vastlint
SIMID-1.1-iframe-simid-url-empty

SIMID IFrameResource needs a non-empty creative URL

<IFrameResource> in SIMID <NonLinear> must contain a non-empty URL

ErrorNonlinearIAB SIMID 1.1 §3.5.1

Short answer

If `<IFrameResource>` is empty or whitespace-only, the player has no HTML creative to load and skips the nonlinear SIMID unit.

The element inside a SIMID nonlinear must contain a non-empty URL. This URL is what the player loads into the sandboxed iframe. An empty or whitespace-only text content means the player has no creative URL and will skip the nonlinear ad entirely.

Why this matters in production

This is usually an interaction blocker. When a SIMID error reaches error level, the creative iframe or handshake typically never completes. Nonlinear SIMID issues usually show up as overlays that never render, render at the wrong size, or fail to initialize their iframe resource in the player.

The <IFrameResource> element inside a SIMID nonlinear <NonLinear> must contain a non-empty URL. This URL is what the player loads into the sandboxed iframe. An empty or whitespace-only text content means the player has no creative URL and will skip the nonlinear ad entirely.

How to fix

Add the HTTPS URL of your SIMID nonlinear creative HTML document as the text content of <IFrameResource>, wrapped in a CDATA section.

Broader troubleshooting

If this rule is one part of a bigger SIMID delivery issue, start with the SIMID troubleshooting guide for a checklist covering iframe URLs, HTTPS, fallback media, and player support.

Invalid

<NonLinear apiFramework="SIMID" width="480" height="70">
  <IFrameResource type="text/html"><![CDATA[  ]]></IFrameResource>
</NonLinear>

Valid

<NonLinear apiFramework="SIMID" width="480" height="70">
  <IFrameResource type="text/html">
    <![CDATA[https://example.com/overlay.html]]>
  </IFrameResource>
</NonLinear>
Check your VAST tag for SIMID-1.1-iframe-simid-url-empty and other issues instantly.Validate a tag →