Read Time: 4 minutes

In this article

What Is an IO and Why It Matters
Understanding the IO Signing Workflow
Step 1: Review Your Responses and Select a Winner
Step 2: Submit the Outcome
Step 3: Awaiting the IO From the Partner
Step 4: Sign the IO
What Happens After Signing

What Is an IO and Why It Matters

An Insertion Order (IO) is the formal agreement between you (the Advertiser) and a partner that confirms the details of a campaign - including the media plan, budget, and terms and conditions. Signing the IO is the final step before a campaign can move forward, so it is important to review it carefully before signing.

Understanding the IO Signing Workflow

Once partners have submitted their proposals in Brief Manager, the process follows a clear sequence:

You review all partner responses and select your preferred proposal
You submit the Outcome - marking the brief as Won or Lost - and notify the partner
The partner prepares and shares the IO back with you
You review and sign the IO - either by uploading a signed file or signing digitally in the platform
Both parties receive confirmation and the campaign proceeds

Step 1: Review Your Responses and Select a Winner

When partners respond to your brief, their submissions are visible under the Response tab. Each response will include a media plan with details such as the proposed placements, budget, and campaign timeline.

Once you have reviewed all responses and are happy with your preferred proposal, navigate to the Outcome tab to submit your decision.

Step 2: Submit the Outcome

In the Outcome tab, you will submit your final decision for each partner. For the partner you have chosen, select Won and complete the following:

Campaign Plan - select the final media plan you are proceeding with
Budget Allocation - confirm the budget for this campaign
Feedback - add any notes or comments for the partner

Once ready, click Submit Outcome to notify the partner of your decision.

For any partners you are not proceeding with, select Lost and include feedback where possible - this helps partners understand the outcome and improve future proposals.

Step 3: Awaiting the IO From the Media Partners

After submitting the outcome, the IO tab will show an Awaiting IO status for the winning partner. This means the media partner has not yet prepared and shared the IO with you.

Once they have done so, the status will update to IO Signature Required, and you will be notified to review and sign. You can use the Message Media Owner button at any point to follow up directly with them.

Media Partners can share the IO in two ways:

By uploading a document (such as a PDF or DocuSign file) for you to download, sign, and re-upload
By enabling digital signing directly within the platform

Step 4: Sign the IO

When the status shows IO Signature Required, open the partner's row to access the signing options.

Option A - Upload a Signed File

If the partner has shared a document, you will see it listed under IO Signature Requirements. You can download or open the file to review it. Once signed externally:

Click Upload File Here to attach your signed copy
Enter a name for the file in the File Name field (e.g., Signed IO - Campaign Name)

Option B - Digital Signature

If the partner has enabled digital signing, a Digital Signature panel will appear below the IO document. To sign:

Enter your First Name and Last Name in the fields provided
The Date is pre-filled and locked automatically
Type your full name into the Digital Signature field - your name will render in a stylised signature font
Optionally, use the Draw Signature canvas to draw your signature manually, or click Sign Above Name Automatically to generate one
Click Accept & Sign IO to finalise

If you need more time, click Save & Complete Later to return to the signing screen at any point. You can also click Message Media Owner to communicate directly with them before signing.