Interactive Ad Units

Ad Spec Information

We’ve created this expandable area to illustrate all of our different ad styles with demos and spec requirements.  All creative and tracking links are required 5 business days prior to launch and 10 business days for rich media units prior to launch. If you have any additional questions, please contact your sales representative.

Standard Units

Leaderboard

Leaderboard

Dimensions:

InformationWeek, Network Computing, Dark Reading

  • 728×90 for desktop
  • 300×50 for mobile devices

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today, AFCOM

  • 728×90 for desktop
  • 320×50 for mobile devices

Formats: gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media

Max File Size: 200K
Animation Time Limit: 15 seconds
Loop Limit: 3 loops 15 seconds each
URL: Click through URL is required upon creative submission

Materials Deadline

Standard: 5 business days prior to flight launch
Rich Media: 10 business days prior to flight launch

Rectangle

Rectangle

Dimensions:

  • 300×250

Formats: gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media

Max File Size: 200K
Animation Time Limit: 15 seconds
Loop Limit: 3 loops 15 seconds each
URL: Click through URL is required upon creative submission

Materials Deadline

Standard: 5 business days prior to flight launch
Rich Media: 10 business days prior to flight launch

Half Page

Half Page

Dimensions:

  • 300×600 (Not accepted for mobile devices)

Formats: gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media

Max File Size: 200K
Animation Time Limit: 15 seconds
Loop Limit: 3 loops 15 seconds each
URL: Click through URL is required upon creative submission

Materials Deadline

Standard: 5 business days prior to flight launch
Rich Media: 10 business days prior to flight launch

Billboard

Billboard

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Dimensions:

  • 970×250

Formats: gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media

Max File Size: 200K
Animation Time Limit: 15 seconds
Loop Limit: 3 loops 15 seconds each
URL: Click through URL is required upon creative submission

Roadblock

Roadblock

Overview:

  • Homepage Takeover
  • Takeover includes leaderboard (728×90), mobile leaderboard (300×50), 2 rectangles (300×250)

Formats: gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media 

Required ad units: Leaderboard and Rectangle
URL: Click through URL is required upon creative submission

Deadline:

Standard format 5 business days
Rich Media 10 business days

Newsletter

Newsletter

InformationWeek, Network Computing, Dark Reading

Formats: jpg, png, gif
Top Banner Dimensions: 728×90
Rectangle Banner Dimensions: 300×250 (Not available to InformationWeek and Network Computing)

AFCOM

Formats: jpg, png, gif*
Header Banner: 670×90 or 180×150 plus text (200 characters)
Right Rail or Left Rail: 300×250
Sponsored Content Text/Logo: Flexible – Can be resized to fill a 315×180 box. Logo image can also be photo image. Plus Text: 325 characters total including spaces.

Data Center Knowledge

Formats: jpg, png, gif*
Banner Option 1: 300×250 without text/
Banner Option 2: 300×250 with 80 words max, including Headline (40 character max)
Banner Top/Bottom: 670×90

ITPro Today

Formats: jpg, png, gif*
Banner Options: 670×90, 300×250 or 180×150 with 50 words max, including Headline (40 character max)

*We accept animated gifs, however it is our recommendation that the first frame of your animated
gif be a stand-alone or call to action frame as some users may be unable to view them otherwise.

Notes

  • Not Accepted: Third Party tags, 1×1 tracking pixels, animated, flash or video files will not be accepted
  • Accepted: Click trackers
  • Link: Linking URL is required upon creative submission
  • Text creative may be substituted for banners, but it must be converted into a png file the same size as the banner
  • Only ONE creative for each newsletter size is allowed

High Impact Units

Welcome Ads

Welcome Ads

darkreading_welcomead

InformationWeek, Network Computing, Dark Reading

Dimensions:

  • 640×480 (desktop)
  • 300×50 (mobile)

Formats:

  • 640×480: gif, jpg, Rich Media
  • 300×50 (mobile): gif, jpg and png accepted
  • 3rd Party Tags:
    640×480: Needs to be https supported to serve on a secure page
    300×50 (mobile): 3rd party tag not accepted, 1×1 tracking pixel and click tracker accepted

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Dimensions:

  • 640×480 (desktop/tablet)
  • 300×250 OR 300×416 (mobile)

Formats: gif, jpg, png, 3rd Party Tags

Max File Size: 200K

Frequency Cap: 1 view per user, per 12 hour period

Creative Format

Welcome ads are composed of a “Continue to Site” button and the Object creative itself. Both elements are required. Details for each are as follows:

Skip Button: The user can choose to view the ad in its entirety (15 seconds) or skip it altogether. If viewed, after 15 seconds the user will be automatically redirected to the intended page.
Object Creative: The Welcome Ad is launched in the center of the page and is comprised of one click-thru which redirects users to a new window when clicked. If a user does not skip or click on the ad, they will be automatically redirected to the intended page.

