Digital Audio Advertising
Audio Creative Specs
Review supported audio environments, file requirements, listen-through targeting, and platform-specific specifications for Spotify, Pandora, AdsWizz, and Triton inventory.
Audio advertising environments
Reach listeners across the moments that matter
Audio creatives can be delivered through third-party ad servers across traditional radio, streaming radio, music services, and podcast environments. These placements help advertisers connect with listeners while they commute, work, exercise, relax, or engage with intentional audio content.
Why use audio creatives
Built for attention, emotion, and audience reach
Audio placements combine intentional listening with broad mobile access and personalized messaging opportunities.
Higher Completion Potential
Linear audio creatives cannot easily be skipped, helping increase listening engagement and conversion potential.
Broader Mobile Reach
Reach audiences through smartphones and tablets while they listen to music, streaming radio, or podcasts.
Intentional Personalization
Personalized targeting and the emotional quality of voice can make audio advertising more relevant and memorable.
Completion-based targeting
Listen-Through Rate Targeting
Listen-through rate measures completed audio ads divided by the number of delivered impressions.
Historical completion data can help predict the probability that an audio impression will be heard in full. Advertisers can use a Listen-Through Rate Threshold to prioritize impressions with stronger predicted completion potential.
Completion rate = completed audio ads / delivered impressions
Select a suitable completion-rate threshold to focus campaign delivery on impressions more likely to be heard in full.
Technical delivery
Audio Creative File Specifications
Prepare hosted audio files within supported size and format requirements to help ensure reliable processing and delivery.
Maximum Hosted File Size
Hosted audio creative files should not exceed the 1 GB maximum.
- Creative type Hosted audio creative
- Maximum upload 1 GB per creative file
- Before delivery Confirm any additional platform-specific limits
Supported Audio File Types
Use a compatible audio or media-container format supported by the selected delivery platform.
Inventory-provider requirements
Platform-Specific Audio Specifications
Audio creatives must meet the individual technical requirements of Triton, Pandora, AdsWizz, Spotify, or the selected provider.
Triton
- File TypeMP3
- Bitrate128 kbps
- Ad Length15, 30, or 60 seconds
- Sample Rate44,100 Hz
- VolumeNormalized to -4 dB
- Editing Trim all slate and silence from the creative
Pandora / AdsWizz
- File TypesMP3, AAC, or WAV
- Maximum File Size20 MB
- Bitrate Minimum 128 kbps; 196 kbps recommended
- Ad Length15, 30, or 60 seconds
Spotify
- File TypesMP3, WAV, or OGG
- Companion Banner 640 x 640 or 300 x 250
- Minimum Bitrate128 kbps
- Ad Length15 or 30 seconds
Testing and compliance
Validate every creative before launch
Audio creatives must comply with the specifications of the selected platform or inventory provider. Test all files before trafficking to confirm they meet technical requirements and are ready for broadcast.
- File integrity
- Playback quality
- Volume normalization
- Platform approval
- Match the chosen platform Confirm the correct file type, bitrate, duration, sample rate, and companion-banner requirements.
- Personalize for the audience Align voice, message, and targeting with the intended listener and campaign objective.
- Optimize completion potential Select an appropriate listen-through threshold when supported by campaign settings.
- Test before going live Verify technical compliance, playback quality, volume, duration, and broadcast readiness.
Campaign-ready delivery
Need help preparing your audio creative?
Crosstide Media can help review audio formats, platform requirements, companion banners, listen-through targeting, and technical compliance before your campaign launches.
Before you submit
- Confirm the correct audio format
- Match platform bitrate and duration
- Trim slate and unnecessary silence
- Test playback and volume levels