Learn how to upload video files (single or bulk) to the illumin Library. Review the detailed spec table and learn about acceptable display formats for desktop, mobile, and tablet devices, plus in-article content.
Steps to open the Creatives page
- Log in to illumin.
- Go to the top menu bar.
- Select Library > Creatives.
- Click the Add Creative button.
- Select Single Upload or Bulk Upload.
If you select single, a side panel displays. If you select bulk, a new page displays.
Steps to upload a single file
Select the video option. The side panel screen prompts you to select an adserver type.
- Select Hosted (recommended) to upload creatives to illumin and use our platform as the source of truth for ad delivery and impressions.
- Third Party is an advanced feature that uses non-illumin adservers.
The screen displays two video type options: Instream vs Skipstream.
- Instream injects video content into a publisher’s video platform. Take YouTube as an example. You're watching a podcast, and the content stops while a video commercial plays. Instream ads can play before, during, or after the platform’s content. Most clients select Instream.
- Skipstream is an illumin tool. Select this option if you want to place video ads on non-video platforms, like webpages, for instance. The tool also enables more control over video functionality, such as displaying mute, a countdown timer, and custom skip prompts.
Steps to select a file
Click the Select file button. Select a file on your device. A new form displays. The only required field is the Click URL field, which holds the website URL and, optionally, a UTM parameter. Creating a new folder is optional but recommended. Click Add to save the file. illumin adds the folder and file to the Creatives table.
Optional fields
- Skippable Type: Choose an option or leave the default, nihilistically labeled I don't care.
- Companion Banner: Click the field and select a display file that you already uploaded to the platform.
- Creative Language: The language of the content. English is the default.
- Open RTB Creative Attributes: Insert industry-standard attributes for this creative type (e.g. expandable, has Audio On/Off Button, etc.).
- Impression Pixel 1: Paste in your pixel. Optionally, click the plus (+) icon to add another.
- VAST Tracker 1: Paste in your URL. Optionally, click the plus (+) icon to add another. Users can add a Vast Tracker for specific event types. They are: Creative View, Video Start, First Quartile, MIdpoint, Third Quartile, Complete, SKip, Mute, Unmute, Pause, Resume, Full Screen, View, and Skip.
Steps to bulk upload video files
To associate the same URL with multiple files, use a shortcut.
- Paste the URL into the field.
- Click the Replace button. illumin auto-fills the Click URL fields (a full field replacement) with the same web address.
- Use the same shortcut to auto-fill other fields (e.g. Impression Pixel or Language).
When complete, click the upload button in the bottom corner of the page. illumin uploads the files to the Creatives table.
Steps to manage video creatives
Go to the Creatives table and expand the folder. There is one row for each file. To review or edit file settings, go to the row and click the pencil icon.
Video specs
Most video inventory is available in 15 or 30-second blocks. If your video content is less than one of those standards (e.g. you place an 8-second video in a 15-second slot), you still pay for the 15-second CPM. If the video duration is over a standard (e.g. 33 seconds), some publishers might reject the bid for a 30-second slot. Video durations above 15 seconds should be skippable to avoid inventory issues.
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Video | |||
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Desktop / Laptop |
Mobile web / Tablet |
In article video | |
|
Description |
In player ad spots that run before (preroll), between (midroll), or after content (postroll) on laptop or desktop. |
In player ad spots that run before (preroll), between (midroll), or after content (postroll) on mobile. | |
|
Format |
Recommended - Uncompressed or lossless digital files provide the best quality. Also Accepted - .avi, .mp4, .flv, .mpeg, .3gp, .ogv, .mov, .webM, .wmv. |
Recommended: Uncompressed or lossless digital files provide the best quality. Also Accepted - .avi, .mp4, .flv, .mpeg, .3gp, .ogv, .mov, .webM, .wmv. |
MP4 |
|
Duration |
6, 15, 30, 60 secs * Video should be trimmed to length and must not include slates, leaders, dissolves, and countdowns. |
6, 15, 30 secs. Video should be trimmed to length and must not include slates, leaders, dissolves, and countdowns. | |
|
Dimension |
640 x 360 or larger |
N/A | |
|
Aspect ratio |
16:9 preferred, 4:3 standard accepted |
N/A | |
|
Max file size |
150 MB |
N/A | |
|
Bitrate |
600+ Kbps at constant rate |
Cannot exceed 400Kbps. |
N/A |
|
Frame rate |
Minimum = 24 FPS. Maximum = 30 FPS. Use source when possible |
N/A | |
|
Audio |
Auto initiated |
N/A | |
|
Minimum required controls |
Controls = Play, Pause, Mute (and/or volume control to 0). Video may be played in native player, which has standard controls. Custom video players must include: Play, Pause, Mute (volume control to zero (0) output may be included instead of or in addition to mute control). |
N/A | |
|
Third party ad servers** |
All major ad servers: DoubleClick, Eyereturn, MediaMind, Trueffect, PointRoll and more |
N/A | |
|
Third party ad serving |
Vast 2.0 |
Vast 2.0, MRAID |
Vast 2.0 |
|
Companion banner |
300 x 250 JPEG / GIF recommended. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Implementation notes & best practices |
Use the largest codec available. Commonly used: 640 x 360 10 MB in MP4, WEBM and FLV formats. |
N/A | |
* For additional video duration, contact illumin support.
** To use additional third-party ad servers and dynamic creative, contact your sales reps. Provide SSL (secure) tags to ensure serving on secure inventory.