The New MSN

Custom Header AdLast Updated – September 2014

Creative Acceptance PolicyAll creative must meet the requirements of the MSA Creative Acceptance Policy

Ad SpecificationsAd Type / Ad Size

Initial Size Downlevel File Size (GIF/JPG)

Max Initial Download File Size

Max Secondary Download File Size (polite)

Max Initial Video Download File Size (progressive)

Audio Specifications/ Limit

Animation and Video Duration

Alt Text Limit

Rectangle 1x1

2-Column 628W X 162H

3-Column 970W X 250H

4-Column 1272W X 328H

2-Column30 KB (628W X 45H)

3-Column40 KB (970W x 70H)

4-Column50 KB (1272W X 92H)

50 KB 300 KB 2.2 MB Allowed on user click only; Duration: 30 sec

Ad download: 15 secOn user click: 30 sec

65 char

NotesThe above represent Microsoft general specification parameters which submitted third party served Rich Media must conform to. Specific creative build specifications must be provided by your third party Rich Media Vendor.

US Homepage Only Ad RequirementsThis spec is not for the US Homepage. Ads running on the US Homepage have additional creative requirements covered in a separate specification document.

The User Experience

The Custom Header Ad is the largest ad on the new MSN Homepage and Verticals. It’s also the only third party-served Rich Media format built to take advantage of the responsive design of the New MSN. This means that Advertisers can either scale a single creative across all three page widths (2, 3, 4-column views), or customize the creative for each of the page widths. Similar to the IAB Billboard, the user can hide the ad experience and then reopen it later.

The Custom Header Ad is offered to Microsoft advertisers via our partnership with leading Rich Media providers (see list below under Certified Rich Media Vendors). They enable Advertisers to reach audiences with unrivalled interactivity and engagement. These ad units can offer the full range of creative executions – from eye-popping animation, to video, dynamic data, interactive games, and more.

Ad Specifications

The Custom Header must include ‘X Hide Ad’ button in the upper right corner allowing the user to hide the ad unit.

The standard IAB Leave-behind will display an 88x31px “Show Ad” icon when the Custom Header is hidden.

Non-user Initiated animation and video is limited to the 15 seconds, looping is allowed within 15 seconds.

Individual video duration: 30 seconds max. Replay allowed with user initiation. Light colored creative must feature a 1 pixel border (gray [#666666] or black recommended, though

any color that clearly distinguishes the ad from the content may be used). Click destination URL must open in a new browser.

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Actionscript 2 or 3 accepted. Flash frame rate cannot exceed 24 fps. Must be published as Flash 9 or higher.

Audio Specifications:

Audio must be user-initiated and never automatic. Audio on/off toggle button must be present at all times when sound is available. All ad audio must be muted or paused on click-through.

Video Specifications:

Non user-initiated progressive video must be 2.2 MB or less. Individual video duration: 30 seconds max. Replay allowed with user initiation. Minimum video controls required for all video players: Play/Pause and Mute/Unmute button Volume Control, Time Scrubber and Replay button are suggested but not required.

Examples

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4-Column View

Each of these vertical content areas is called a “Column” in this ad spec

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3-Column View

Hidden Ad View2-Column View

Certified Rich Media Vendors

Sizmek Others are coming!

Due to the responsive nature of this format, please consult your Certified Rich Media partner of choice (from the list above) on build guidelines and asset requirements.

Data Reported

3rd party Rich Media partners will typically provide impressions and click-through data, as well as enhanced metrics. Please consult your Certified Rich Media partner of choice (from the list above) for more details.

Data Collection

Microsoft permits advertisers to collect user-provided personal information (for example, through web forms embedded in ads).

Advertisers may be required to modify ad units or provide additional disclosure in order to be acceptable for advertising on Microsoft sites.

Advertisers wishing to collect personal information within advertisements (according to specifications above) must follow these guidelines:

o Clearly identify organization  o Provide link to privacy policy (usually adjacent to the web form’s “submit” button) o Identify purpose for collecting information

Ad Submission GuidelinesAll creative must meet the MSA Ad Submission Guidelines

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