What are the technical requirements for video ads in Bing Ads?

To run video ads in Bing Ads (now Microsoft Advertising), you need to ensure that your video ads meet the platform's technical requirements. Here are the typical technical specifications and requirements for video ads in Bing Ads:

1. **File Formats**: Bing Ads supports various video file formats, including .mp4, .mov, .wmv, .avi, and .flv. Ensure that your video ad is encoded in one of these compatible formats.

2. **Codec and Compression**: Use standard video codecs such as H.264 for optimal compatibility and compression efficiency. Compress your video files appropriately to balance file size and video quality.

3. **Resolution and Aspect Ratio**: The recommended resolution for video ads in Bing Ads is at least 1280x720 pixels (HD) for high-quality playback. Use a standard aspect ratio such as 16:9 for widescreen or 4:3 for standard definition.

4. **File Size**: Keep your video file size within the platform's limits to ensure smooth playback and fast loading times. While there is no specific maximum file size mentioned, it's recommended to keep your video files reasonably small without sacrificing quality.

5. **Duration**: Bing Ads typically imposes a maximum duration for video ads. The recommended maximum duration is usually 30 seconds, but this can vary depending on the ad format and placement.

6. **Audio**: Ensure that your video ads have clear, high-quality audio. Microsoft Advertising recommends using stereo or mono audio formats with a sample rate of 48 kHz for optimal sound quality.

7. **Aspect Ratio**: Ensure that your video ad's aspect ratio matches the aspect ratio of the placement where it will be displayed. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard definition).

8. **Compliance with Policies**: Ensure that your video ads comply with Microsoft Advertising's advertising policies, including guidelines related to content, copyright, trademarks, and prohibited content. Avoid using misleading or deceptive content in your video ads.

9. **Subtitle and Captioning (Optional)**: While not always required, providing subtitles or captions for your video ads can improve accessibility and engagement, especially for users who watch videos with the sound off or have hearing impairments.

10. **Third-Party Tracking**: If you plan to use third-party tracking or analytics for your video ads, ensure that your tracking URLs or tags are compatible with Bing Ads and adhere to the platform's tracking guidelines.

By adhering to these technical requirements and best practices, you can create video ads that meet Bing Ads' standards and deliver a compelling and engaging experience to your target audience. Be sure to test your video ads thoroughly before launching campaigns to ensure they display correctly and perform optimally across different devices and platforms.