raspberry Pi: Reboot the device
• Fire TV/Android: Force close and reopen the app
• Web Browser: Press F5 or Ctrl+R
Step 3: Check internet connection
• Run a speed test on the player device
• Minimum recommended: 5 Mbps
• Video content needs more bandwidth
Step 4: Clear cache
• Web Browser: Clear cache in browser settings
• Fire TV: Go to App Settings > PiAds > Clear Cache
• Raspberry Pi: Reboot clears cache automatically
COMMON CAUSES
• Schedule daypart doesn't match current time
• Playlist not assigned to the screen
• Internet connection too slow for video
• Browser cache showing old content
If issues persist, contact support@piads.co
COMMON VIDEO ISSUES AND FIXES
Video won't play at all:
• Check video format (use MP4 with H.264 codec)
• Make sure file isn't corrupted (plays on your computer?)
• Try re-uploading the video
• Check file size (under 100MB recommended)
Video is buffering/stuttering:
• Check internet speed (10+ Mbps recommended for HD video)
• Try a lower resolution version
• Shorter videos buffer less
• Use Ethernet instead of WiFi if possible
YouTube videos not playing:
• Check if the video is public (not private/unlisted)
• Some videos have embedding disabled by owner
• Try a different YouTube URL
No audio on videos:
• Some players mute by default (check player settings)
• Fire TV: Check device volume
• Web Browser: Click on player to enable audio (browser policy)
VIDEO BEST PRACTICES
• Format: MP4 with H.264 video, AAC audio
• Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p) or lower
• Length: 15-30 seconds ideal for ads
• File size: Under 100MB for reliable playback
• Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps for smooth playback
Ready to get started?
Free for partner screens, and you keep 70% of every ad booking. Setup takes about five minutes.