Video Ad Specifications
Platform-specific requirements for video ad format, dimensions, duration, file size, and content standards.
What Video Ad Specifications means
Video ad specifications are the technical and content requirements that each platform sets for video advertisements. Technical specs include aspect ratio (16:9, 1:1, 9:16), resolution (minimum 720p typically), duration (varies from 5 seconds to 240 seconds by platform and placement), file size limits, and codec requirements. Content specifications include policies on text overlay, audio requirements, opening frame content, and branding guidelines. Compliance considerations include platform-specific content policies for video (Meta restricts health claims in video differently than static ads), audio requirements (some placements require sound-off optimization), and caption/subtitle requirements for accessibility. Each placement within a platform may have different specs — a TikTok feed video differs from an Instagram Story, which differs from a YouTube pre-roll. Non-compliant video formats are a common cause of ad rejection.
Related terms
Ad Creative
The visual and multimedia elements of an advertisement, including images, videos, carousels, and interactive formats.
Ad Placement
The specific location or format where an ad appears within a platform's ecosystem (e.g., Feed, Stories, Reels, Search).
Ad Rejection
The act of a platform declining to run an ad because it violates advertising policies or guidelines.
Responsive Ad
An ad format where multiple headlines, descriptions, and images are provided and the platform algorithmically combines them for optimal performance.