Method and apparatus for identifying virtual content candidates to ensure delivery of virtual content

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided that ensures virtual content providers such as advertisers that their virtual content will reach every mobile device, every application within each mobile device and/or every user. Such functionality is referred to herein as a 'guaranteed reach'. Guaranteed reach parameters including reach type parameters (mobile devices, applications and/or users) are specified in a memory. A server receives a virtual content request and a received target identification uniquely identifying, for example, the requesting device via a network. The server identifies virtual content candidates from the memory by comparing the received target identification to the stored target identification associated with the virtual content. The guaranteed reach parameters may also include frequency-based criteria that guarantee a frequency of impression(s) for particular virtual content and guaranteed priority criteria to ensure the guarantee will be met.