Introduction
Univision CTV specifications define VAST delivery, encoding, and audio requirements for video ad creatives. Each VAST tag must contain a minimum of three media files across multiple bitrates, including at least one file under 1,000 kbps. Separate tags are required for :15 and :30 creative lengths. Any updates to live VAST tags must be reported to Univision for QA. Skippable ads are not accepted.
Publisher
- • VAST version: 2.0 only
- • Resolution: 1920×1080 · Aspect ratio: 16:9
- • Bitrate: 8 - 30 Mbps · Codec: H.264 · .mp4 · Max: 1.7 GB
- • Frame rate: 24 fps
- • Min 3 media files per tag across multiple bitrates
- • Skippable ads: not accepted
- • 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 | Check with Account Manager |
| Wrapped Tags | Not supported. Monitoring pixels only. |
| Trackers | Must be validated against publisher-approved vendors |
| Separate Tags by Duration | Separate VAST tags must be provided for :15 and :30 creative lengths |
| Minimum Media Files Per Tag | At least three files with various bitrates must be included in each VAST tag |
| Low Bitrate File Requirement | Must contain at least one media file under 1,000 kbps |
| Live Tag Updates | Client must notify Univision of any updates to live VAST tags, all updates will be QA'd against specs |
| Skippable Ads | Not accepted |
Video specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Bitrate Range | 8 - 30 Mbps |
| File Format | .mp4 |
| Codec | H.264 |
| Max File Size | 1.7 GB |
| Frame Rate | 24 fps |
Audio specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio Required | Yes |
| Channels | Stereo |
| Peak Audio Range | -12 dB to -24 dB |
| Sample Rate | 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz |
| Codec | AAC-LC |
- Wrapped tags are not supported, only monitoring pixels are allowed.
- Trackers must be validated against publisher-approved vendors. Confirm approved list with Account Manager.
- Separate VAST tags must be provided for :15 and :30 creative lengths. Do not combine durations in a single tag.
- Each VAST tag must contain at least three media files across multiple bitrates, including at least one file under 1,000 kbps. Any updates to live VAST tags must be reported to Univision. All updates will be QA'd against specs before going live.
- Skippable ads are not accepted.
- Peak audio must remain between -12 dB and -24 dB.
Spec guide
FAQs
What happens if a Univision CTV VAST tag is updated without notifying the publisher?
Any updates to live Univision CTV VAST tags must be reported to the publisher for QA validation. Unreported changes can cause rejection or delays because all updates are reviewed against specification requirements before going live.
Why is a low bitrate file required in Univision CTV VAST tags?
A Univision CTV VAST tag must include at least one media file under 1,000 kbps to support adaptive streaming. This ensures playback stability in lower bandwidth environments and maintains delivery consistency across different devices.
What happens if skippable ads are submitted to Univision CTV?
Skippable ads are not accepted in Univision CTV campaigns. Any skippable creative is rejected because the platform only supports non-skippable ad formats to ensure complete ad playback across inventory.