Pre-Roll + Billboard
ESPN (INTL)
Overview
The Pre-Roll + Billboard features a standard 15 second clip that runs before the video content on ESPN.com, followed by our Billboard unit which features the sponsor's logo accompanied by a professional voice-over recorded by our own ESPN talent that relates to the video being sponsored.
- Billboards are produced internally by ESPN and can only be first-party served. Pre-Roll video may be first or third-party served by an approved vendor.
- Billboard helps to tie together the advertising opportunity with ESPN content.
Demos
Video Acceptance
| Platform | ESPN-Served Video | VAST | VPAID |
| Billboard | Yes | No | No |
| Desktop (Pre-Roll) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile Web (Pre-Roll) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apps (Pre-Roll) | Yes | Yes | No |
| OTT Device | Yes | Yes | No |
Billboard Requirements
Creative Submission
- High-resolution sponsor logo: 800x440 jpg or png
- If an 800x440 image cannot be provided, a layered .psd or .eps file (no specific dimension) may provided for build by ESPN.
Additional Guidelines
- Must be served in-house by ESPN (no third-party serving)
- May only be served with 15 second Pre-Roll video. 30 second Pre-Roll sponsorship may not include the Billboard video
- Billboards are produced internally by ESPN. Allow five business days for creation and review.
- Please include a short voice-over script. (ex. "This sponsorship is brought to you by [Product/Advertiser] - [tagline]".)
VAST Requirements (Pre-Roll only)
Accepted Version
VAST 2.0
Accepted Video Dimensions
- 1280x720
- 1920x1080
Max File Size
50MB
Video Encoding Specifications
- Stream type: .mp4 (h.264); .m3u8 files not allowed
- RTMP protocols are not supported and must be removed from the VAST tag
- Frame rate: 29.97 fps
- Bitrate: At least one video creative 1500kbps or less is required to serve to mobile web and app.
-
Note: The VAST response should include two MP4's - one low-resolution, and one high. The higher resolution MP4 should be between 2000-5000 kbps. For example:
<MediaFiles>
<MediaFile id="1" delivery="progressive" type="video/mp4" bitrate="1000" width="640" height="360">
<![CDATA[https://cdn.flashtalking.com/2342/sunny_weather_low-res-ad.mp4]]>
</MediaFile>
<MediaFile>
<MediaFile id="2" delivery="progressive" type="video/mp4" bitrate="3500" width="1280" height="720">
<![CDATA[https://cdn.flashtalking.com/2342/sunny_weather_high-res-ad.mp4]]>
</MediaFile>
</MediaFiles>
Audio Encoding Specifications
- Bitrate: 96 kbps
- MP3
- Volume should be normalized to -23 dBFS.
Aspect Ratio
16x9
Sample Rate
- 44.1 kHz
VPAID Requirements (Pre-Roll only)
File Formats
VPAID creative must contain an HTML5 creative. ESPN's desktop and mobile web video players are HTML5 compliant. Example XML response:
<MediaFile>
<MediaFile type="application/javascript" apiFramework="VPAID" height="480" width="640" delivery="progressive">
<![CDATA[https://svastx.moatads.com/mediacomplaystationvpaid23443354/moatwrapper.js?#vast=https:%3a%2f%2fad.doubleclick.net...]]>
</MediaFile>
</MediaFiles>
Restrictions
- VPAID is not accepted for apps or OTT devices.
Additional Info
Requirements for ESPN-Served Video
Pixel Dimensions (Raw Video)
- Minimum dimensions: 1280x720.
- All video must support High Definition video playback.
Max File Size
- 100MB
- Applies to digital submissions only.
Duration
15 seconds.
Aspect Ratio
16x9
Frame Rate
29.97 fps
File Format
- Stream type: MP4, MPEG-2 Program Stream, or Quicktime (MOV)
- Delivery: Progressive
- Bitrate: 6000 kbps (.mp4/.mov); 10000 kpbs (.mpg)
- All submitted files should be pre-cut to desired run time. Slates, Countdown clocks and color bars must be removed prior to submission.
- H.264 compression
Audio Specifications
- Bitrate: 192 kbps
- Formats: AAC (.mp4/.mov); FFDShow (.mpg)
- Volume should be normalized to -23 dBFS.
Sample Rate
- 48 kHz
- FFDShow (.mpg)