LATMK: Digital Specs

DIGITAL SPECS

Creating digital advertising that encourages interaction for every viewer. Welcome to our resource for advertising on LA Times.com. Click the expand tab under each section to learn more and see examples.

Standard

320 x 50

320 x 50
Standard Ad *mobile*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 320 x 50
Commonly labeled “micro banner”

300 x 250

300 x 250
Standard Ad 300 x 250 *desktop; mobile*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 320 x 250
Commonly labeled “cube”

300 x 600

300 x 600
Standard Ad 300 x 600 *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 320 x 600
Commonly labeled “half page”

728 x 90

728 x 90
Standard Ad *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 720 x 90
Commonly labeled “leaderboard”

970 x 90

970 x 90
Standard Ad *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 970 x 90
Commonly labeled “super leaderboard”

970 x 250

970 x 250
Standard Ad *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 970 x 250
Commonly labeled “marquee”

Guidelines for Standard Ads

File formats accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5*, 3rd-party ad tag.*

1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) or a light color to differentiate from content area. If the creative has the same background color as the site, it must contain a visible border.

15 seconds maximum animation duration for all ad units.

Click-through URL must be included when creative files are submitted. Length cannot exceed 1,000 characters.

Polite loads are only accepted in HTML5 files. An additional load of 100 KB is allowed.

Ads should not be designed to blend in with the site, mimic editorial fonts/colors, include fake form elements or incorporate graphic symbols that represent non-existent functionality.

*NOTE: All standard ad units can have rich media functionality included for an additional serving fee.

AdMail

Admail is a stand-alone email message sent to our registered users on behalf of an advertiser. An HTML and TEXT version is deployed with every admail and delivered to each user based on their registration preference.

HTML Version

Formatted Imagery And Copy Dimensions: Width 600 pixels.
No height requirements but image-based layout height is recommended to be 1000px or less.
File Size Limit: Total sum of images should not exceed 200 KB file size.

Assets: Please supply final HTML file and all images in JPG, PNG, or GIF format that are contained within the admail.

Animated GIFs should not be larger than 200 KB in size. Not all email clients support animated GIFs. Some email clients will only show the first frame of the animation. Therefore, to ensure the best user experience, the first frame of the GIF should include all of the vital information the advertiser wishes to convey: CTA, offer and/or headline. Do not use background images, they do not appear in different browsers. Text should be displayed in through HTML.

Images should only be used to enhance the look and feel of an admail, since e-mail clients allow users to block images in received mail.

Submit only unformatted copy assets. Supply admail copy unformatted in a TEXT or Word doc file.

Subject Line: Please keep the subject line short, honest and straightforward. For mobile, the optimal subject line length is between 25-30 characters long. Your subject line should never exceed 49 characters. We do have the ability to include emoji’s when applicable in the subject line.
Links: Provide all click-through URLs and document their location in both the HTML and TEXT versions of the admail.
Opt-Out: We recommend the client provide an electronic address (link or email) and mailing address to be placed in the footer of the admail to allow users to have the option to unsubscribe from all of the client’s future admails. These opt-outs are to be collected by the client, not the Los Angeles Times. In the case subsequent admails are deployed through the Los Angeles Times, the list of opt-out email addresses would be cross-referenced with the users in the Los Angeles Times’ database and removed from the deployment list.
Best Practices: White or light-colored text is unreadable on a default white background. Do not use cascading style sheets (CSS) to format HTML, as it does not render in certain email clients. Inline style sheets do render properly.

Do not use background images, they do not appear in different browsers. Text should be displayed in through HTML. Images should only be used to enhance the look and feel of an admail, since e-mail clients allow users to block images in received mail.

