Wallpaper/Site Skin

Creative Acceptance Policy

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

Ad Specification Details

Ad Type / Ad SizeInitial SizeDownload File Size (GIF/JPG)Max Initial Download File SizeAudio Specifications/ LimitAnimation/ Looping LimitAlt Text Limit
Rectangle 300x250300W X 250H40k 40k Allowed on user click only; Duration: 15 secAllowed ; Duration: 15 sec65 char

Note(s):

  • The Rectangle 300x250 needs to be provided for all wallpaper solutions

    • Ad Specifications

    1. MSN Skin format - Basic option:

    A static wallpaper solution combining a 300x250 with a static wallpaper.

    SPECIFICATIONS:

    • 300x250 element: See above
    • Wallpaper element:
      • Dimensions: 1600 x 1050 with left and right segment at 410 x 1050 each, centre section left white at 780 x 1050
      • File size: 115k
      • File type: Jpg




    2. MSN Skin format - Expanding option:

    A static wallpaper solution combining a 300x250 expanding with a static wallpaper.

    SPECIFICATIONS:
    • 300x250 element:
      • See above
      • Expanding element: MPU
        • Dimension: 775x250
        • File size: 300kb (Polite Download)
        • File type: Rich media/Flas
    • Wallpaper element:
      • Dimensions: 1600 x 1050 with left and right segment at 410 x 1050 each, centre section left white at 780 x 1050
      • File size: 115k
      • File type: Jpg

     



    3. MSN Skin format - Video option:

     

    Video creative using 3 x cropped areas of the video to make one large viewing area on the page – utilises 300 x 250 MPU with video plus Wallpaper background

     

    SPECIFICATIONS:

    • 300x250 element: See above
    • Wallpaper element:
      • Dimensions: 1600 x 1050 with left and right segment at 410 x 1050 each, centre section left white at 780 x 1050
      • File size: 115k
      • File type: Jpg
    • Video element: to be supplied at minimum dimension of 720p format (1280 x 720) – this allows for enough size to the 3 x segment layout. Format would best suit MOV file. Video also exported for the MPU at 300 x 250
      • File size: 2.2 MB 
      • File type: Rich Media / Flash / Video

     

    Other Specifications

    • Audio must be user click-initiated and never automatic.
    • Audio insertion into Flash file may begin no earlier than the second frame.
    • If audio is used, creative must include an On/Off switch for users.
    • All DHTML creative submissions must have an accompanying default graphic that is

        shown to users who do not have IE 4.0 or higher

    • Animation is limited to first 15 seconds, looping is unlimited within 15 seconds. Use animation carefully - Keep animation smooth and fluid, using slow motion and gentle fades. Fast and abrupt motion is highly irritating. Avoid experiences that 'break through' the page or abuse the content. 
    • For detailed Flash guidelines, visit advertising.microsoft.com.
    • 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 a into new browser.

    Certified Rich Media Vendors

    • Eyeblaster
    • Flashtalking

    Data Reported

    Ad requests and click-through. Microsoft cannot guarantee 3rd party served creative reporting within the Microsoft reporting system.

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

    • Ad Submission Guidelines

    All creative must meet the MSA Ad Submission Guidelines