Ad Guide: Out-Stream

General Information

smartclip’s best practices for advertising creatives:

• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (standard widescreen)
• Video length: 15-25 seconds (recommended)

The following setups are not allowed, as settings will get applied by smartclip:

• Ads that automatically expand
• 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 ad formats, please provide the CI Guide including colour code, fonts, logos as well as the desired wording (e.g. slogans) as well as video and imagery 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 a closed caption file.

For IO, please provide all creative material or redirects at least five days before the campaign starts. Delayed/incorrect delivery can lead to a delayed starting date of the agreed campaign. Hence, a punctual start cannot be guaranteed. Changing ads during the campaign period may only be carried out with tested advertising assets and in coordination with smartclip.

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

Standard Video Formats

In-Text Landscape Ad

In-Text Landscape ads are embedded directly within the body of a publisher’s text article within landscape-shaped placements with a 16:9 aspect ratio. The video ad is placed in a brand-safe, editorial environment and automatically starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. In-Text Landscape ads are viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type MOV, MP4, MPG Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1280×720 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  Resolution Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540

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. The 1:1 square video formats take up more real estate than In-Text Landscape ads on mobile. Subsequently, they tend to perform better in terms of media views and engagement. The format is well-known from social media campaigns and the player works in mobile environments. In-Text Square ads are viewable by design.

Available on tablet and mobile.

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type MOV, MP4, MPG Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1080×1080 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  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 within ad placements with a 9:16 aspect ratio. Vertical video ads span the height of a user’s mobile screen. Subsequently, they create an immersive experience with higher completion rates and engagement. The format is well-known from social media campaigns and the player works in mobile environments. In-Text Vertical ads are viewable by design.

Available on tablet and mobile.

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type MOV, MP4, MPG Resolution 1080×1920 (recommended), min. 720×1280 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  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, or on tablet and mobile in square and vertical format. 

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type Video: MOV, MP4, MPG Image assets: JPG, PNG, PSD Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1280×720 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  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 on tablet and mobile in square format.

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type Video: MOV, MP4, MPG Image assets: JPG, PNG, PSD Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1280×720 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  Resolution Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540

In-Text Choose Ad

In-Text Choose ads are landscape video ads that offer viewers the option to choose which video ad to view from a selection of spots. The video ad 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. The In-Text Choose ads are available as landscape or responsive video ads. In-Text Choose ads are viewable by design.

Available on desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type Video: MOV, MP4, MPG Image assets: JPG, PNG, PSD Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1280×720 Aspect Ratio 16:9 (landscape – desktop for responsive) 1:1 (responsive) 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  Resolution Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540

Video File (responsive) These specifications apply in addition to the regular landscape specs when the responsive design is selected. Please provide a click URL and  trackers (if applicable). General Plate click (Video || Clicktag) CTA click (Video || Clicktag) Select font type? https://fonts.google.com/  Autoplay Options Autoplay On (true) Autoplay Off (false) Autoplay After x Seconds Contents 3-5 Images for thumbnails (600x600px) 3-5 video files 1 logo image (optional) Copy Footertext Text for the plates (optional) Footertext for each plate. Will be displayed during video view (optional) CTA text for each plate (optional, if omitted no CTA appears)

Footer Layout Text Colour (hex) Background Colour (hex) Text Alignment (left || right || center) Font Size (pixel) Plate Layout (as applicable) Text Colour (hex) Background Colour (hex) Background Opacity (0.0-1.0) Height (auto || pixel value || percentage value) Text Alignment (left || right || center) Font Size (pixel) CTA Layout (as applicable) Text Colour (hex) Text Colour Hover (hex) Background Colour (hex) Background Colour Hover (hex) Background Opacity (0.0-1.0) Background Hover Opacity (0.0-1.0) Width (auto || pixel value || percentage value) Text Alignment (left || right || center) CTA Alignment (left || right || center) Font Size (pixel)   Logo Alignment (left || right) Offset X and Y (optional)

In-Text In-Swipe Ad

In-Text InSwipe ads are landscape video ads that remain sticky on the top third of the page on mobile when the user scrolls past 50% of the original ad placement. The user can easily swipe left or right to skip the ad. The player works in mobile web environments. In-Text InSwipe ads are viewable by design.

Available on tablet and mobile.