960 x 2064 - E-Newspaper Page Zero

(AdMail E-Edition Image)

960 x 2064 - E-Newspaper Page Zero
Standard Ad *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: Under 1 MB
JPG, PNG, GIF
Dimensions: 960 x 2064
Commonly labeled “E-Newspaper Page Zero”

768 x 1024 - E-Newspaper Inflow Desktop

768 x 1024 - E-Newspaper Inflow Desktop
Interstitial Ad *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: Under 400KB
JPG, PNG, GIF
Dimensions: 768 x 1024
Commonly labeled “Inflow 768 x 1024”

300x250 - E-Newspaper Inflow Mobile

300x250 - E-Newspaper Inflow Mobile
Standard Ad *mobile*

Total File Size Limit: Under 200KB
JPG, PNG, GIF
Dimensions: 300 x 250
Commonly labeled “Inflow 300 x 250”

Section Front Takeover

Rich Media

300 x 250 Expandable

300 x 250 Expandable
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 300 x 250
Expanded State: 600 x 250
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) to differentiate from content area
User-initiated on click
Functioning close button
Apply z-index at or above 999999 to guarantee page elements will not overlay expanded portion
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party rich media vendor

Preview

300 x 600 Expandable

300 x 600 Expandable
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 300 x 600
Expanded State: 600 x 600
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) to differentiate from content area
User-initiated on click
Functioning close button
Apply z-index at or above 999999 to guarantee page elements will not overlay expanded portion
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party rich media vendor

Preview

728 x 90 Expandable

728 x 90 Expandable
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 728 x 90
Expanded State: 728 x 315
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) to differentiate from content area
User-initiated on click
Functioning close button
Apply z-index at or above 999999 to guarantee page elements will not overlay expanded portion
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party rich media vendor

Preview

Billboard

Billboard
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 970 x 250
Collapsed: 970 x 90
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) to differentiate from content area
Initial ad is fixed at open dimensions upon impression load, without capping
Functioning close button
Animation in initial ad plays once with option to add replay button
Initial ad must contain clear and visible close or collapse button
Collapsed view must contain expand action to open Initial Ad
User-initiated audio
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party rich media vendor

Preview

Freeform

Freeform
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Dimensions: 980 x 600
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
Expansion cannot autoplay. Must be user-initiated
Functioning close button
Auto-collapse after 10 seconds
Must be tied to an inline unit with functioning Play/Expand button present
Completed assets must be sent to Creative Solutions for ad tags to be built internally. (NOTE: Client-supplied ad tags will NOT be accepted)
If needed, the Creative Solutions design team can build out the assets for the client
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party rich media vendor

Preview

Hover

Hover
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 970 x 90
Expanded State: 100 x 90
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) to differentiate from content area
Initial Ad must contain a close or collapse button, which should be apparent through name of function, not represented by an ‘x’ alone
Initial Ad remains open upon first view of the ad capped at once per user per day
Collapsed unit appears upon additional viewing of targeted web page
Upon close of Initial Ad, collapsed view appears
Upon click of collapsed view, hover appears
Upon close of collapsed view, ad disappears entirely
Completed assets must be sent to Creative Solutions for ad tags to be built internally. (NOTE: Client-supplied ad tags will NOT be accepted)
If needed, the Creative Solutions design team can build out the assets for the client

Preview

Lighthouse 2160 x 300

Lighthouse
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet; mobile*
Dimensions:
2160 x 300
1160 x 300
1000 x 300
800 x 300
620 x 300
420 x 220

Use this required PSD template: click to download PSD Template
A reference image of the template is also available: click to download PNG template
Provide all 6 layout sizes for this responsive ad.
Follow the ad template’s “Safe Area” guides to place text, logos, and other critical ad elements.
JPG/GIF/PNG assets are accepted, however, a PSD file is preferred to allow us to make any necessary adjustments
No HTML5 files will be permitted, only static files.
Total File Size Limit: 400 KB (only the largest layout file is counted for the file size limit)

Preview

Video Lighthouse 2160 x 300

Video Lighthouse
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet; mobile*
Dimensions:
2160 x 300
1160 x 300
1000 x 300
800 x 300
620 x 300
420 x 220

Video Player maximum size 532 x 300, under 10MB, maximum duration 30 seconds. 16:9 ratio (1920×1080 and 1280×720) videos are accepted and our designers will resize/optimize them to meet our specifications.
Use this required PSD template: click to download PSD Template
A reference image of the template is also available: click to download PNG template
Provide all 6 layout sizes for this responsive ad.
Follow the ad template’s “Safe Area” guides to place text, logos, and other critical ad elements.
Provide an editable PSD file and include fonts if they are not Adobe fonts.
No HTML5 files will be permitted, only static files.
Total File Size Limit: 400 KB for static images (only the largest layout file is counted for the file size limit)

