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Creative Specifications

Technical specifications for video ads served through DIRECTV Ads Manager

To ensure your creatives run smoothly and look their best, it's essential to adhere to the correct technical specifications. This guide outlines the key requirements for video ads served through our platform.

When you upload video assets directly to the platform, our ad server automatically transcodes them for optimal delivery. To ensure the highest quality, please follow these specifications:

Video specifications

  • Ad Length: Acceptable durations include :15 and :30. Other longer lengths such as :60 seconds may be accepted upon request. Contact [email protected] for assistance.

  • File Format: Recommended formats include .mov, .mp4, Apple ProRes 422 HQ, or H.264 codec.

  • Aspect Ratio: Minimum 1920x1080 (16:9) or 1440x1080 (4:3). Letterboxing or pillarboxing is not permitted.

  • Bitrate: Constant Bitrate (CBR) between 15–30 Mbps, using an MP@ML and 4:2:2 color profile.

  • Framerate: 23.98, 25, or 29.97 fps (must remain constant). Ensure active de-interlacing with no blending.

Audio specifications

  • Channels: 2-channel stereo

  • Codec: PCM or AAC

  • Bitrate: Minimum 192 kbps

  • Bit Depth: 16 or 24 bit

  • Sample Rate: 48kHz

3rd-party ad tags

If you are using third-party ad tags, ensure they meet the following compatibility requirements:

  • Supported Tag Format: VAST tags only (VPAID, MRAID, and JavaScript tags are not supported)

  • Required Video File Format: The video asset referenced in your VAST tag must be in .mp4 format.

To ensure seamless playback across various devices and connection speeds, providing multiple resolution and bitrate options is recommended:

Resolution

Bitrate

Requirement

960x540px

1024 kbps

Required

854x480px

1536 kbps

Required

1920x1080px

2560 kbps

Recommended

640x360px

716 kbps

Recommended

1920x1080px

12,288 kbps

Recommended

3rd-party tracking

  • Accepted: Image pixel tracking

  • Not Supported: JavaScript-based tracking

  • VAST Tracking Events: All standard VAST events are supported, but VPAID events are not.

Note: VAST tags are not supported in the self-serve platform. To enable VAST tags, please contact [email protected].

Ensuring a high-quality experience

By following these technical specifications, your CTV ads will deliver a seamless, high-quality experience and effectively reach your target audience.

Have questions or need assistance? Contact our support team at: [email protected].

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