Introduction
Paramount CTV specifications cover ad delivery requirements across Paramount+, Pluto TV, CBS, MTV, BET, Showtime, VH1, and Comedy Central. The spec defines a four-tier VAST media file structure with specific bitrate tolerances, minimum dimensions, and file size limits per ad duration. Creatives must also meet strict frame rate, encoding profile, and audio loudness standards. VAST 1.1 is not supported.
Publisher
- • VAST version: 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 · 1.1 not supported
- • Resolution: 1920×1080 preferred · 16:9
- • Bitrate: 10-40 Mbps · four delivery tiers
- • Codec: H.264 High Profile · .mp4 only
- • Scan: progressive · constant native frame rate
- • Audio: AAC · 192 kbps min · 48 kHz · −24 LUFS ±2
- • Peak audio: never exceed −6 dB
- • VPAID and JavaScript in VAST: not supported
Specifications
VAST and tag requirements
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| VAST Supported | Yes |
| VAST Version | 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 are supported. VAST 1.1 is not supported |
| 3rd Party Tags | Yes |
| Preferred Vendors | Check with Account Manager |
| Wrapped Tags | Not supported, monitoring pixels only |
| Trackers | Must be validated against publisher-approved vendors |
| VAST Media File — Tier 1 | Bitrate: 2,100 kbps +/- 50 kbps | Codec: H.264 (MP4) | Min dimensions: 1024x576 |
| VAST Media File — Tier 2 | Bitrate: 1,500 kbps +/- 50 kbps | Codec: H.264 (MP4) | Min dimensions: 960x540 |
| VAST Media File — Tier 3 | Bitrate: 750 kbps +/- 50 kbps | Codec: H.264 (MP4) | Min dimensions: 768x432 |
| VAST Media File — Tier 4 | Bitrate: 375 kbps +/- 50 kbps | Codec: H.264 (MP4) | Min dimensions: 640x360 |
Video specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Preferred Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Scan Type | Progressive |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 All videos must be in HD aspect ratio. Video will auto-scale correctly |
| Bitrate Range | 10–40 Mbps |
| File Format | .mp4 |
| Codec | H.264 High Profile |
| Max File Size | 1.7 GB |
| Max File Size — :15 | 4.5 MB |
| Max File Size — :30 | 9 MB |
| Max File Size — :60 | 18 MB |
| Frame Rate | 23.98 (23.976), 24, 25, 29.97, or 30 fps—native only |
| Frame Rate Type | Constant frame rate only |
| De-interlacing | No de-interlacing with no frame blending |
| Telecine / Pull-down | Remove any Telecine or 3:2 pull-down added for broadcast |
Audio specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Required | Yes |
| Channels | 2 channels only |
| Codec | AAC |
| Bitrate | 192 kbps minimum |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit or 24-bit only |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Loudness Standard | -24 LUFS +/- 2 LUFS per ATSC A/85 |
| Peak Limit | Must never exceed -6 dB |
- VAST 1.1 is not supported. VAST 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 are accepted.
- Wrapped tags are not supported; only monitoring pixels are allowed.
- Trackers must be validated against publisher-approved vendors. Confirm approved list with Account Manager.
- VAST media files must be provided across all four bitrate tiers: 2,100 kbps (1024x576), 1,500 kbps (960x540), 750 kbps (768x432), and 375 kbps (640x360).
- All tiers use H.264 MP4 with +/- 50 kbps bitrate tolerance.
- Frame rate must be constant and native only.
- Remove any Telecine or 3:2 pull-down added for broadcast.
- No de-interlacing with frame blending.
- Audio loudness must be -24 LUFS +/- 2 LUFS per ATSC A/85.
- Peak must never exceed -6 dB.
Spec guide
FAQs
Are wrapped tags allowed in Paramount CTV ad delivery?
Wrapped tags are not supported in Paramount CTV delivery, and only monitoring pixels are permitted. Any use of wrapped tags can cause tracking failure or rejection because the system requires direct VAST execution without additional wrapper logic.
What happens if not all four VAST media file tiers are provided?
Failure to include all four required VAST media file tiers results in non-compliance and can block ad approval. Paramount CTV requires each creative to include all bitrate tiers to ensure adaptive streaming across different network conditions and device capabilities.
Can VPAID or JavaScript be used in Paramount CTV creatives?
VPAID and JavaScript are not permitted in Paramount CTV creatives. Any inclusion of these technologies results in rejection because the platform only supports standard VAST execution without executable script-based ad components.