Book Ends

Book Ends

darkreading_bookends_blur

InformationWeek, Network Computing, Dark Reading

Dimensions:

  • 1260×925
  • 1260×1145
  • 1346×925
  • 1420×1020 (all sizes needed)

Notes: The creative needs to be on the left side and right side, and leave the center blank using hexadecimal color code #A1A1A1. Do not include any artwork or copy in the top 35px.

Formats:

  • jpg, png, gif

Max File Size: 200K or less

Ad Space Width:

  • 120 pixels for 1260×925, 1260×1145
    163 pixels for 1346×925
    200 pixels for 1420×1020

Download Bookend Photoshop Templates here.

General Rules and Considerations

Content Well: The middle portion of the images serves as the background color when serving on the website. We will only accept images with a specific gray background color. Please use hexadecimal code #A1A1A1 for this portion of the images.

Clear Branding: Creative materials must clearly identify the product or service that is being promoted.

Misleading Users: Creative material that resembles the visual style of the content area on which it is displayed is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to using the colors, marks, fonts or icons explicitly associated with the site; for example, an ad on InformationWeek should not appear to be an InformationWeek news article.

Borders: Ads must have a border or otherwise clearly stand out from the site on which they are displayed. For example, white ads must have a border when displayed on a white background.

Links: One tracker will be used for all 5 bookend sizes.

Suggestion: The bottom portion may be cropped if a browser is not fully expanded to full screen. Keep the text copy or button graphics towards the top which will have a better chance to be exposed to the audience.

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Dimensions: 1700×1100 recommended; 1510×1100 min
Format: GIF, PNG, JPEG (Static image), PSD, AI
File Format: 72 ppi, 200 kb max

  • Informa will produce this ad, no third-party tags supported
  • Tracking pixels can be supported
  • Screen resolution varies by visitor, but creative should be a single image designed based on standard screen resolutions at (1510×1100) 72 PPI – which allows for content to be centered within the creative
  • Recommended 1700×1000 for widescreen monitors
  • White or transparent gutter space in the center should be 1200 pixels wide
  • Keep branding and messaging inside 155 pixel wide area to left and right sides, content beyond 155 pixels may not be seen on all monitors
  • Approximately 200-250 bottom pixels that may not be seen on all monitors
  • URL required (entire bookend will be clickable)

Notes

  • 3rd party listing not supported
  • Tracking 1×1 pixel and click trackers accepted. One tracker will be used for all 5 bookend sizes
  • Flash is not supported
  • HTML creative is not supported
  • No animation
In-Article Video

In-Article Video

Description: Video unit embedded into the middle of editorial articles for optimal user experience. The video plays when visible on user’s screen, pauses when user can’t see it onscreen; resumes when in view again. Audio starts on mouse rollover.

AD SPECIFICATIONS

  • ASPECT RATIO: 16:9 (4:3 supported but player will have black bars)
  • DIMENSIONS: 960×540 max (runs at 1280×720, responsive to page size)
  • VIDEO LENGTH: 30 seconds max
  • ACCEPTABLE FORMATS: MP4, VAST, VPAID
  • HTML5 AS: Third-Party Tag, DoubleClick Studio Creative, or DCM Tag
  • FILE SIZE: 4mb max
  • CODEC: H.264 recommended
  • SOUND SETTING: On
  • BITRATE: 768kbps max
  • LINKS: URL Redirect Required

Turnaround: 10 business days

Click here for an example.

Notes

  • VPAID file format: This format might require additional resting, and does not currently work on mobile
  • If using VAST/VPAID, please ensure the media file within the XML is less than 4mb
  • If you upload an MP4 file, we will have multiple media files to choose from and we choose the media file/quality based on the user’s bandwidth/connection, user’s bitrate, the Teads Player (Canvas vs. Non-Canvas), and slot size
  • Third Party 1×1 pixel tracker accepted
  • Third Party click tracker accepted
Native Ads

Native Ads

InformationWeek, Network Computing, Dark Reading

Premium Placement Specs/Deliverables

  • A 250×250 static image with a file size under 200k
  • Headline copy: 60 to 75 characters including spaces
  • Body copy: Max of 250 characters including spaces
  • Linking URL

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Dimensions: 300×225 pixels & 240×90 pixels
Formats: JPEG, GIF or PNG; 200 kb max

  • Title: Up to 15 words Brief
  • Summary: Up to 40 Words
  • Linking URL

Notes

  • Tracking 1×1 pixel accepted
  • Click trackers accepted
In-Banner Video

In-Banner Video

Dimension:

  • Rectangle 300×250
  • Welcome ads 640×480

Creative Requirements

  • Accepted via 3rd party tag
  • Sound is required to be initiated by user
  • Clickable mute button is required
Floor Ad

