Generating ad insertion metadata at program file load time

A method includes submitting one or more digital video program files for storage on behalf of one or more video servers; the act of submitting the video program files triggering logic to scan the program files to identify information about location and duration of ad breaks; storing the video program files and information about the location and duration of the ad breaks in a database external to the video program files in a manner that associates the video program files with corresponding information about the location and duration of the ad breaks, and in a manner that provides the video servers with access to both the video program files and information about the location and duration of the ad breaks; and removing the ad breaks from the video program files prior to streaming the video program files.