Ad Guide: Out-Stream (Europe)

Out-Stream: Standard Video Formats

General Information

smartclip’s best practices for video advertising creatives:

  • Aspect ratio: 16:9 (standard widescreen)
  • Video length: 15-25 seconds (recommended)
  • The following setups are not allowed (settings will get applied by smartclip):
    • Auto-playing audio (video sound can start through user interaction by click or by mouse-over; applicable for Out-Stream only)
    • Automatically expanding ads
    • Inserted “close button”
    • Preset cappings (geo, FC, device, etc.) by campaign/agency 

For In-Text Branded Activation Ads, In-Text Interactive Ads, In-Text Choose Ads, and all Rich Media Video Effect formats, in addition to video and imagery, please provide the CI Guide including colour code, fonts, logos as well as the desired wording (e.g. slogans) for the campaign.

Subtitles/closed captioning: VAST 4.1 enables subtitles/closed captioning by standardising the delivery of closed captioning files. Please make sure to include closed caption file.

For IO, please provide all creative material or redirects at least 5 days before campaign start. Delayed/incorrect delivery can lead to a delayed starting date of the agreed campaign and a punctual start is no longer guaranteed. Changing ads during the campaign period may only be carried out with tested advertising assets and in accordance with smartclip.

Subject to prior consultation and agreements, other requirements may apply for individual forms of advertising/billing.

In-Text Landscape Ad

Placed in a brand-safe, editorial environment, the In-Text Landscape Ads are embedded directly within the body of a publisher’s text article. When scrolling up or down the publisher’s article page, the video ad automatically starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. Viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext landscape outstream video ad format

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbps
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment.

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted 
(IAB standards)

VPAID
only supported as of Javascript

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)





In-Text Square Ad

In-Text Square Ads are embedded directly within the body of a publisher’s text article within square-shaped placements with a 1:1 aspect ratio. Since 1:1 square video formats take up more real estate than In-Text Landscape Ads on mobile, they subsequently tend to perform better in terms of media views and engagement. A format well-known from social media campaigns, the player works in mobile environments. Viewable by design.

Available on tablet and mobile.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext square outstream video ad format

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1080×1080 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
1:1 (square)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbps
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment.

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted 
(IAB standards)

VPAID
only supported as of Javascript

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)

Resolution
Creative to contain min. a media file 
each of 640×360 and 960×540 

In-Text Vertical Ad

In-Text Vertical Ads are embedded directly within the body of a publisher’s text article in a vertical format with a 9:16 aspect ratio. Since vertical video ads span the height of a user’s mobile screen, it creates an immersive experience with higher completion rates and engagement. A format well-known from social media campaigns, the player works in mobile environments. Viewable by design.

Available on tablet and mobile.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext vertical outstream video ad format

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1080×1920 (recommended), 
720×1280 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
9:16 (vertical)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbps
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment.

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted 
(IAB standards)

VPAID
only supported as of Javascript

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)

Resolution
Creative to contain min. a media file 
each of 640×360 and 960×540 

In-Text Branded Activation Ad

By integrating imagery as a frame around their in-text video ad, the In-Text Branded Activation Ad enables advertisers to customise components of the media player with branded design and a clear call-to-action. When scrolling up or down the publisher’s article page, the video ad automatically starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. Viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile as landscape, square, or vertical format. 

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext branded activation outstream video ad format

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbps 

Image Assets
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum); JPG, PNG, PSD
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment.

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted 
(IAB standards)

VPAID
only supported as of Javascript

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)

Resolution
Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540 






In-Text Interactive Ad

The In-Text Interactive Ad enables advertisers to customise video ads with various (animated) graphic elements with the option of multiple click-throughs. When scrolling up or down the publisher’s article page, the video ad automatically starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. The player works in both classic desktop as well as mobile environments. Viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile as landscape or square format.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext interactive outstream video ad format

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbps 

Image Assets
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum); JPG, PNG, PSD
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment.

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted 
(IAB standards)

VPAID
only supported as of Javascript

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)

Resolution
Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540 




In-Text Choose Ad

With In-Text Choose Ads, the viewer has the option to select from various spots and can actively choose which ad is played. When scrolling up or down the publisher’s article page, the video ad automatically starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. The player works in both classic desktop as well as mobile environments. Viewable by design. 

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext choose outstream video ad format

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbps 

Image Assets
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum); JPG, PNG, PSD
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment. 

