Introduction
Disney CTV specifications define strict requirements for VAST tags, video encoding, and audio configuration across Disney+, Hulu, ABC, and ESPN. Marketers must follow exact constraints for bitrate, format, and playback behavior. Any deviation from these requirements can result in creative rejection or delivery failure.
Publisher
- • VAST version: 2.0 only
- • Resolution: Preferred 1920×1080 · Min 1280×720
- • Aspect ratio: 16:9 only
- • Bitrate: 10–40 Mbps (CBR)
- • Codec: Apple ProRes or H.264
- • Audio: PCM or AAC · 48 kHz · 192 kbps min
- • Wrapped tags: Not supported — monitoring pixels only
- • JavaScript in VAST: Not allowed
Specifications
VAST and tag requirements
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| VAST supported | Yes |
| VAST version | VAST 2.0 only |
| JavaScript in VAST | Not allowed |
| 3rd party tags | Yes |
| Preferred vendors | Innovid, Flashtalking, DCM, Sizmek, Extreme Reach |
| Wrapped tags | Not supported — monitoring pixels only |
| Trackers | Must be validated against publisher-approved vendors |
Video specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum resolution | 1280×720 |
| Preferred resolution | 1920×1080 |
| Aspect ratio — accepted | 16:9 |
| Aspect ratio — rejected | 1:1, 9:16 |
| Bitrate type | Constant bitrate (CBR) |
| Bitrate range | 10–40 Mbps |
| Profile | Main Profile at Main Level (MP@ML) |
| Color space | 4:2:2 |
| Video tracks | Exactly one video track required |
| Audio sync | Must match audio duration |
| File format | .mov or .mp4 |
| Codec | Apple ProRes or H.264 |
| Max file size — Disney-hosted | 250 MB |
| Max file size — VAST | 1.9 GB |
| Frame rate | 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, or 30 fps (match native frame rate) |
| Frame rate type | Constant only |
| Scan type | Progressive only |
| Quality constraint | Creative may still be rejected if video quality is poor even when technical specs are met |
Audio specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Audio required | Yes |
| Channels | 2-channel stereo |
| Bitrate | Minimum 192 kbps |
| Bit depth | 16-bit or 24-bit only |
| Sample rate | 48 kHz |
| Codec | PCM or AAC |
- VAST tags must not contain JavaScript elements.
- Wrapped tags are not supported — only monitoring pixels are allowed.
- Trackers must be validated against publisher-approved vendors.
- Creatives with 1:1 or 9:16 aspect ratios will be rejected.
- Creative may still be rejected for poor video quality even when all technical specs are met.
Spec guide
Source: Disney, Disney Plus
FAQs
What happens if a Disney CTV campaign uses a 1:1 or 9:16 aspect ratio?
Disney CTV rejects creatives that use 1:1 or 9:16 aspect ratios because only 16:9 is supported. Even if video quality is high, incorrect aspect ratios prevent delivery across Disney+, Hulu, ABC, and ESPN inventory.
What is the impact of using non-approved tracking vendors in Disney CTV campaigns?
Disney CTV requires trackers to be validated against approved vendors such as Innovid, Flashtalking, DCM, Sizmek, and Extreme Reach. Using non-approved tracking can block measurement validation and lead to campaign delivery issues or rejection.
Is there a file size difference between Disney-hosted video and VAST delivery?
Disney CTV allows up to 250 MB for Disney-hosted files and up to 1.9 GB for VAST-delivered creatives. Exceeding these limits results in ingestion failure or rejection regardless of encoding quality or compliance with other technical specifications.