Preview

Pushdown

Pushdown
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 970 x 415
Collapsed State: 970 x 90
Expanded State: 970 x 415
File Formats Accepted: PSD, GIF, JPG, PNG, HTML5
Auto-expand capped at once per user per day
Functioning close button
Functioning expand button
Run time limit: 10 seconds max
User-initiated audio
1-pixel border must be visible in ad if background is white (#ffffff) to differentiate from content area
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag.
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party vendorlimit)

Preview

Reskin

Reskin
Rich Media Ad *desktop*

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Left Rail: 500 x 1100
Right Rail: 500 x 1100
Use this required PSD template: click to download PSD Template
A reference JPEG of the template is also available: click to download JPG template
Appears on both left & right sides of content area
Click-through URLs are supported
Client-supplied 3rd-party ad tags are NOT accepted
NOTE: Creative must have a dark enough background to distinguish it from the site or a 1-pixel rule between the rails and the page content

Preview

Responsive Ad 1160 x 300

Responsive Ad
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet; mobile*
Dimensions:
1160 x 300
1000 x 300
800 x 300
620 x 300
420 x 220

Use this required PSD template: click to download PSD Template
A reference image of the template is also available: click to download PNG template
Provide all 5 layout sizes for this responsive ad.
Follow the ad template’s “Safe Area” guides to place text, logos, and other critical ad elements.
JPG/GIF/PNG assets are accepted, however, a PSD file is preferred to allow us to make any necessary adjustments. If a video is included you must provide an editable PSD file and include fonts if they are not Adobe fonts.
No HTML5 files will be permitted, only static files.
Total File Size Limit: 400 KB (only the largest layout file is counted for the file size limit)

Preview

Video Responsive Ad 1160 x 300

Responsive Ad
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet; mobile*
Dimensions:
1160 x 300
1000 x 300
800 x 300
620 x 300
420 x 220

Video Player maximum size 532 x 300, under 10MB, maximum duration 30 seconds. 16:9 ratio (1920×1080 and 1280×720) videos are accepted and our designers will resize/optimize them to meet our specifications.
Use this required PSD template: click to download PSD Template
A reference image of the template is also available: click to download PNG template
Provide all 5 layout sizes for this responsive ad.
Follow the ad template’s “Safe Area” guides to place text, logos, and other critical ad elements.
JPG/GIF/PNG assets are accepted, however, a PSD file is preferred to allow us to make any necessary adjustments. If a video is included you must provide an editable PSD file and include fonts if they are not Adobe fonts.
No HTML5 files will be permitted, only static files.
Total File Size Limit: 400 KB (only the largest layout file is counted for the file size limit)

Preview

Expandable Responsive Ad

Expandable Responsive Ad
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet; mobile*
Dimensions:
1160 x 300
1000 x 300
800 x 300
620 x 300
420 x 220

Total File Size Limit: 500 KB
Collapsed States:
1160×300 – Safe Area 1000×300
1000×300
900×240
768×190 – Safe Area 620×190
520×145
420×100
320×60
Expanded States:
1160×653
900×506
768×432
620×349
520×293
420×236
320×180
Client-supplied 3rd-party ad tags are NOT accepted
Due to the size and complexity of this unit, an additional serving fee will be charged
Client must provide layered PSD file with required instructions on what design elements to omit at smaller breakpoints (via numbered layers)
PSD files may be created by advertiser or Creative Solutions design team
For files to be built by the Creative Solutions design team, client must provide all assets (logos, artwork, copy, URLs) and detailed instructions necessary for the design of the unit
Expanded portion can serve additional full videos. Client can supply either a raw video file (MP4, MOV, AVI) or a YouTube Video ID. NOTE: Video metrics for Youtube Video ID will need to be obtained by client from the YouTube account in which the video is served
Inclusion of video is an optional feature and not a requirement
Since additional time is required to complete this unit, the lead time will be determined by the Creative Solutions team on a case-by-case basis
HTML5 files are not permitted, only layered PSD files
Animation is not permitted.

