Pre-Roll

ESPN (US)

Overview

The Pre-Roll features a 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.

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 No
Apps Yes Yes No
OTT Device Yes Yes No

VAST Requirements

Accepted Version
VAST 2.0
Video Dimensions
1280x720
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: 1500 kbps minimum / 5000 kbps maximum
  • Note: The VAST response should include two MP4's - one low-resolution, and one high. The higher resolution MP4 should be between 1500-5000 kbps. For example:
    <MediaFiles>
       <MediaFile id="1" delivery="progressive" type="video/mp4" bitrate="1500" 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 and may also contain a SWF. ESPN's desktop video players are HTML5 compliant and do not support Flash by default. Example XML response:
<MediaFiles>
   <MediaFile type="application/x-shockwave-flash" apiFramework="VPAID" height="480" width="640" delivery="progressive">
      <![CDATA[https://svastx.moatads.com/swf/moatwrapper.swf?vast=https:%3a%2f%2fad.doubleclick.net...]]>
</MediaFile>
<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 mobile video.
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 or 30 seconds.
Aspect Ratio
16x9
Frame Rate
29.97 fps
File Format
  • Stream type: MPEG-2 Program Stream or Quicktime (MOV)
  • Delivery: Progressive
  • Bitrate: 6000 kbps (.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 (.mov); FFDShow (.mpg)
  • Volume should be normalized to -23 dBFS.
Sample Rate
  • 48 kHz
  • FFDShow (.mpg)

Quick Links

ESPN Confluence