Mid-Page Unit / MREC
Cricinfo (INTL)
Overview
The Mid-Page Unit is a standard 300x250 rectangular ad unit that appears further down the page alongside content. This unit typically appears in the rightmost column of page content for larger screen profiles.
- The Mid-Page Unit space may contain video (3P serving), HTML5 animation, and static images.
- The Mid-Page Unit will serve to most breakpoints.
Demos
Technical Specifications
| Profile | XL | L | M | S |
| Dimensions | 300x250 | 300x250 | N/A | 300x250 (standard) 600x500 (2x density)* |
| File Weight | <200k | <200k | <200k (standard) <300k (2x density)* |
|
| File Type | PNG, JPG, GIF, HTML5 | PNG, JPG, GIF, HTML5 | PNG, JPG, GIF, HTML5 | |
| Third-Party Serving | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Third-Party Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Video (Optional) | Auto-Start: Muted; Must use polite download; 30 seconds max; <1.1MB User-Initiated: <10MB; no duration limit | Auto-Start: Muted; Must use polite download; 30 seconds max; <1.1MB User-Initiated: <10MB; no duration limit | Auto-Start: No video allowed User-Initiated: <5MB; no duration limit |
* Double density creative are highly recommended for all mobile creative to provide image clarity on high-resolution screens. See our guidelines on double density.
Animation/Ad Behavior
- Total animation time may not exceed 20 seconds.
- No more than three loops of animation are allowed within the 20s limit.
Capping
No capping restrictions.
Video
- Creative with in-banner video must be third-party served.
- Auto-play video must utilize a polite download and must not exceed 30 seconds and 1.1MB.
- Auto-play video cannot be served via YouTube player.
- User-initiated video must not exceed 10MB.
- Video files must include "Play", "Pause", and "Mute" functions at minimum.
- Audio must be user-initiated only on click.
Third-Party Tag
In-house or approved third-party vendor. HTML5 creative can only be served via an approved third-party vendor.
Submission Deadline
Please allow five business days for testing and approval.
Restrictions
Ad profiles cannot be sold on an individual basis. Creative must be submitted for each profile outlined above.
HTTPS Compatibility
- All creative, including third-party tags and third-party tracking tags, must use secure protocol (HTTPS).
- Any creative that is not fully secure will be sent back for revisions.
Additional Info
The Mid-Page Unit XL will be visible to users with a screen resolution of 1280px wide or higher, L for screens 1279px-1024px wide, and S for screens 767px wide or less. Due to limitations in page layout, the MPU does not serve to M profile.
HTML5 Requirements
- HTML5 creative may be first-party served or third-party served from an approved third-party vendor.
- HTML5 creative served first-party by ESPN must adhere to the following:
- - Must use a single click-through URL
- - Cannot include in-banner video
- - Cannot include interactive features such as photo galleries or mouse-over effects
- HTML5 creative served via an approved third-party must delivered via javascript or iframe tag. Raw files will not be accepted.
- The file weight above applies to all HTML5 files and assets including images, HTML/JS/CSS files, custom fonts, or other assets.
- HTML5 creative requires a minimum lead time of five business days for testing and approval.
- See our HTML5 Guidelines page for more details.