Floor Ad

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Informa will execute production of this ad unit

Dimensions: 

Base Unit: 1200×90 pixels
Expanded Unit: 1200×410 pixels
Format: JPEG, GIF, PNG
(Supported assets: Videos, HTML source files, PSD, image crops)
72 ppi; 200 kb max

  • Client supplies: All artwork assets, including designed layouts and instructions for interactive components
  • Action: Persistent unit that sits at the bottom of the screen, expands up from center at user initiated click, closes via obvious “close” text or “X”
  • Border: 1-pixel border, creatives without border must have high contrast background color that doesn’t mimic the background color of the website
  • Animation: initial load should not last more than 15 seconds, unlimited for user-initiated animation
  • Base unit must contain the phrase “expand”
  • Close Button required on both base unit and expandable unit (close button that can sit either insideor outside of the creative)
  • Audio acceptance: user initiated only; must have clearly visible functioning controls: Close X, Play, Pause, Rewind and Volume
  • Maximum video weight: 1.2MB streaming video max
  • URL required
  • Creative Services are available if needed, contact your sales rep for more information
  • Third party impression or third party click trackers can be provided.
Mobile Adhesion

Mobile Adhesion

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Informa will execute production of this ad unit

  • Dimensions: 320×50
  • Format: JPEG, GIF, or PNG
  • Supported assets: Videos, HTML, source files, PSD, image crops
  • Client Supplies: All creative assets, including designed layouts, pre-built animations and instructions for interactive
    components
  • File Size: 200KB max (initial); 300KB max (polite download)
  • Action: Persistent unit that sits at the bottom of the screen; Closes via obvious “close” text or “X”.
  • Borders: Creatives without border must have high contrast background color that doesn’t mimic the background color of the website.
  • Assets For Production: Videos, HTML5 source files, JPEG/PSD, Social Feeds
  • Animation: 15 seconds Max (initial load); Unlimited (user-initiated action)
  • Video: 1.1MB Max additional file size allowed for host-initiated video; unlimited file size for user-initiated video
  • Audio: Muted on initial load
  • Audio/Video Controls: Must have visible functioning controls (play/pause, mute, stop)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Animated Gif: Animations should be limited to three loops, with a maximum of four frames.
  • Close Button: Close “X” is required in upper right-hand corner.
  • Third party impression or third party click trackers can be provided.
Sponsored Article

Sponsored Article

Description: Connect Your Company’s Voice To Our Online Tech Communities. You provide the story, we provide the platform. Publish one article on the site of your choice and gain immediate exposure to an IT audience looking for new ideas and industry expertise. Your content will be hosted on a section landing page and marked as sponsored. Align with our editorial and start driving awareness.

Materials Deadline

Due 2-weeks before article post-date

Article Guidelines

Submission & Format Specifications for Sponsored Articles

  • Submissions should be at least 700 words and no more than 800 words in length
  • Submit using Microsoft Word .doc or .docx format
  • File your submission to the program manager assigned to you
  • Format article in this order:
    • Headline: 60-characters or less, including spaces
    • Abstract/summary: 160-characters or less, including spaces
    • Copy: Between 700-800 words
    • Author name and biography (90 words max): Will appear at the end of the article, 90-words or less
    • Author headshot: optional, PNG
  • Indicate what section you would like the sponsored article to appear in
  • Images can be included in the article at a maximum resolution of 489 pixels wide. The best approach is to send images at the size you’d like them to be seen on the site, given that width limit. We prefer .jpg or .png file types
  • A short caption text can accompany images
  • Links to videos on official company YouTube accounts or official websites are fine. (We cannot embed videos within the article, however.)
  • Native ad also sits on the homepage for a 2 weeks (Week 1-4th position  and Week 28th position)

 

Best Practices:

  • Don’t Spin. Because your sponsored article will reside within an established and respected editorial community of IT and business leaders, it should not include a product pitch.
  • Get people talking. The content should educate readers and provoke conversation or debate.
  • Have a point. Give advice, take a stand, or provide a detailed analysis. In other words, give readers something to talk about in the comments section. Sponsored article should be more conversational than reported articles, so say what you think. Challenge your readers!
  • Keep it fresh. Look for opportunities to write about timely issues (a new security threat, new regulations, etc.) to reveal subject matter expertise and thought leadership to the community. Our brands cover a lot of material each day — as do lots of other media outlets. So try to bring a fresh (even contrarian) perspective to what you write.
  • Keep it real. Give real-world examples drawn from your own professional experiences or customer experiences.
  • Keep it real, part 2. Write about technology and process problems, hurdles, mistakes … not just the grand successes. Readers want to learn from others’ mistakes, and they’ll relate more to articles that present the world as they know it: imperfect with lots of trial and error.
  • Link to additional info. Links give your piece credibility (as in “Don’t just take my word for it, read what so and so says about it”) and position your article as part of an ongoing conversation. By linking to other credible content, magazine articles, and online information resources you guide readers to new resources and establish yourself as an expert voice. If you cite a survey, link to it. If you mention a product, strategy, standard, article, and so on, link to it. You’ll be building reader trust with every valuable link you provide.
  • What’s next? Give readers a take away or a call to action.

