Vast Guidelines

Overview

Digital Video Ad Serving Template, or VAST, allows video serving from a third-party which can allow greater flexibility in tracking video placements and metrics. These tags are compatible with ESPN.com sponsorship video placements. Please see the specifications for specific file types that can be included via VAST below.

More background information on VAST is available from the IAB's website.

Ad Serving
Approved third-party vendor. Contact your account representative for a complete list.
Restrictions
  • VAST may only be served into sponsorship videos and bundles. It is not accepted for GameCast video placements.
  • 15 and 30 second videos cannot be contained in the same VAST tag.

VAST Requirements

Accepted Version
VAST 2.0
Accepted Video Dimensions
  • 1280x720
  • 1920x1080
Max File Size (for video creative)
50MB
Duration
  • 15 or 30 seconds
  • If both video lengths are being trafficked, these must be provided in separate VAST tags. Do not combine 15 and 30 second length videos in a single VAST tag as this will cause a negative impact on delivery.
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
  • Two .mp4 versions should be included for the video for OTT devices and mobile.
  • 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
Lead Time
Allow five (5) business days for production, testing, and review.
Advertising Content Regulations
View Advertising Content Regulations
Additional Details
  • ESPN.com reserves right of final approval on video submissions.
  • MPEG-2 Program Stream or Quicktime (.mov) assets and 1x1 trackers must also be provided for ESPN to encode and site serve.