Technical Specifications

Video File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type MOV, MP4, MPG Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1280×720 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, VAST 3, VAST 4, VPAID 2.0 Protocols TLS (SSL)-enabled VAST linear VAST tags are accepted (IAB standard) VPAID only supported as of Javascript Video Bitrate 800 – 2000 Kbps  Resolution Creative to contain min. a media file each of 640×360 and 960×540

In-Text Dynamic Ad

In-Text Dynamic ads are landscape or vertical ads that change creatives in order to create personalised ad experiences based on personal interest and/or location. This competitive video ad format effectively combines reach and relevance and is available in all online video in-stream and out-stream environments. The video ad 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. In-Text Dynamic ads are viewable by design.

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

Technical Specifications

Physical Ad / Video Delivery (no tag / redirect delivery possible) File Type MP4 Resolution 1920×1080 (recommended), min. 1280×720 Aspect Ratio 16:9 (landscape) 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

Dynamic Overlay Format

Step 1

Please supply a meta data excel sheet including:

• Store details (address, house number, postal code, city)
• Overlay duration and frequency

Step 2

• Option A: The advertiser/buyer supplies final PSD for the overlay integration.
• Option B: Full-service, smartclip created the dynamic components according to the advertiser’s brief (including two rounds of revisions). For the brief, please take into account the customisable banner features:
  • Logo files (PSD or PNG recommended)
  • Colour and transparency of overlay: RGB or HEX
  • Copy (3-5 lines max. recommended)
  • Font type (Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, Times New Roman, Georgia; for individual fonts, please consult the design team)
  • Font size (8-12 recommended; 14 max for headline)
  • Font colour
  • Delivery of impressions/click-tracking (if desired)
  • Logo files (PSD or PNG recommended)

Rich Media Video Effect Formats

In-Text Carousel Ad

IO booking only: In-Text Carousel ads are landscape or vertical video ads that enable advertisers to showcase up to eight interactive images that are linked to individual landing pages. The ad starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. In-Text Carousel ads are viewable by design.

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

Technical Specifications

File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type JPG, PNG, PSD Resolution 960×540 (landscape) 720×12080 (vertical) Responsive to the page level Aspect Ratio 16:9 (landscape) 9:16 (vertical)

Pixels Accepted 1×1 (all tags must be TLS (SSL) only) Main Image 1  Number of Slides Min. 3 and max. 8

In-Text Slideshow Ad 

IO booking only: In-Text Slideshow ads are landscape, square, or vertical video ads that offer advertisers a budget-friendly way to use image-only ad creatives in a video-like gallery. The ad starts once 50% of the player becomes visible and stops when less than 50% of the ad is visible. In-Text Slideshows are easy to create with low production costs while providing an attractive video effect. In-Text Slideshow ads are viewable by design.

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

Technical Specifications

File Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type JPG, PNG, PSD Resolution 960×540 (landscape) 540×540 (square) 720×12080 (vertical) Responsive to the page level Aspect Ratio 16:9 (landscape) 1:1 (square) 9:16 (vertical)

Pixels Accepted 1×1 (all tags must be TLS (SSL) only) Number of Slides Min. 3 and max. 8

In-Text Parallax Ad

IO booking only: In-Text Parallax ads are shown in landscape or vertical placements, and are composed of one main static image that is gradually shown across the entire display as viewers scroll. The In-Text Parallax is available as video or static, non-video format. In-Text Parallax ads are viewable by design.

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

Technical Specifications

Static Version Please provide a click URL and (optional) trackers.  File Type JPG, PNG, GIF File Size 200 KB for each mobile image 300 KB for each desktop image Visible Slot Ratio 1:1 (mobile) 1:2 (desktop) For the specs of the Parallax video format, please refer to the following page.

Pixels Accepted 1×1 (all tags must be TLS (SSL) only) Image Dimension Mobile 768×1565 (vertical)  1024×860 (landscape) Image Dimension Desktop 1000×1000 (vertical)  1000×2028 (landscape)

Video Version Please provide a click URL and  trackers (if applicable). This ad format is created in full service. Please supply two images and one video file each per device type. Video File Type MOV, MP4, MPG Image File Type JPG, PNG, PSD Pixels Accepted 1×1 (all tags must be TLS (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) Video Resolution 1280×720 (minimum) Video Info Mobile (vertical) Video Size: 663×373 Video Position: x: 53 y: 967   Mobile (landscape)       Video Size: 582×327 Video Position: x: 221 y:459    Desktop (vertical)         Video Size: 646×363 Video Position: x: 177 y: 568   Desktop (landscape)     Video Size: 734×413 Video Position: x: 133 y: 1252