Introduction
A&E Networks CTV specifications define delivery requirements for video ad creatives across A&E Network inventory. The spec covers two distinct file delivery paths — .mov and .mp4 — each with separate bitrate expectations, and includes strict audio format requirements supporting both LPCM and AAC codecs. Creative length is flexible but pricing is length-dependent and must be confirmed with a Sales Representative.
Publisher
- • VAST version: 2.0 only
- • Resolution: 1920×1080
- • Aspect ratio: 16:9
- • Bitrate: .mov 117 - 147 Mbps VBR | .mp4 20 Mbps or higher
- •Skippable ads: not accepted
- •Audio: stereo · AAC-LC · 44.1 or 48 kHz · peak −12 to −24 dB
- • Wrapped tags: Not supported. Monitoring pixels only
Specifications
VAST and tag requirements
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| VAST Supported | Yes |
| VAST Version | 2.0 ONLY |
| 3rd Party Tags | Yes |
| Preferred Vendors | Innovid, Flashtalking, GAM, Extreme Reach |
| Wrapped Tags | Not supported. Monitoring pixels only. |
| Trackers | Must be validated against publisher-approved vendors |
Video specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 0.672916667 |
| File Format | .mov or .mp4 |
| Bitrate — .mov | VBR expected at 117 Mbps - 147 Mbps |
| Bitrate — .mp4 | 20 Mbps or higher |
| Codec | Apple ProRes 422 |
| Frame Rate | 23.98, 25, or 29.97 fps |
| Creative Length — Minimum | 6 s |
| Creative Length — Maximum | 120 s |
| Typical Creative Lengths | 15 s increments |
| Pricing by Length | Pricing is determined by creative length. Confirm with Sales Representative |
Audio specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Required | Yes |
| Channels | 2-channel stereo |
| Codec | LPCM (Big Endian or Little Endian) or AAC |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit or 24-bit |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz minimum |
| Bitrate | 192 kbps |
| Loudness Standard | -24 LKFS +/- 2 |
- Wrapped tags are not supported. Only monitoring pixels are allowed.
- Trackers must be validated against publisher-approved vendors. Innovid, Flashtalking, GAM, and Extreme Reach are preferred.
- .mov files are expected at VBR 117 - 147 Mbps. .mp4 files must be 20 Mbps or higher.
- Creative length minimum is 6 s and maximum is 120 s. Typical lengths are in 15-s increments.
- Pricing is determined by length. Confirm with sales representative.
- Audio supports two codec options: LPCM (Big or Little Endian) and AAC. Both require 2-channel stereo, 48 kHz sample rate, and -24 LKFS +/- 2 loudness standard.
Spec guide
FAQs
Can wrapped tags be used in A&E Networks CTV campaigns?
Wrapped tags are not supported in A&E Networks CTV campaigns and only monitoring pixels are allowed. Any use of wrapped tags can disrupt tracking and cause rejection because delivery relies on direct VAST execution without wrapper logic.
What validation is required for third-party trackers in A&E Networks CTV ads?
Third-party trackers must be validated against A&E Networks approved vendors before use. Unvalidated trackers are rejected to maintain measurement integrity across inventory. Approved vendors such as Innovid, Flashtalking, GAM, and Extreme Reach are commonly used for compliant tracking integration.
What happens if aspect ratio does not match A&E Networks requirements?
A&E Networks CTV requires a specific aspect ratio of 0.672916667. If the aspect ratio does not match, creatives may fail validation or display incorrectly during playback. Compliance ensures consistent rendering across devices and prevents distortion in CTV inventory.