Preview

Video Scroller / Home Page Take Over

Video Scroller
Rich Media Ad *desktop; tablet; mobile*

Video Scroller – Initial Video

Minimum Size: 1280×720 but 1920×1080 is recommended.
Ratio: 16:9 ratio
Maximum Video Length: 30 seconds
File Format: MP4 and MOV
File Size Limit: 10 MB
This PSD template shows the Safe Area for text, logos, and other critical elements. Click to download PSD Template
A reference PNG of the template is also available: click to download PNG template

Hero Responsive Ad
Total File Size Limit: 200 KB

Dimensions:

1160 x 300
1000 x 300
800 x 300
620 x 300
420 x 220

Hero Barker Video (Optional)

Length: 30 seconds and shorter, File Format: MP4 and MOV

Reskin

File Format: Layered PSD Template
Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Left Rail: 500 x 1100
Right Rail: 500 x 1100

Additional Details

Auto-appear & play video
Capped at once per user per day
Hide on user scroll
Logos and content in the corners and near edges are likely to get cut off
Important content should be in the center of the video to ensure it will not get cut off at different browser widths
Any audio must be user-initiated
A completed .psd template & video assets must be sent to Creative Solutions for ad tags to be built internally. (NOTE: Client-supplied ad tags will NOT be accepted)

If needed, the Creative Solutions design team can build out the assets for the client

Preview
1st Page Load – Video Scroller
Subsequent Page Loads – Home Page Reskin and Lighthouse 2160×300
Subsequent Page Loads – Reskin and Responsive Ad Barker 1160×300

LOOKING FOR DESIGN IDEAS?

Innovative Ad portfolio

Mobile

Mobile Interscroller

Mobile Interscroller
Mobile Ad Unit *mobile*

A full-screen polite format that comes into view as the user scrolls through publisher content. Responsive and user-friendly, this format is perfect for rich media creatives.

Unit Size – 640 x 920 px (i.e. 320 x 460 @ 2x)
Use this required PSD template: click to download PSD Template
A reference JPEG of the template is also available: click to download JPG Template

Basic Assets

Logos (PNG or SVG)
Font files (OTF or TTF)
Images sized 640 x 920px (JPG, GIF or PNG)
Videos sized 640 x 920px (MP4).
Recommended duration 7-10 seconds, maximum duration 15 seconds. Maximum file size 2.4MB. Larger file sizes will be optimized to 2.4MB.
URLs to direct to chosen website.

Safe Zones – For full bleed Images & Video keep all important visuals 50px from the top & bottom and 100px from left & right sides to avoid cropping on smaller devices.

320 x 50 Expandable

320 x 50 Expandable
Mobile Ad Unit *mobile*
Image

Total File Size Limit: 200 KB
Initial State: 320 x 50
Expanded State: 320 x 416
1 pixel border, must be visible

Video (Optional)

Resolution: 720p
Ratio: 16:9 ratio
Length: Recommended no longer than 30 seconds

Overlay

File Format: PSD
Size: 320 x 416
File Size Limit: 200 KB
Apply z-index at or above 999999

Functionality

User-initiated on tap or swipe
Functioning close button
Apply z-index at or above 999999
Must be served through a 3rd-party ad tag
Ad tags can be created in-house through a 3rd-party rich media

Preview – View on a mobile device or narrow browser window on desktop/laptop devices.

Pull

Pull
Mobile Ad Unit *mobile*
Use natural scrolling behavior to shift between three sequential static messages.

Standard Pull Images (3)

(Top, Middle and Bottom)
File Format: PSD, JPG, PNG
Size: 285×160
File Size Limit: 80 KB per image or 240 KB combined image file size

Preview

Guidelines for Rich Media

Third Party Tags

(The following third party tracking is available for this format.) 3rd-party click tracker for top cover, in-content, and bottom cover 3rd-party click tracker for footer placement, if applicable 3rd-party 1×1 impression tracker (optional)

Advanced Rich Media Functionalities

Presentation

Video
Gallery
Carousel
360 Degree View
Pannable / Parallax

Services

Form
Poll
Social Media
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
LinkedIn
Instagram