Includes Roadblock

Banner Dimensions: 

  • 728×90
  • 300×250 (2 for DR and IW)  (3 for NWC)
  • 250×250 (native ad)

Banner Formats: gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media

Max File Size: 200K

Animation Time Limit: 15 seconds

Loop Limit: 3 loops 15 seconds each

Link: Linking URL is required upon creative submission

Reveal Ad

Reveal Ad

Data Center Knowledge, ITPro Today

Recommended Artboard/Canvas Sizes:
Desktop – 817w x 560h
Tablet – 1024w x 1024h
Mobile – 736w x 736h

Recommended Safe Area Sizes:
Desktop – 817w x 560h
Tablet – 768w x 988h
Mobile – 320w x 568h

File Formats: 
72 ppi; 200 kb max; 100KB; host-initiated subload
JPEG, GIF, PNG,Rich Media, most 3rd party tags

  • All 3rd Party tags and accompanying technologies being served by tags must be SSL Compliant (HTTPS).
  • Close button not required
  • If ad features animation & audio, audio sound initiated by user click only
  • Background Overflow Imagery/Canvas: Background overflow ensures the ad fills the full ad area on larger devices.
  • All important content should be constrained to the safe area and the safe area should be oriented in the center of the artboard/canvas.
  • Recommended safe area sizes, centered to the artboard/canvas are:
    Desktop – 817w x 560h
    Tablet – 768w x 988h
    Mobile – 320w x 568h
  • On the most common smaller screen sizes / resolutions, the only visible area will be the safe area – but if the user happens to have a larger screen size / resolution, they will see the safe area plus some of the background overflow.
  • Some custom, rich media production may be necessary to serve Reveal animation ads.
TAPs

Dimensions:

  • Bookend (all 4 sizes needed)
  • Rectangle (300×250)
  • Resource Unit (300×600)

Formats:

  • gif, jpg, HTML5, Rich Media
  • only 3 creative rotations allowed

Max File Size: 200K

Guidelines

FAQ

When are materials due?
All creative and tracking links are required 5 business days prior for standard ad units and 10 days for rich media.  If Informa is designing/developing the unit, please allow 3 weeks for entire production process.

Can revisions to creative be made?
Yes, revisions can be made at any time.

Can the client preview an ad before launch?
Yes, we can place ad on a test page for approval upon request.

Can client run multiple versions of creative?
Yes, we can rotate multiple versions of creative.  3 Maximum.

Can ads contain audio or video?
Yes, audio must be user initiated and both must have a clear close button.

When can client expect screenshots?
Screenshots provided upon request.

How are the ads delivered through the ad server?
The ad server paces the delivery of all campaigns based on priority, impression goals, targeting and end dates. The ad server attempts to deliver campaigns as evenly as possible over the length of the campaign. Unless the campaign settings are adjusted to speed up or slow down delivery.

HTML 5

Requirements

  • 200 KB initial load
  • 2 MB polite download
  • 3rd party tag preferred
  • Linking URL is required upon creative submission

Submission Deadlines:
Standard Animation: 5 Business Days
HTML5 Rich Media: 10 business days prior to launch date

Rich Media

Rich Media placements must be served via Third Party and will not be accepted in any other format

Max File Size: 200K
Max Polite Ad Size: 100k
Max Download Size: 200k with polite download
Max Overlay Size: 200K
Looping: 3 loops 15 seconds each
Max Float time for overlay: 15 seconds *All overlays must be tethered to ad
3rd Party Ad: Needs to be https supported to serve on a secure page

Creative Requirements

  • Sound is required to be initiated by user
  • Clickable mute button is required
  • Close button is required on floating, expanding and push down units
Notes
  • Accepted formats for Third Party Rich Media tags are: IFRAME/JavaScript
  • Accepted formats for standard gif or jpg Third Party tags (HREF, IMG SRC)
  • Maximum of 10 creatives in rotation per flight
  • Third Party tags must include clear traffic instructions
  • Third party tags need to be https supported to serve on a secure page
  • All vendors will need to be tested and approved prior to campaign launch

Sales Contact

SANDRA KUPIEC

Informa Tech
Head of Sales, Dark Reading | InformationWeek | Network Computing
(628) 220-2040
sandra.kupiec@informa.com

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