Introduction
Bloomberg TV CTV specifications define VAST version requirements, file delivery constraints, and strict audio compliance standards for video ad creatives. The spec distinguishes between non-skippable and skippable placements with different VAST version requirements for each. Creatives must include unique tags per duration, and all VAST URLs must be free of geo, browser, or targeting restrictions. Audio must meet both peak and loudness standards to avoid rejection.
Publisher
- • VAST version: 2-4 (non-skippable) · 3-4 (skippable)
- • Resolution: 720p required · 1080p recommended
- • Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 4:3
- • Codec: H.264 · .mp4
- • Unique tag required per ad duration
- • Audio peak: no higher than −10 dBFS · loudness: −24 LKFS
- • VPAID: not permitted
- • Wrapped tags: Not supported. Monitoring pixels only
Specifications
VAST and tag requirements
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| VAST supported | Yes |
| VAST version — non-skippable | Versions 2-4 |
| VAST version — skippable | Versions 3-4 |
| JavaScript in VAST | Not permitted. JavaScript tags are not compatible with video creatives |
| VPAID supported | No. Strictly not permitted |
| 3rd party tags | Yes |
| Preferred vendors | Check with Account Manager |
| YouTube creative vendors | 3rd party YouTube creatives must be from an approved VAST vendor. See: Google approved vendor list |
| Wrapped tags | Not supported. Monitoring pixels only |
| Trackers | Must be validated against publisher-approved vendors |
| Unique tags per duration | Provide unique 3rd party tags for each asset duration. Creative rotations including both :15 and :30 assets require 2 separate tags |
| VAST URL restrictions | VAST URLs must not include geo, browser, or additional targeting restrictions |
Video specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Required resolution | 720p or below |
| Recommended resolution | 1080p (optional inclusion recommended) |
| Aspect ratio — accepted | 16:9 or 4:3 |
| File format | .mp4 |
| Codec | H.264 |
| Max file size — :06 | 1 MB |
| Max file size — :15 | 4 MB |
| Max file size — :30 | 10 MB |
| Frame rate | 23-30 fps |
Audio specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio required | Yes |
| Peak limit | No higher than −10 dBFS / 6 PPM |
| Average loudness | −24 LKFS (±2 dB) per ATSC A/85 (US) and TR-B32 (Japan) |
| Audio gain limit | Must not exceed −12 dB |
| Codec | Not specified. Confirm with Account Manager |
- JavaScript tags are not compatible with video creatives and will be rejected.
- VPAID tags are strictly not permitted.
- VAST URLs must not include geo, browser, or additional targeting restrictions.
- Creative rotations with both :15 and :30 assets require two separate unique tags, one per duration.
- 3rd party YouTube creatives must be from an approved VAST vendor per Google's approved vendor list.
- Trackers must be validated against publisher-approved vendors. Confirm approved list with Account Manager.
- Peak audio must not exceed −10 dBFS / 6 PPM.
- Average loudness must be −24 LKFS (±2 dB).
- Audio gain must not exceed −12 dB.
FAQs
What happens if wrapped tags are used in Bloomberg TV CTV ad delivery?
Wrapped tags are not supported in Bloomberg TV CTV delivery and only monitoring pixels are allowed. Any attempt to use wrapped tags can result in tracking failure or rejection because the system does not process additional wrapper logic. Creatives must rely on direct VAST implementations to ensure compatibility and proper measurement.
How are VAST URL restrictions enforced in Bloomberg TV CTV campaigns?
VAST URLs must not include geo, browser, or targeting parameters in Bloomberg TV CTV campaigns. URLs with embedded targeting logic are rejected because delivery logic is handled separately by the ad system. This ensures consistent creative serving across all devices and prevents mismatched targeting behavior.
How should trackers and vendors be validated for Bloomberg TV CTV ads?
Trackers must be validated against publisher-approved vendors before use in Bloomberg TV CTV campaigns. Any unapproved tracker can be rejected during creative review. Account Managers provide the approved vendor list, and validation ensures measurement compliance and prevents unsupported tracking integrations during playback.