VAST Error 602: Unable to display required companion
The ad declared its companions required, one couldn't be shown, and per the spec the whole ad — video included — must be abandoned.
Companions can be marked required (all/any/none). With required="all", failing to render every companion invalidates the entire ad: the player must not play the video either. Error 602 reports that hard failure.
Buyers use this for campaigns where the banner carries a legal disclaimer or a synchronized offer; it trades reach for guaranteed co-display.
Why error 602 happens
required="all" on inventory without companion slots
Most video inventory has no companion zone at all; requiring companions there abandons every impression.
Size mismatch on required companions
The slot exists but no required-size creative fits, escalating a 601 into a 602.
How to fix VAST error 602
- 1
Reserve required companions for known-good placements
Only traffic required="all" on direct deals where the companion slot is verified to exist and match sizes.
- 2
Use required="any" or "none" for broad reach
Softer settings let the video run even when companions can't render.
Seeing error 602 on a live tag?
Paste the tag URL or XML — the validator resolves the full wrapper chain, validates the schema, downloads every media file, and shows exactly which stage fails.
Validate your VAST tagVAST error 602 — frequently asked questions
Why would anyone make companions required?+
Regulated categories sometimes must display disclaimers alongside video; retail campaigns may need a synchronized offer banner. Required companions guarantee co-display at the cost of fill.