Pre-Roll

ESPN Radio (US)

Overview

The Pre-Roll features a 15 or 30 second clip that runs before the audio stream loads.

  • 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 (Pre-Roll) Yes Yes Yes
Mobile Web (Pre-Roll) Yes Yes No
Apps (Pre-Roll) 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