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted 
(IAB standards)

VPAID
only supported as of Javascript

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)

Resolution
Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540 






In-Swipe Ad

As for the In-Text Landscape Ad, the In-Swipe Ad appears once 50% of the player becomes visible when scrolling down on a publisher’s article page, but it does not disappear as the viewer continues scrolling. On mobile, the In-Swipe Ad remains sticky on the top third of the page. On desktop, the In-Swipe Ad snaps to the bottom right corner once it is less than 50% viewable. The user can easily swipe left or right on mobile or press the skip button on desktop to skip the ad. The player works in both classic desktop as well as mobile web environments. Viewable by design.

Available on tablet and mobile.

Technical Specifications

Video File

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
MOV, MP4, MPG

Video Resolution
1920×1080 (recommended), 
1280×720 (minimum)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape)

File Size
max. 200 MB

FPS
24-30 

Audio
min. 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo, ACC or MP3 (recommended)

Video Bitrate 
min. 2500 Kbp
Tag / Redirect Delivery

Please supply as a separate text file attachment. 

Approved Tags 
VAST 2.0, VAST 3.0, VAST 4.0, VPAID 2.0

Protocols
TLS (SSL)-enabled

VAST 
linear VAST Tags are accepted (IAB standards)

VPAID
not supported

Video Bitrate 
min. 2000 Kbps (CTV); min. 800 Kbps (mobile)

Resolution
Creative to contain min. a media file 
each of 640×360 and 960×540 

Out-Stream: Rich Media Video Effect Formats

IO booking only

In-Text Carousel Ad

Eye-catching advertising by using multiple images within one ad, the In-Text Carousel Ad lends itself to the promotion of various product catalogues or special offers. With its highly flexible design, the In-Text Carousel can combine up to 8 images within one advertisement and each image can link to an individual URL. Viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile as landscape or vertical format.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext carousel outstream rich media video effect ad format

Technical Specifications

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
JPG, PNG, PSD

Pixels Accepted
1×1 (all tags must be 
TSL [SSL] only)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape) 
9:16 (vertical)
Resolution
960×540 (landscape) 
720×1280 (vertical)
(responsive to the page level)

Number of Main Image
1

Minimum Number of Slides
3

Maximum Number of Slides
8

In-Text Slideshow Ad 

A versatile and cost-effective ad format, the In-Text Slideshow Ad works through visual storytelling. The slideshow is activated once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. It is easy to create with low production costs while at the same time it provides an attractive video effect. Viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile as landscape, square, or vertical format.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext slideshow outstream rich media video effect ad format

Technical Specifications

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
JPG, PNG, PSD

Pixels Accepted
1×1 (all tags must be 
TSL [SSL] only)

Aspect Ratio
16:9 (landscape) 
1:1  (square)
9:16 (vertical)
Resolution
960×540 (landscape) 
540×540 (square)
720×1280 (vertical)
(responsive to the page level)


Minimum Number of Slides
3

Maximum Number of Slides
8


In-Text Parallax Ad

Gradually shown across the entire display, the In-Text Parallax Ad becomes visible while scrolling down the publisher’s article page. Composed of one main static ad, the In-Text Parallax is an interactive ad experience capturing engagement and attention in a non-intrusive way. Viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile as landscape or vertical format.

Visualisation of smartclip’s intext parallax outstream rich media video effect ad format

Technical Specifications

Please provide a click URL and 
trackers (if applicable).

File Type
JPG, PNG, GIF

Pixels Accepted
1×1 (all tags must be 
TSL [SSL] only)

File Size
200 KB for each mobile image
300 KB for each desktop image
Visible Slot Ratio
1:1 (mobile)
1:2 (desktop)

Image Dimension Mobile
768×1565 (vertical) 
1024×860 (landscape)

Image Dimension Desktop
1000×1000 (vertical) 
1000×2028 (landscape)


Download our Out-Stream Ad Guide here.

Fabian Burgey

Fabian is the Director SME Business Europe and has been working with smartclip since June 2019. He helps smartclip’s international reseller and SME clients leverage Addressable TV and Online-Video Solutions.

Fabian Burgey
Director SME Business Europe

Lisa-Theresia Rischke is the Head of Brand at smartclip Europe and responsible for the smartclip brand. She leads the design team and oversees collateral, social media, and strategic content marketing initiatives across Europe. 

Lisa Rischke
Head of Brand