Interactive

Take Photo
Erase / Draw
Puzzle
Quiz

Maps

Standard Map
Locations near you

Custom

E-Commerce
Movie Showtimes
Custom code

Other

Countdown Clock
Save Coupon
RSS Feed

Video

In Unit Video

In Unit Video
Video Unit *desktop; mobile*

Video is a rich media feature that can be added to any ad unit
Run-time: 10 seconds
Dimensions: 640 x 480, 640 × 360 (widescreen)
Quality: 1080p preferred
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 (widescreen)
File Size Limit: Varies, reference specific unit
File Formats Accepted: MP4, MOV, AVI (MP4 preferred)

Additional Details:

Sound must be user-initiated
Functioning video controls visible – play/pause, audio, rewind
No frequency cap

Pre-Roll Video

Pre-Roll Video
Video Unit *desktop; mobile*

Location: Video contained within In-Page VAST Compliant Player
Run-time: No longer than 30 seconds
Dimensions: 1280 x 960, 1280 × 720 (widescreen)
Quality: 1080p preferred
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9 (widescreen).
File Size Limit: 50 MB
File Formats Accepted: MP4, MOV, AVI (MP4 preferred)

Additional Details:

VAST redirect URLs accepted
Video capped at MAX of 4x per user per advertiser per day
Please refer to your sales contact to confirm the MAX number of capped impressions, as it varies based on site
Skip video button available upon request for MP4 video files. Skip button appears after video plays for 10 sec.

Mid-Roll Homepage Video

Mid-Roll Homepage Video Ad on Streaming Video Player
Video Unit *desktop; mobile*

Location: Mid-Roll Homepage Streaming Player
Run-time: 15s, 30s, 45s, 60s
Dimensions: 1920×1020
Aspect Ratio: 4:3, 16:9
File size limit: 200 MB
File Formats Accepted: MP4 (preferred), MOV, AVI

Additional Details:

Midroll streaming video ad is NOT clickable
Midroll streaming video ad is NOT skippable
Midroll VAST video format is currently NOT accepted due to vendor limitations
IAS/Double Verify blocking tags NOT accepted
Ability to target brand safe video segments (i.e. non-hard news/political video segments)

Desktop InRead

Desktop InRead
Video Unit

The inRead unit is a video push-down within the content of an article. The video only plays when it is viewable to the user and automatically pauses when less than 50% visible on the page.

Assets

File Size Limit: 5 MB
File Formats Accepted: VAST avi, MP4, MOV, YouTube URL, (MP4 preferred)

Mobile InRead

Mobile InRead
Video Unit *mobile*

The inRead Mobile unit is a video push-down within the content of an article. The video only plays when it is viewable to the user and automatically pauses when less than 50% visible on the page.

Assets

iOS: Raw video MP4/MOV file format under 4 MB.

Android: Raw video MP4/MOV VAST format under 4 MB.

Podcast

Podcast

You can provide your own audio file or provide a script which we will record the audio and provide a file for you to review.

Estimated durations

35 words/:15s
70 words/:30s
140 words/:60s
Shorter messages are recommended

File Specifications

Formats Accepted: Mp3 and Wav
128kbps or less
Mono
10MB or less

30 second Mid-Roll:
HBO’s Barry is back and ready for a killer second act. Starring Emmy-winners Bill Hader and Henry Winkler, Season 2 of Barry follows the charming yet complicated hitman-turned-actor as he grapples with his past and seeks his place in the spotlight. Bolstered by a hilarious acting class of misfits, and some new criminal miscreants, Season 2 is filled with laughter, suspense and quirky charm. Don’t miss Season 2 of Barry, Sundays at 10 PM only on HBO.

15 second Pre-roll:
This episode is brought to you by watchmen on HBO. Nominated for 4 critics’ choice awards, including best drama series, the first season was hailed by critics as “drop-dead fantastic,” “breathtaking, and “like nothing else on television.” Catch up on all episodes now, streaming only on HBO.

QUESTIONS?

drop us a line

Los Angeles Times, LLC. Copyright 2018. View our updated PRIVACY POLICY and updated TERMS OF SERVICE Insertion Orders for print, digital and/or preprint advertising are subject to the Terms and Conditions here. These Terms and Conditions may be updated from time to time. Your Insertion Order will be subject to the Terms and Conditions that are in effect on the date of your Insertion Order. By placing an Insertion Order for print, digital and/or preprint advertising, you accept and agree to these Terms and Conditions.