Spotify ad specs define the technical and creative parameters for audio and visual campaigns on the platform, ensuring brand safety and optimal delivery. Understanding these specifications is critical for agencies and marketers who want to avoid production delays and maximize campaign performance. This guide breaks down the requirements for audio, video, and display ads, providing actionable details for both new and experienced buyers.
Spotify Audio Ad Specifications
Spotify audio ads are the core of the platform’s advertising ecosystem, running between tracks and within playlists. These specs cover duration, format, and file delivery to ensure a clean listening experience. The platform accepts standard digital audio formats, with strict limits on size and bitrate to protect bandwidth and user experience.
File Formats and Bitrate
Accepted formats: MP3 or AAC.
Bitrate: 192 kbps or higher for high-quality audio.
File size: Maximum 50 MB per file.
Mono or stereo output is supported, but stereo is recommended for premium sound.
Duration and Structure
Campaigns typically run in three standard lengths to fit different creative strategies. Shorter spots work best for direct response, while longer formats allow for storytelling and brand building. Advertisers must also account for the 1 dB fade applied at the start and end of each audio file.
15 seconds: Ideal for concise offers and call-to-action messaging.
30 seconds: The most common length, balancing detail and retention.
60 seconds: Used for narrative campaigns and deep brand engagement.
Spotify Video Ad Specifications
Spotify video ads appear on connected TV devices and the desktop web player, offering a visual layer to traditional audio campaigns. These ads require higher production values and follow strict technical guidelines to ensure smooth playback across devices.
Resolution and Aspect Ratios
To maintain quality on large screens and mobile devices, Spotify enforces specific resolution and ratio requirements. Marketers must deliver files that match these dimensions to avoid letterboxing or compression artifacts.
Video File Requirements
Codec: H.264 or H.265 for video, AAC for audio.
Frame rate: 24, 25, or 30 fps; avoid variable frame rates.
Bitrate: 8 Mbps or higher for 1080p content.
Duration: 5 to 30 seconds, with a maximum file size of 150 MB.
Spotify Display and Sponsored Ad Specs
Beyond audio and video, Spotify supports display banners and sponsored content within the app and on artist pages. These formats rely on static or lightweight creative to maintain a seamless user interface.
Banner and Carousel Ads
Display ads must be visually clear and load quickly to prevent interruptions to the music experience. Static images are preferred, but simple animations are allowed under strict size limits.
Static image formats: JPG or PNG.
Animated formats: GIF or APNG, with a maximum of 5 frames.
