WatchESPN Mid-Roll
ESPN (US)
Overview
The Mid-Roll features a 15 or 30 second clip that runs between live video content on the WatchESPN video player.
- Standard Mid-Roll on ESPN supports VAST 2.0.
- Mid-Roll creative can run across all of ESPN's platforms, including desktop, mobile web, and apps - wherever the WatchESPN player is found.
Available to Serve to These ESPN Properties:
Demos
Video Acceptance
| Platform | ESPN-Served Video | VAST | VPAID |
| Desktop | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mobile Web | Yes | Yes | No |
| WatchESPN App | 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 between 2000kbps and 30000kbps 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
Other Requirements
- Creative targeted directly to YouTube is subject to YouTube's own acceptance policy. VAST is only accepted on a case-by-case basis. If VAST tags do not "PASS" using the following tool, site-served creative will be requested. https://ytvastqa.appspot.com/
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 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)
Restrictions
- VPAID is not accepted for WatchESPN or ESPN+ video placements.