5 Simple Steps to Set Up Video Extensions in Microsoft Ads

If you haven’t already, you should read the blog post I wrote about video extensions in Microsoft ads. In short, these are the simple steps you need to take to set up a video extension for your videos.

Video is a great way to build brand trust, target a specific audience, get your content noticed, and strengthen your brand online. But if you’re new to video, it can be overwhelming. That’s why here at Microsoft, we want to help you get started. In this blog post, we’ll demonstrate how easy it is to start leveraging video extensions in Microsoft ads to grow your audience and sales.

Video extensions have officially arrived, and we have details on how to add them to your account!

Access to advanced video

Earlier this spring, Microsoft Ads announced that the video enhancements would be in beta phase. They are now available to advertisers worldwide on desktop computers. The mobile format is only available in the US and will be expanded to other locations at a later date. The timetable for a wider rollout of the mobile version has not yet been announced.

How do video extenders work?

The video extensions appear next to the ad as a thumbnail and grow larger when clicked. Video extensions can be used with other extensions, including sitelinks.  Advertisers can add a link to an aerial video that takes users to the landing page.

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Video views are charged the same cost per click as ad clicks. Only the first click is paid, subsequent clicks on the same ad unit in the same auction are not paid.

Setting the video extension

The configuration of the video extensions is quick and easy. Here are the steps:

1. They must be created in the Microsoft Ads user interface (at least for now). So you need to go to the Announcements and Extensions section on the left side of the navigation, and then select Extensions from the top sub-navigation.
2. Select the video extensions from the drop-down list.
3. Then click on the Add Extension button.
4. If there are no other video extensions in your account yet, you will see two large white boxes (you will be able to see existing extensions in these boxes in the future). At the bottom of the window, you need to click on the Add a new video extension
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1. All you have to do is add your video by uploading it or providing a link. Next, you need to add some information, including :
   1. Name (not public and only used for organizational/branding purposes)
   2. Choose a thumbnail for your video
   3. Add text to display below the video
   4. Add an alt text if the video doesn’t load.
   5. Add action text for the CTA button that appears below the video during playback.
   6. Add the final URL for the CTA button. You can use separate URLs for desktop computers and mobile computers.

Video requirements

Are you ready to install your extensions? Here are the requirements:

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• The duration should be between 6 and 120 seconds.
• Microsoft recommends MPEG-2, MP4 or MOV, but says most other formats are acceptable.
• Videos should be between 16:9 and 9:16, so 1:1 is also acceptable.
• A resolution of 120×120 is required, but a resolution of 720×720 is recommended. The higher, the better.
• The files should not be larger than 10 GB.