Pre-Roll

ESPN (INTL)

Overview

The Pre-Roll features a 6, 15, or 30 second clip that runs before the video content on ESPN.com with an advertising message.

  • Standard Pre-Roll on ESPN supports VAST 2.0 and VPAID.
  • Pre-Roll creative can run across all of ESPN's platforms, including desktop, mobile web, and apps.

Available to Serve to These ESPN Properties:

Demos

Amazon
Acura
Lexus
BMW

Quick Links

ESPN Confluence

Video Acceptance

Platform ESPN-Served Video VAST VPAID
Desktop Yes Yes Yes
Mobile Web Yes Yes Yes
Apps Yes Yes No
OTT Device Yes Yes No

VAST Requirements

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.
  • Note: The VAST response may include multiple MP4 files. If serving to both Pre-Roll and Mid-Roll video, one low-resolution and one high-resolution video must be included. Low-resolution must be below 1500kbps while the higher resolution MP4 should be between 2000-30000 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

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
6, 15, or 30 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)

Quick Links

ESPN Confluence